Webinar:Search Strategies to Find the Best Jobs

This session is NOT about… Resumes or Performance Portfolios Interview Techniques Responding to tough interview questions Motivation Overcoming adversity

We are going to focus on FINDING the opportunities…

Search Strategiesto Find the Best Jobs

Expand your search grid Focus on your core competencies, not job titles Rethink your search parameters (geography, seniority, income, schedule,

satisfaction) Leverage technology

Search engines, company websites, LinkedIn, Social Media Upgrade/enhance your web identity

Leverage natural networks How to let the world know you’re available Get out of your cave

Go where no man (or woman) has gone before Innovative (or insane) search techniques Balance upside against the potential downside

Summary:

Dan RustFrontline Learningdanrust@frontlinelearning.com

Expand Your Search Grid Don’t be limited by your previous job titles Expand beyond previous job responsibilities Create a set of core competencies

All of your professional activities All of your personal experiences Accomplishments and responsibilities

Break them down into a set of broad

competencies

Complex Problem Solving

Team Building Project ManagementSelling Skills

Negotiation

Execution

Customer Service Skills

Data Analysis

Leadership

Accountability

IntegrityProfessional Commitment

VP of Sales Experience includes:

Sales forecastingSales coachingSales presentationsSales managementSales proposal

development

Business Growth Leader

Experience includes: Team leadership through

challenging times Solving complex problems

with limited resources Data analysis to drive fact-

based decisions Clear communicator who

directly addresses difficult issues

Who has a larger search grid?

Stop thinking of yourself in terms of a specific role or job title. Think of

yourself in terms of the positive impact you can have on a business.

Expand Your Search Grid

Employer’s Needs

Your Competencies

Other Candidates

Employer’s Needs

Your Competencies

Expand Your Search Grid What are your real geographic limitations? Which are self-imposed? Should you re-think them?

Real World Example

30 Individuals layed off from a Minnesota company in 2008 (5 years ago) 5 individuals were re-employed within 3 months

3 relocated geographically income flat to 30% increase

Another 5 individuals were re-employed within 8 months 1 relocated geographically income flat to 5% decrease

Another 8 individuals were re-employed within 12 months (12/30 still unemployed) None relocated geographically Income decrease 5% to 25%

Another 6 re-employed within 18 months (6/30 still unemployed) None relocated geographically Income decrease 15% to 45%

Expand Your Search Grid Income

Reality check: What are employers CURRENTLY paying new hires in your old position?

Seniority You may have to move down a step (or two)

Schedule More job openings are available for positions with

inconvenient schedules Work satisfaction

A dull, mundane job may be more satisfying than the “excitement” of long-term unemployment

Leverage technology Search Engines

Indeed.com

Monster.com

CareerBuilder.com

LinkUp.com

SimplyHired.com

US.jobs

Niche Job Search Engine Sites

Indeed.com Demo

LinkedIn Professional photo Detail your work history with

specific achievements Mirror your resume, but with

more details and examples Highlight core competencies

under “Skills & Expertise” Request endorsements from

past colleagues (provide them with sample endorsements)

Facebook Scrub out anything that does not

serve your job search Begin uploading photos and

comments that are relevant to your job search

Assume prospective employers see everything on your site

Upgrade/enhance your web identity “Google” and “Bing” yourself to see what others see when they search

for you Consider acquiring your name URL (www.YourName.com) and directing

it to either a web page or social media page

Leverage Natural Networks

Contact Professional Organizations in Your Field Visit Company and Organization Web Sites Apply Directly to Organizations That Interest You Network, Network, Network Join Professional Associations Participate in Job Fairs Use a Placement Agency or Recruiter/Headhunter Consider Temping

Leverage Natural Networks

Let the whole world know: You are unemployed and looking for work Your core competencies Your unique achievements Your “Unique Value Proposition”

The unique skills, competencies and commitment you can bring to an organization

Aligned with the needs of your target organization Different, better than others

Get Out of Your Cave Stay Connected with Friends and Family Find Volunteer Opportunities Now, you finally DO have the time to

exercise, cook/eat healthy, sleep, etc.

The jobs are OUT THERE where the people are

Unique Approaches

You want to be remembered in a good way, so be professional and creative when you employ unique job search strategies such as: One candidate brought in a video recommendation from a former

boss The person applying for a casino dealer job dealt a game on the

interviewer’s desk and interacted with imaginary gamblers The applicant identified an existing technology problem and

solved it A prospective teacher brought in a box of props to demonstrate

her teaching style An applicant created a full graphics portfolio on the employer’s

brand The successful candidate submitted a business plan with his job

application

Unique Approaches

Hang out where they hang out Learn about them and use the knowledge

Painting example Ping Pong example

“Stunts” work best when you’re in a profession that requires creativity

Stunts can make you stand out in the wrong way too.

Thank YouUpcoming Webcasts:

To register for free online courses:

• Writing a Resume that Gets Results• Handling the Initial Screening Call to Get the Interview• How to handle the Toughest Interview Questions• Developing a “Performance Portfolio”• Keeping Motivated Throughout Your Job Search Process

• Http://www.frontlinelearning.com/Giving-Back.html