Every week, NETSHARE hosts Ask the Coach, a phone-in coaching session with leading career management experts. Here is an excerpt from the most recent session with Debbie Ellis, President of the Phoenix Career Group.
Finding the right resources to assist you with your career is always a challenge. As Debbie Ellis pointed out at the start of this week’s Ask the Coach call, there is a lot of mis-information out there. For example, one large web site targeting executives suggested they “dumb down” their resume to improve their chances – never a good idea! There are also a number of career services that offer the world for a premium price, offering “under the radar” jobs for a premium price. No such thing. As Kathy Simmons, CEO of NETSHARE, has warned executives for years, there is no way anyone can guarantee you the perfect job, and if they do, run far away very quickly.
However, Debbie did have some suggestions on how you can improve your chances of success in your job search. Here are her top six strategies for career management success:
1. Networking is critical. Continue to expand your network constantly. Be sure to look at business sites and alumni sites. Be active in industry organizations and see if you can be mentioned in or write for trade journals. Don't just stay in your "safe zone" but expand your connections outside you immediate group.
2. Keep track of leads and news that affect your area of expertise. New businesses and events can signal emerging opportunities. When the auto industry started migrating south to Alabama, for example, other products followed. This created many opportunities in the new geographic area that many missed.
3. Research key employers using products such as Hoovers, lead411, etc. Target companies and be sure to look at corporate sites, and keep an eye on what is happening in the press.
4. Many companies post their openings, and many do not. By developing relationships with people connected to target companies ahead of time you will be ready to make a move. When you need a contact, you will have someone that can at least drop your name. Be sure to offer your contacts information and be in their database.
5. Venture capital and equity firms are great resources for job leads, and great places to be known.
6. Board members are often ready to make changes in the C-suite before others are. Get to know the board members. Be proactive. Making those connections early will place you at the top of the list when they are ready to move.
