Every week, NETSHARE hosts Ask the Coach, a phone-in coaching session with leading career management experts. Here is an excerpt from this week’s session with career transition coach and consultant Randy Block.
In this week’s Ask the Coach call, a question came in regarding the use of recruiters. Where do you find the right ones? Randy suggested the Kennedy Red Book, also known as the Directory of Executive & Professional Recruiters. Randy also noted that you have to make recruiters only part of your job search strategy. He suggested you spend no more than 5 percent of your search time working directly with recruiters. Instead, he advocates putting more effort into getting noticed by your target companies.
A “new” way to do that is to begin blogging about these target companies. This is a great way to demonstrate your domain expertise and get the attention of hiring managers at target companies at the same time. Here’s how it works:
- It is assumed that you will have done your research on that company, i.e. assessed the company’s special challenges, examined likely new product segments, assessed their competitive position, performed your SWOT analysis, etc.
- Now you can begin to write. Offer your expert opinion about the path you see the company taking. Your opinions can be complimentary and supportive, or can offer insights into the potential downside to the company’s strategy. Your blog entries do not have to be long, but they should be thought through.
- Now create awareness for your blog. Use your social media network and your network of contacts, but most importantly, make sure your blog entries get the attention of the hiring managers at your target companies.
Here’s one example Randy offered. One of his clients wrote a blog about XYZ company. The client then e-mailed the CEO and the vice president of marketing at XYZ company, referencing the blog and the comments, and asking for input. It got their attention.
The objective of the blogging exercise is to begin a dialogue. It provides an opening to start talking with senior staff. Granted, the dialogue may not result in an interview, but it is certain to get you noticed, which is a great first step.
