Every week, NETSHARE hosts Ask the Coach, a phone-in coaching session with leading career management experts. Here is an excerpt from a recent session with Nick Corcodilos, host of Ask the Headhunter and author of How to Work with Headhunters and How to Change Careers.
Nick is filling in this week on our Ask the Coach call, and we were fortunate to have him since he is one of the best known career coaches on the Web. His overall advice: there is no substitute for hard work. All successful executives have had to make it up the career ladder the hard way, and when it comes to job search the same is true. You need to work hard and you need to work for the right fit.
Nick also reminded those on the call that as a headhunter, he works for the hiring company and not the candidate. They pay him well to find the right candidate, and they expect him to work hard for his money. As part of his strategy, Nick looks for experts in the field he is trying to fill. He talks to contacts, follows experts, and does his homework; all things that executives can do equally well, so why not be your own headhunter? Following industry experts and making contacts with professionals in your field is something you should be doing all the time.
You also should strive to stand out as the best in your class. Belong to groups of like-minded experts in your field. Contribute to the online conversation. Pose questions and provide well-informed answers. Remember, headhunters are lurking on these groups, following thought leaders in industry groups, professional associations, the military, alumni groups, and LinkedIn specialty groups. And don’t dismiss training classes – the best experts are always improving their skills, or teaching the class.
In addition to being found, you also need to look for the right fit. Find the companies that feel right for you and network your way into them. Finding the right contacts can be your biggest challenge, but never lead with your resume. Nick has a number of articles on his site about the best way to build your network of contacts.
Also remember that CEOs almost never do the hiring. You should be networking to connect with the hiring influencers: lawyers, consultants, CPA's, leasing agents, former employees, their bank, suppliers, and customers - the people who can truly tell you what is going on, who does what, who can provide insight, and who can introduce you to someone inside.
And Nick noted that there are two conditions that are usually considered strikes against any candidate: being too old and being unemployed. Some companies are so blind they will hurt themselves rather than hiring either someone who is deemed too old or out of work, and you won’t change them. So don’t waste your time, but do be prepared to walk in the door with the right attitude and remove any obstacles. You need to be well-prepared to show that you can solve the company’s problems. Go into each interview like a business meeting, with a prepared presentation to show you have done your homework and know your stuff. Be prepared to talk about how you can impact their bottom line. Think of it as a working interview and be prepared to hit the ground running.
