Bruce Hazen is the co-author of the recently published book, Business Models for Teams: See How Your Organization Really Works and How Each Person Fits In, published by Portfolio/Penguin Random House (June 2017).
Here are the dos and don’ts he recommends to “work-seekers.”
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Have you noticed there’s no auto-pilot system to steer your work search while you relax? As we noted last time, you’ll need to perform some key activities to keep your search from losing momentum—or becoming a spiritless routine.
With that in mind, here are seven things successful work-seekers do, compiled by career consultant extraordinaire Bruce Hazen. How many describe your approach?
1. In the past week, I’ve shared a personal marketing plan with at least one new person.
Do you have a personal marketing plan? If not, create a single-page document outlining your work search strategy. Then, share it with colleagues and friends so they can help you make new contacts.
Sharing a resume is less helpful because it’s a retrospective document—though it can be useful if you’re looking for a job exactly like the last one you had.
2. My cell phone has a local area code.
If your area code tells a recruiter or hiring manager that you’re calling from 2,000 miles away, they’ll see you as more costly and cumbersome to deal with—even if you are actually around the corner from their office.
3. I make it through most networking meetings without mentioning the word “job.”
You attend events—in person—to learn and exchange information with others, not to uncover job openings. Focusing on job openings can quickly kill a conversation if your counterpart knows of none. On the other hand, most people you’ll meet do have smart, well-connected colleagues to whom they could introduce you—if you are inquiring about a relevant topic related to things you can do.
4. My relationships with executive recruiters involve me suggesting talent to them.
If you want to stay on a recruiter’s radar, refer other talented people to them. Do this not only while you are looking for work yourself, but after you’ve landed a new job.
5. I’ve done a PINT analysis [i.e. of relevant problems, issues, needs, and trends] for each sector I’m targeting.
Read up on PINT if you haven’t already. Your PINT analysis will identify the crucial discussion topic described in 3) above and guide you to the most effective networking events.
6. I’m never caught without a business card.
You’d be amazed how many people leave business cards everywhere but in their own purses, wallets, or pockets. Even if you don’t have a job, you must carry a business card.
7. I know when to present a bio instead of a resume.
You network to learn about relevant problems, issues, needs, and trends (PINT elements) to which you can apply your talent. Avoid prematurely mentioning jobs; if you do, people who are unaware of job openings won’t want to meet you. Presenting a resume says, “I need a job.” Presenting a brief bio says, “Here’s some information about an interesting professional.”
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Combine this checklist with Bruce’s tips from last time (see link below)and you’ve got the complete guide to keeping your work search lively and strong.
If you need an extra boost—particularly if you haven’t yet revised your personal business model—please consider joining us for an in-person workshop. Or if you’re unable to travel, consider our Redesign Your Career online course.
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As a career and management consultant, Bruce Hazen combines business systems experience with clinical understanding to address the needs of individuals in a range of different professions who are managing other people, organizations, and their own career development. He is the President of Three Questions Consulting in Portland, OR, and coauthor of the chapter on Career Coaching in The Complete Handbook of Coaching and is a contributor to Business Model You: A One-Page Method for Reinventing Your Career.
To learn more about him and his brilliant work, please check out the resources at these websites.
Tim’s website link
Three Questions Consulting website link