Don’t Throw the Baby Out with the Bathwater: Turn rejection into opportunity in your job search
Have you heard this lately in your job search? “We have decided to move forward with another candidate…Our search has been put on hold…We think you are a great fit for our company, but just not the right one for this position….Let’s keep in touch.” I know how frustrating the job search can be and these statements usually take the wind right out of you. Today we are going to talk about a few techniques to turn this into something positive – sometimes immediately!
Every time you make a connection in your interviews, think about it in terms of building your network. All too often, we look at the process from a static, linear perspective: submit information, get the interview(s) and either get the job or not. I will grant you that not getting the job is frustrating. But, how you handle losing the battle can result in you winning the war.
A huge part of the interview process is establishing rapport – winning hearts and minds. Instead of seeing another door closing when you do not get the job, look at it as another door opening. You have worked hard to make a new connection – professionally, sometimes even personally, bonding with the people in the company where you interviewed. Shouldn’t you capitalize on it? Here are some pointers on how to do so:
- They know you are looking – ask for help networking. If you have just impressed them enough to have multiple interviews, they should give you high marks and gladly refer you.
- Keep in touch. Create a system to reach out to each and every person you talk to throughout your job search. This is no different than a sales campaign. And the person who isn’t buying today may be ready to purchase (hire) tomorrow.
- Get to know the people with whom you interview. This personal connection will get your calls, emails and requests answered quicker.
- Pay it forward. Find out what you can do for them. Helping someone first is the quickest way to endear you to them. They will seek you out to return the favor!
Not getting the offer – particularly after several rounds of interviews – is frustrating, no doubt. But you have worked hard to make it that far. In this economy, getting to the first round of interviews is tough enough. So, when you do make a connection treat it like gold. Managed well, this network can drive your job search for you.
Want to learn more about uncovering the “hidden” job market? Join me on Wednesday, December 9th for a f.r.e.e. webinar where we will talk about just that. You can read more here.
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Kevin Kermes publishes the ‘Build the Career Your Deserve’ e-zine with over 21,000+ subscribers. If you are ready to empower yourself with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job you want and build the successful career you deserve, visit him now www.kevinkermes.com
about kevin
Kevin is the Founder of Build the Career You Deserve, a company devoted to empowering professionals with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job they want and build the successful career they deserve. Sign up for his free e-zine – Build the Career You Deserve – for insider tips on how to do just that!
2008 – 2009 (c) Kevin Kermes Inc. – All Rights Reserved
5 Reasons to Kick Your Search into High Gear in December
Every year I hear countless job seekers say the same thing, “I am going to put my job search on hold until after the Holidays.” Unfortunately, this is yet another example of conventional wisdom misfiring. Here are some of the reasons that “suspending” your search in December will do more damage than good:
- I have never seen a December in the search business that wasn’t extremely busy – good economy or bad. Many companies are trying to get positions filled before year’s end because of budgets or potentially losing the headcount. The latter is of particular concern right now, given the state of the economy and new job creation.
- During December, there are multiple opportunities to network through holiday parties. The amount of people you can reach out and touch is two to three times that of any other time of the year. Why wouldn’t you take advantage of it?
- Think of your job search as a sales and marketing campaign. You should be creating “buzz” about your product – you! You have worked hard building up this “buzz” – so why stop now? Again, think about all the people gathering and networking (social or otherwise) this month. Don’t you want to remain top of mind?
- People are conditioned to connecting and re-connecting over the holidays. Combine this with a more charitable sprit and your networking efforts are made much easier. As many push their workloads off until the New Year, making introductions, renewing connections and touching base is much easier. Why wait until after January 1, when everyone is battling a pile of December’s procrastination on their desk?
- For those companies who aren’t going to hire until January 2010, staying top of mind right now is even more important. Simply put, who has a better chance of landing the job – the person who has been in touch, networking and establishing rapport over December –or- the person who makes their first contact via email on January 2?
ExecuNet cited that executive level searches are taking upwards of 10 months in this market and the average job search is 2.5 – 3 weeks per 10K in annualized salary. Networking is key to shaving months off this average for yourself and a large part of my coaching programs (3 months is the average for my clients – even at the C level).So, this is no time to rest! Keep building on that momentum you have worked to build in 2009 for your job search. If one of your resolutions for 2010 is to make a career move, there is no better time to get a leg up on the competition.
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Kevin Kermes publishes the ‘Build the Career Your Deserve’ e-zine with over 21,000+ subscribers. If you are ready to empower yourself with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job you want and build the successful career you deserve, visit him now www.kevinkermes.com
4 R’s for Successful Job Search Networking (guest blogger – Katherine Moody)
Katherine Moody is this week’s guest blogger and our Subject Matter Expert for our Career Mastermind call on November 24th. A self-proclaimed “reluctant networker,” she will talk about her vast experience on the topic and techniques to make the process easy, natural, extremely fruitful…and, maybe, even fun? In today’s article, she shares the 4 R’s for Successful Job Search Networking:
Whether you are using social networking like linkedin, twitter, emailing people directly, calling or meeting people, these networking techniques will accelerate your networking success.
Relationship: If you remember only one thing, please make it this one. Networking success is based on relationship, regardless of the technology you use to connect with people. The relationship must come first, then your agenda. When you take the time to get to know someone and let someone get to know a little about you (other than the fact you’re looking for a job), they will be more willing and able to help you.
Real: Be who you are. Don’t think you must be going to lots of those big “job networking” meetings if they aren’t your style. Do what feels right for you. When you are authentic, people feel it, and you will be able to build a real relationship with them.
Reality: Not everyone you meet will have a job lead for you or be able to connect you with someone you want to meet. But you never know where the connection with them will lead. And don’t leave them with the comment “Well if you hear of anything, please let me know.” The reality is nearly every networker says that and the rest of the reality is that the other person probably won’t be able to remember you from that statement.
Relax: Spend a little time building the relationship in a way that works for you. Don’t think you have to tell everyone in the first 27 seconds that you’re looking for a job. That will come out in a natural way if you can relax a little and just enjoy getting to know the other person.
I know these things are easier said than done when you’re “eager” to find a new job. But if you just start practicing them even a little, you will start seeing greatly enhanced results from your networking. And you just might start enjoying it!
Best wishes for a wonderful new job—very soon!
Katherine’s SME call on November 24th is ONLY for Career Mastermind Group members. Not a member yet? Join now to access this call (as well as the archived SME calls and training materials) with Kevin’s special FREE 1 month Membership trial.
Katherine Moody is the Vice President of Recruiting Services with S. Benjamins & Company. Her prior search experience includes time with Heidrick & Struggles and Deloitte & Touche. Katherine holds an MBA from the University of Southern California and an Executive MBA from the Peter Drucker Management Center, Claremont University.
A self-proclaimed “reluctant networker,” Katherine Moody is not only an expert on the topic, but secured her last three positions by doing what she knows best: networking. She is the author of several e-books including 21 Master Networking Secrets, I Hate Small Talk, and Taming the Wild Hiring Manager. Katherine’s passion is simple: showing other job seekers how to use the techniques she has perfected to help uncover the “hidden” job market and get back to work sooner.
2009© Kevin Kermes Inc.
SME Mastermind Call: Katherine Moody – “Avoiding Deadly Networking Mistakes in Your Job Search”
Our next Subject Matter Expert (SME) Mastermind Call is on Tuesday, November 24th at 12:00pmEST:
“Avoiding Deadly Networking Mistakes in Your Job Search”
You’ve heard it before – 80%+ of jobs are found through the “hidden” job market. But, it is still a challenge to know how to open that door. Our next Subject Matter Expert (SME) Katherine Moody is going to discuss just that. A self-described “reluctant networker,” she will not only draw upon her 14+ years in the search business but her personal experience – having found her last 3 jobs through networking.
On this webinar she will cover:
- The two essentials to take to every networking event – and one isn’t your resume
- The one question you must always ask that makes people want to help you
- How sending your resume to strangers can actually hurt you – and what to do instead
- A simple change in how you ask for referrals that can dramatically increase your success rate
- The one statement that almost guarantees you won’t be forgotten
And she will do all this while sharing clear and simple guidelines to help you develop a networking strategy that will not only accelerate your job search, but also fits your style and authenticity.
Katherine will also share her handouts:
- How to Build a Relationship in 5 Minutes
- How to Re-establish a Connection
This call is ONLY for Career Mastermind Group members. Not a member yet?
Join now to access this call (as well as the archived calls and training materials) with Kevin’s special F.R.E.E. 1 month Membership trial.
By joining you also get access to past SME Calls (Ilona Vanderwoude on Resumes, Chuck Csizmar on Compensation Negotiation, Wendy Weiss on Cold Calling Hiring Managers and numerous Q&A calls with Kevin) plus everything else the program has to offer. Learn more about the Mastermind Program and take advantage of a one month F.R.E.E. trial.
“Your Job Will Come” with Aaron Crowe – Job Boards
On this episode of Aaron Crowe’s ”Your Job Will Come,” we talk about the job boards. We tackle why they don’t work, how you can work around them, the role they can play in your job search and much more.
In addition to hosting this talk radio show focused on helping others in the midst of their job search, Aaron is a Section Editor at AOL’s Walletpop.com.
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Kevin is the Founder of Build the Career You Deserve, a company devoted to empowering professionals with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job they want and build the successful career they deserve. Sign up for his free e-zine – Build the Career You Deserve – for insider tips on how to do just that!
2008 – 2009 (c) Kevin Kermes Inc. – All Rights Reserved
How to Look for a Job without Saying So
A coaching client came to me with an opportunity that appeared to be wrapped in a problem. Christine was a financial services executive who had been downsized as a result of crashing markets. Her opportunity: to attend a tradeshow where the top companies for whom she would like to work would be attending. Her problem: As she put it, “Kevin, if I go around just handing out resumes I am going to feel like I have an enormous “L” on my forehead.” So, here is what we did.
First, there are more problems with attending an event like this with a ream of resumes in hand besides feeling like a loser. While mindset is of the utmost of importance, even if you felt good about handing out your paper the technique is littered with landmines in this instance. Primarily because the people working those booths at tradeshows aren’t initially motivated to help find you a job (but, as you will see, you can get them there). Frankly, they are probably just happy to still have their job (definitely the case in financial services). So the approach needs to be much more strategic.
We started by talking about the companies who would be there that she wanted to approach. This was pretty easy, since there was a list. Next, we determined which of the product lines or specialties in those companies suited her best (annuities, mutual funds, etc.). Then, we identified who the keynote speakers were at the tradeshow for each of these product types and what the focus of their presentation was going to be. Finally, armed with all this information, she researched some interesting articles that paralleled these topics – some agreeing, some disagreeing, some that were one-offs. With all this homework done, we then formulated a plan. One that involved networking this trade show without ever saying “Are you hiring?”
Knowing which companies she was interested in, Christine’s plan was to approach each using this technique:
Christine: Hi there – Christine X. You know, every time I see you guys in the press your Morningstar rating just keeps climbing.
Company Rep: Yeah, it’s been a tough year but our managers keep doing well in spite of it. I’m John by the way. Who are you with Christine?
Christine: I was with Citi, but was RIFed a few months back. I decided to come down here and check out what’s going on in the industry.
Company Rep: I see. (starting to retract…expecting the “are you hiring?”)
Christine: John, are you planning on going to the talk being put on by Dave Y about Mutual Funds?
Company Rep: (surprised he didn’t get hit up about hiring) I am going to try, but I am not sure if I have to man the booth or not. It looks pretty interesting.
Christine: It does. If you don’t get a chance to go, I’d be happy to share my notes. But I was also reading a recent article in Barrons by James Z about Mutual Fund Regulation. I’m not sure if Dave Y is going to get into that. He raised some great points. Did you read James Z’s article?
Company Rep: No, I didn’t but it sounds interesting.
Christine: It was. I’d be glad to email it to you. Here is my business card. Let’s trade and I will be sure to send it off once I get back home.
Company Rep: Great. I’d appreciate that.
Christine: Sure thing. I’ll let you get back to things. I know you are busy. It was great meeting you and I’ll get that article to you sometime next week.
Company Rep: Thanks.
Christine’s approach is all about networking. Establishing rapport and beginning to work through the cycle of “know, like, trust.” She will follow up with John via email and, if he is open to networking, begin seeing who he knows and how he can help her. After all, in the spirit of “give to get,” she has begun the process by sharing information with him that he found valuable.
What this also does is position her better to understand what John’s company needs and how she does (or doesn’t) fit into the picture. She more effectively navigate towards the best opportunities for her knowing where her skills fit and are needed versus giving some blanket “elevator pitch” that isn’t targeted towards the ideal job she is seeking.
Interested in learning more about Kevin’s One-on-One Coaching Program? Email us for more details.
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Kevin Kermes publishes the ‘Build the Career Your Deserve’ e-zine with over 21,000+ subscribers. If you are ready to empower yourself with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job you want and build the successful career you deserve, visit him now www.kevinkermes.com
How I Got the Job – Andrea Greenwood: The Importance of Mindset
This week my interview is with Andrea Greenwood. As a financial services executive she experienced a double whammy in her job search: an imploding industry and depressed job market. Despite that bleak combination, she championed the circumstances and “got the job.” Listen in as she shares tips and advice with a particular focus on the importance of mindset in staying the course and achieving your objective.
Click here to listen to my interview with Andrea.
For more information on uncovering the “hidden job market” and running a more effective job hunt, please join me for my FREE webinar – 5 Secrets to the Perfect Job Search
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WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Kevin Kermes publishes the ‘Build the Career Your Deserve’ e-zine with over 21,000+ subscribers. If you are ready to empower yourself with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job you want and build the successful career you deserve, visit him now www.kevinkermes.com
2008 – 2009 (c) Kevin Kermes Inc. – All Rights Reserved
“Your Job Will Come” Interview with Aaron Crowe
Listen in as I am interviewed by Aaron Crowe for his BlogTalkRadio show “Your Job Will Come.” We discuss techniques drawn from my military experience that can be implemented in the job search, a networking approach that trumps the “elevator speech” and why, despite the economic forecast, there is opportunity out there right now.
In addition to hosting this talk radio show focused on helping others in the midst of their job search, Aaron is a Section Editor at AOL’s Walletpop.com.
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Kevin is the Founder of Build the Career You Deserve, a company devoted to empowering professionals with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job they want and build the successful career they deserve. Sign up for his free e-zine – Build the Career You Deserve – for insider tips on how to do just that!
2008 – 2009 (c) Kevin Kermes Inc. – All Rights Reserved
How I Got the Job – Chris Shull: Doing Your Job Isn’t Enough
This week’s interview is with Chris Shull, an IT Director, shares how he navigated this difficult job market and got the job. In our conversation, he comments that doing a great job in your current or past role “isn’t enough.” And, while networking is something everyone “knows [they] should do,” it is often a neglected practice. In our conversation he shares some tips for reluctant networkers that directly contributed to his success.
(the picture to the left is Chris rock climbing…and fitting metaphor for the job search! Use the player below to listen to my interview with Chris)
For more job search and career management tips, register for my free ezine – Build the Career You Deserve – read by over 21,000 professionals weekly
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WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Kevin Kermes publishes the ‘Build the Career Your Deserve’ e-zine with over 21,000+ subscribers. If you are ready to empower yourself with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job you want and build the successful career you deserve, visit him now www.kevinkermes.com
2008 – 2009 (c) Kevin Kermes Inc. – All Rights Reserved
How I Got the Job – Michael Kerman: A Conversation about Networking
There is no shortage of articles out there stressing the importance of networking in the job search. But, imagine being in a new city with little or no network and having to find a senior level position. This week’s “How I Got the Job” interview is with Michael Kerman who did just that. Newly transplanted from the West Coast, he talks about his search, how he networked and shares some great tips on being successful – even if you have to start from “jump street.”
Click here to listen to the interview
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WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Kevin Kermes publishes the ‘Build the Career Your Deserve’ e-zine with over 21,000+ subscribers. If you are ready to empower yourself with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job you want and build the successful career you deserve, visit him now www.kevinkermes.com
2008 – 2009 (c) Kevin Kermes Inc. – All Rights Reserved