How should you use these tools?
Consider every tool a starting point to build upon. Everyone’s search is unique, so make these tools your own. I would recommend you read the briefs and just focus on those tools that fit where you are in your search.
What’s behind these tools?
All of these tools were items that I’ve used in my different job searches. They are a combination of my own experience and people’s feedback, so these tools have gone through numerous revisions and updates. People from over 100 countries have downloaded these tools.
SECTION 1: GETTING BOTH YOURSELF AND DOCUMENTS ORGANIZED
Getting Yourself Ready
Search Timeline – Setting Your Expectations
An important part of job search is to understand the steps and that it takes time. Whether in full-time or casual search, the timeline can extend longer than we think – especially if we skimp on the opening steps of getting ourselves ready.
Evaluating What Company Fits You
Understanding and being honest with yourself on what type of company fits you will help prevent missteps and investing time into opportunities that ultimately are outside your comfort zone. This grid was created by a colleague, Alan Bignall, who was able to categorize companies to help people decide what fits their desire for risk, pay and speed of growth.
The Big 3 documents
When it comes to ‘finding’ a job, this document is more important than your resume when networking – for your networking contacts this “Helps them, to help you” by giving a very specific view of the role and networking connections that you are seeking.
This is focused on overall positioning of both your skills and yourself. This tool has thoughts on resume content that builds a strong picture for network contacts, recruiters and hiring managers.
This is your search roadmap. Where do you want to go, who do you need to meet and who can help you meet these people
SECTION 2: GETTING BOTH YOURSELF AND DOCUMENTS ORGANIZED
4 Point System for Job Search – Keeping You Focused
This is an adaptation of the 4 Point System by Jeffrey Fox – with his permission we adapted to job search. The goal of the tool is to make sure you focus on activities that move your search forward.
This tool helps you create a plan for each week to get, take and follow-up on job search activities, especially networking meetings.
Each week I would do a look forward and back with who I met or was about to meet – this helped me focus on getting with people who could get me to decision makers. Before I used this tool, I was doing lots of networking, but not sure I was making much progress.
SECTION 3: NETWORKING MEETINGS
E-mail template to set-up a networking meeting
This is my true secret sauce. I got about a 90% response rate to get a networking meeting using this template. Once I realized that my goal was just to get a meeting, it became much easier to keep it short and more effective.
E-mail template to submit your resume & potential meeting with a recruiter
When it comes to recruiters, the way they find potential roles for you is by working with their own clients – not meeting with candidates. This e-mail template’s primary purpose is to submit your resume to a recruiter – you want to be in their database. This template provides you a way to invite the recruiter to meet, but on their terms. Trust me, if they have a role of interest for you, they will call!
80% Rule of Networking – How to build relationships
Networking is all about building relationships, the 80% rule is: 80% of your networking should be focused on the person you meet. You have to give to receive and the more you give the more you receive. Having gotten my last four roles from people I met in my networking and helped – trust me when I say it works.
Good Preparation = Meeting effectiveness. The more you prepare, the more you get out of the meeting. This is one of the best investments of time in your networking.
Invitation Template for Networking Meeting
There is precious real estate to be used in the meeting invitation! Basically, it’s where you can package everything needed to run the meeting – so people who are moving from meeting to meeting will not have to go back to their e-mails, etc. It may be weeks behind when people agree to meet you and when they can meet – so use the invite to it’s max. Remember: Help them help you!.
Anatomy of a Networking Meeting
Once someone commits to meet with you, they are also committing to help you – so respect their time by preparing for and running an effective meeting.
E-mail Template to make introductions between network contacts
One of the most powerful ways to build a relationship is to provide connections of interest. It is also a great way to keep people to remember you. Most people will not know of a role that fits you when you first meet – so staying in touch is hugely important.
Be First to Comment