Rita Ashley, Career Coach. Field tested advice for executives.

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By rashley, February 2, 2010 6:14 pm

Stalled out on your job search?  Here are a few links that discuss issues and advice you can use to get the ball rolling.

Do you smoke? Do you know how it affects your career?

Why do companies post executive jobs on job boards?

Are you really overqualified or do you just not know how to work the system?

Can you learn to interview better?

Do you know a proper metric for a good Job Search Engine (NOT job board).

Here’s where you can find links to research tools.

Fed up with recruiters who misbehave?

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By admin, July 8, 2008 3:56 pm

KNOW WHEN TO SAY NO TO A JOB OFFER

There is nothing like receiving a job offer or interview opportunity after a dry spell to cloud your vision. You used the right interview questions and you listened to the corporate sales pitch knowing it was just that. Yet you jump at the chance to take the wrong job seriously.

Do you know what the wrong job looks like? How do you spot the red flags when you are completely focused on the outcome?  Create a Go/No-Go list before you even begin your job search.

The list includes the basics like minimum compensation you will accept and location. But it should also cover all variables relevant to a job. Imagine the job in six months. The thrill of the increased compensation is worn off, now what is important to you?  Everything you feel is critical to your success and comfort belongs on the list including senior management track record.

Once you have created your list, you have to use it. If you are willing to accept an opportunity that doesn’t conform to your list, the item must be removed from the list or you must pass on the job.

But how do you spot the red flags?  Most companies hope to dull your senses with glowing reports of their growth, ease of getting things done or prospects for your employment. You are considering where you will spend the next four or five years of your professional life and with whom.  Evaluate the company as if you were planning to invest $50,000. If what you learn tells you it is a good investment, go forward. If not, take my favorite Monty Python advice, “Run Away.”

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By admin, July 1, 2008 3:35 pm

WHAT DO YOU DO ONCE YOU HAVE THE NAME OF SOMEONE WHO CAN FURNISH LEADS?

Ah, the travails of Networking.  As an Executive in Job Search Mode, you know the importance of networking to find leads to jobs, establish champions to your cause and generate more introductions.  And now that you have names of people who can point you in the right direction, what do you say to them?

Many a tongue-tied Executive has wasted an important contact because they did not convey the right message.  “I am looking for a job, do you know who is hiring?” is not the right message. 

Let’s say you are introduced to an investor and your goal is a VP spot with an early stage company.  After the pleasantries, tell the individual what you need.  Your message can take many forms depending on your style, “How would you get in front of companies if you were me?” could work to get the conversation started.

But let’s back up.  If you want the person to respond with names of companies or people who have openings, give an example of the kinds of companies in which you’d be most interested.  “I like what I see about Cosmos because they have seasoned management with an excellent early stage company track record.  Perhaps you know others like Cosmos in need of a Technology Executive with experience bringing order into chaos.” 

You can see how asking for something definable may get the response you need.  Here are a few other possibilites: 

Who are the people I need to know to get introduced to Cosmos, Google and Maple? 

What are you seeing out there that could be a strong play for a tech exec with my background?

Who would you contact if you were looking for a job in the Wireless industry in town?

I like what I hear about ABC.  They appear to value their employees and promote from within.  Are there other companies like that for which you can provide introductions?

Brad Pitt introduced me to George Clooney who gave me excellent introductions to investors.  Do you know others who can provide similar introductions for the Angel community?

Get creative with your requests and always supply an example to guide the person on the exact deliverable.   You will find your time better spent and the person who referred you will feel they accomplished what you needed: A true win-win.

For detailed support for your search, purchase Job Search Debugged, Insider’s Guide to Job Search.  For highly targeted and personalized guidance with your job search, consider Job Search Coaching.

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By admin, June 24, 2008 1:10 pm

BASIC RULES FOR CONTACTING EXECUTIVE RECRUITERS
And a few things not to do

The Recruiter you want is one of the busiest professionals in town. Don’t waste her time and please, don’t take it personally if she won’t take your call, doesn’t respond to your emails or doesn’t remember your name. More than likely she works long hours on behalf of her clients, the hiring authority, and vets many executives whose credentials look and feel just like yours.

If she is so busy, how do you get her attention? The most effective way for an Executive to get any Recruiter’s attention is through a referral. You know that and you have an excellent referral or introduction.

That part is easy, now to make that phone call or send that email. Understand even with a referral, you still have to motivate the Recruiter to respond.

• Be prepared to leave voice mail; keep it short and articulate your contact information very slowly. Then repeat it.
• Have a 30 second elevator pitch ready.
• Let her know the best time and way to contact you.
• If you email, make certain she is on your “allowed” email list.  Check your spam folder constantly.
• Have an answer to, “What can I do for you?”
• Have an answer to, “How do you know [name of referring party]?”

Understand the probability she is working on a search that matches your background is very slim. Understand she is busy focused on her bottom line; finding candidates for her current clients. Understand she may be friendly, but she is not your friend; keep all conversation on point to your mission.

Remember, she has heard it all before and does not like to be patronized, manipulated or “sold.” A few things not to say include: “Hello, Sally, How are you today” is one of the most annoying words a Recruiter hears from hopeful candidates. It wastes her time.  Other comments she has learned to abhor: “I thought we could discuss how we can work together” or, “I’d like to discuss your representing me,” or, “I am trying to choose someone to represent me.”

That is not why you called so don’t lie or sugar coat it. Get to the point.

“I was referred by your client, Steven Spielberg. I am a [elevator pitch here]. I appreciate you may not be working on a search that matches my background but I wanted to introduce myself for your future searches. May I send you my resume?”

If she engages you in conversation, be certain to learn how she likes to work and what you can do to make her job easier. You may even volunteer a few referrals for her current searches. But above all else, don’t ask to meet for lunch or coffee. She simply doesn’t have the time and if she responded to all those “casual” requests, she would never have time to do her job; which is sourcing, vetting and placing executives.

If she does have an active search for which you are qualified, she will proactively extend an invitation to meet. That is a good use of her time and her decision. And that is the hardest part of working with a Recruiter; you are an Executive and you are the one who is in charge. Well, in an Executive Job Search, the Recruiter is in charge. It is your job to relax and enjoy the ride.

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By admin, June 11, 2008 12:46 pm

NETWORKING FOR EXECUTIVES MADE EASY:  I WANT TO GET CONNECTED

Getting connected is called networking; a word that pierces even the bravest executive’s confidence.  Networking is not easy, takes guts, persistence and is the best way to discover leads for a new job and create your personal champions.

Here’s how to network.

Call someone.  Start with someone you know well.  Maybe it is your last boss or best buddy at your last job.  After the chit chat and niceties, here’s what you can say:  “Larry, I am looking for a new job.  Here’s how you can help.  I would like introductions to three people you suspect can direct me to where the jobs are.”

To obvious?  Let’s drill down and ask for something more specific.  Do some research.  Sure you know Larry, but do you know who Larry knows?  That’s what linkedin and facebook are for.  Use the internet.  Find out who he knows that you want to meet.  Then ask:  “Larry, I am looking for a new job as a Director of Marketing.  I believe Craig Ferguson with whom you worked at Acme Trading may be able to point me in the right direction.  Would you introduce me?”

Want Larry to figure out others who can help?  Point him in the right direction:  “I would like an introduction to Craig Ferguson because he is a Vice President of Marketing for the kind of company I’d like to work for.  The wireless industry really appeals to me.  Are there others like Craig you could introduce me to?”

Now you know what to say.  It is your research that counts.  FInd the names of people and companies and ask for introductions.  It really is that simple.

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By admin, June 9, 2008 2:44 pm

Stop Complaining.  So, you were passed over, moved aside or just plain fired.  You had a bad boss.  They were wrong, you were a good employee and you want to vent.  Don’t do it.  The only people who should know about your ill-feted employment tenure are your significant other, your best friend and your job search coach. 

Sure it feels great to vent about the bad boss or the company to get sympathy and commiseration.  But it harms your reputation beyond repair.  While folks love to gossip and tell stories of their own horrible bosses, they don’t hire the people who tell such stories. 

Instead of being remembered as the person who landed the biggest sale or released the most updates to a critical product offering, you will be remembered as the person who got screwed over by their boss.  Not the best brand to have.  So, keep your mouth shut and never say one negative word about your employer or your boss.  Your words will bite you for a long time.

And don’t forget, you live in a very tiny vocational world.  Whatever you say about your former boss or employer will resonate in their halls for a long time.  Now they have permission to say negative things about you.  Ooops, there goes your brand.

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By admin, May 18, 2008 5:41 pm

TELL THEM I WILL BE CALLING

Business Telephone Etiquette requires you offer your name.  And isn’t it wonderul when you are put right through?    Want to make certain that happens every time?  Get an introduction.

Often the key to getting an introduction is to write one and send it to the person who will make the introduction.  That saves the person the concern over what to say and increase the probablility the introduction will happen.  Be sure to include your brand or elevator pitch.

Example: 

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By admin, May 16, 2008 11:21 pm

You know to send a Business Thank-you Note to the person you just met for lunch.  But did you think to copy the person who referred you to your lunch companion?

A copy to the person who introduced you reminds them you appreciate their efforts and subtly encourages further support.  It is just the right thing to do.

And you know to send a business thank-you note to the people who interviewed you.  Did you also send a note to the human resources professional who set up the appointment?  And how about that recruiter?

Rule of thumb: there is no such thing as too many business thank you notes.  Once you have obtained your goal, a new job, another Thank you in the form of an announcement and thanks for your support is in order.  This one is mailed with a business card .

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By thejobcoach, May 7, 2008 8:04 pm

WHY WILL I GET THE JOB?

Executive employment is not a mystery but we sometimes miss the point. Companies hire people to maximize revenue and profitability. No matter how it is dressed up, no matter how we protest, regardless of the niche, the bottom line is the bottom line. We talk about growing a company, succeeding in our space, becoming the standard, beating the competition and releasing new products, but the true desired outcomes are revenue generation and profitability.

Knowing this, it is easy to understand why you must declare at the outset what you have accomplished that will help the company towards increased revenue potential. You do this with a clear definition of what you have accomplished that is germane to their needs and prove what you say with a metric for that success. This is the true key to executive employment.

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