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A Job Search Process That Works At Any Level

job search processI’ve been coaching clients through the job search process for many years now, and I’ve had a lot of success. However, most of my clients were looking for non-management and non-executive positions. Recently, I started working with a client who is looking for an executive management position, and I was wondering if my approach will work for her.

The good news is, yes, it looks like it will work well. In fact, because of her network of connections, I think it will work better than with some of the clients I’ve worked with in the past.

So what’s the process, you ask? Well, it looks something like this.

1. Create an ideal job description

I like to start here because it focuses a job seeker. What do you really want in a job? Don’t just look at position titles and duties. Also pay attention to corporate culture, location, travel requirements and other factors. It’s unlikely you’ll find a position which matches 100%, but having this description allows you to compare competing offers, if you are so fortunate to receive them. Being able to objectively compare offers can save you from following your emotions and landing badly.

2. Identify three to five companies which are hiring jobs which (mostly) match your description

This is where you’ll need to do extensive research. Monster.com and similar sites, while not great for finding a job, are good for researching what companies are hiring in your area and what kinds of positions they are hiring for. LinkedIn is another good source. Some companies have Facebook Pages devoted to hiring. You can look for those.

Why three to five? Why not more? Because it’s difficult to focus on more than five things at a time. Your list may change during your job search. That’s expected, but you need to have some place to start

3. Use your contacts to arrange informational interviews

This is where you’ll use the A-B-C approach I wrote about last week. Look at your contacts and see who can get you one step closer to a contact at one of your ideal companies. Arrange for informational interviews. We’ll discuss those in detail next week, but for now, remember that these interviews aren’t job interviews. What you’re looking for is information about the companies on your target list. You’re also looking to refine your list. Perhaps you realize after an interview that one of the companies is wrong for you. Great. Cross them off and use your interviews to replace that company with one better suited to your needs.

As you run through this process, you’ll be meeting with people who can help you land your next job. Done correctly, you’ll impress someone so much that you’ll be in a position to either have a job created for you or be first in line when an opening becomes available. It won’t happen overnight, but it will happen.

Oh, and why is my new client so well-positioned for this process? She’s already got an extensive network on contacts to draw upon. Obviously this goes more slowly if you have to create the network while simultaneously working it.