Hiring managers in companies today are much more succinct in defining the "ideal candidate" profile. For the job seeker, it means one has to be much better equipped "to market" their background to these companies. Researching companies, market trends, etc. and defining personal needs will give the job seeker a thorough understanding of who they are and what business environments best fit their skill set. The following details the issues the job seeker must contemplate and facilitate prior to sending their resume and begin the networking process.
Personal Assessment:
Ask yourself the following questions:
What has changed in my role?
How could I better develop my role in the future?
What would be the next logical career step?
What needs to change and why?
Is it of a more of a personal nature or professional?
Next, take time to review your work and personal history. Inventory your skills and determine both the accomplishments as well as areas that need improvement. Think about what projects and positions you have enjoyed over the course of your career and answer:
What has given you the greatest fulfillment?
Do I want to continue the work in the same industry and functional areas?
Would I consider alternatives?
Doing this will enable you to create job search profiles. A job search profile outlines key parameters including the title of a targeted position(s), general responsibilities, industry, business sector (non-profit/private/ public) and company size.
We also strongly suggest a family meeting to outline your objectives and relocation options. Determine which areas would be the easiest to acclimate to and the ones that would require considerable hardships. Is pursuing another expatriate role a viable choice or would you and your family like to return to the US? Next, discuss and determine areas of the US or the world that would be acceptable for relocation.
This may appear to be an obvious step in your job search process, but in our experience, we have seen many candidates progress successfully through final job offer stages only to face family dissension at the last moment. You may think your family is in agreement but it cannot hurt to discuss this issue in more detail at the start and throughout the job search.
Research:
Research is a competitive tool that needs to be leveraged effectively. To begin, organize a contact list to support each profile. Include all available information including company lists, industry status, contact names, and titles. Developing targeted contact lists will enable you to identify "holes" in your information resources and additional research needs.
Questions to keep in mind should include:
Is your current industry in a growth mode or is it consolidating?
What key contacts have you already established?
What needs to be further developed?
How do you perceive the industry today and in the next three years?
What other industries would be your receptive your expertise and experience?
As you start to gather this information, you will be able to fine tune your job search strategy.
Keep in mind that gathering information on market trends and industry information can be a time consuming and at times a daunting task. However taking short cuts will not facilitate your job search process. Having outdated information will only waste your time during job search process, networking meetings and subsequent interviews. It can create a perception that you have not done your homework. On-line databases can be helpful but they are not updated too frequently. It is imperative to phone verify all data (i.e. names, titles and addresses) before sending out your resume.
In this tight, competitive and mercurial market, it is easy to become reactive and not maintain personal clarity. It is easy to rush through the start-up processes of a job search, particularly if you feel pressured to make a change quickly. However, having a good sense of yourself and understanding what works in relation to your strengths and goals is key to launching an effective search. It is a challenge but it will enable you to be better equipped to manage and build networking relationships, manage executive recruiters and market your skills to hiring executives. In essence, know thyself to run a better search.
Beth Carter and Julienne Ryan, Partners - The Falcon Resource Group.
