Have A Job Search Strategy? Great . . . Now Act Like It. (Part 2)

This is part 2 of a post. If you missed part 1, click here.

In Part 1, I introduced the need to avoid two big risks in job search:

1. Executing a bad strategy

2. Executing a good strategy in a passive or disrespectful way

I also told the story of Joe, who, after arriving at a new job, tries to help a connection to network within his new company and pays a price.

In Part 2, we continue with guidance in this area from an executive recruiter here in Southern California. One of the good ones who not only helps companies find targeted candidates but also takes the time to counsel job seekers when she can . . .

B. The Executive Recruiter

Over coffee early the other morning I gained the following insights. I’m thankful to her for letting me share them with you:

1. When networking for a job with recruiters, fellow job seekers or employed contacts: pay attention to their response to you. If you get a cool, non-committal reaction don’t take that as a sign that it is time to push harder. First ask yourself: is my relationship with this person strong enough that I can legitimately ask for this type of help? If you get ANY sense that they are unsure, give them an easy way out vs. pushing them down a path that they might regret.

2. However, when appropriate, ask for help! Most job seekers are WAY TOO PASSIVE in their approach. If you are not proactive and direct, you will still fail – even with finest of job search strategies. Be careful about who you ask, how you ask and how often.

3. Say thank you. If someone helps you in any way, make sure to say it. You’d be amazed how many people don’t specifically express their appreciation. It can be an e-mail, a note in the mail or a $5 Starbucks gift card.

4. Don’t send blind invitations to people on Linkedin or other networking sites. Most people won’t accept them because it diminishes the strength of their network to add people they don’t know and can’t vouch for in a conversation. If you do send a blind connection request (for example, I’d like to ask for a 5-10 introductory conversation), please don’t send it with the default Linkedin language of “I’d like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn.” Take the time to write a personal note – please!

5. Don’t ask people to endorse you on LinkedIn if you’ve never worked with them. Seems obvious, but it is very common. If I meet you at a networking event and the next day I get a request for an endorsement – what would I write?

6. Do what you say you will do. If you send an e-mail requesting an opportunity to introduce yourself to a recruiter, do the following: Suggest a time and actually call at that time. A good recruiter will be open to talking briefly with candidates that may be right for a current or future search. If you don’t call when you say you will or call late, you will lose that opportunity – perhaps for good. If you call and take longer than you asked for, you will lose respect. During the call, don’t ask for the world. Remember – a new contact is a very long and awkward spinning stick (see below). Use it wisely.

3. MEASURE your spinning stick How open is this micro network to helping you? You can do this by measuring your spinning stick. It shows the relative distance between you and your micro network. In plate spinning a shorter stick is less awkward to work with and in this strategy it suggests a closer relationship to your network – one you can tap into more deeply and more often.

7. When walking up to someone at a networking event, do not introduce your self as follows: Hi, I’m Julia Johnson and I’m in transition”. While a clear explanation of why you are there, it does not position you as someone of interest. Find a more natural point in the conversation to let this news out. This way you can hopefully establish some similar interests (shortening the stick) prior to introducing your need for support.

In summary, be proactive not passive, be respectful not greedy and please . . . be thankful.

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