Job Search as a Project

A job search is a full-time project that consists of several steps divided into 3 phases. The model below is an adjusted version of the career transition program presented by Lee Hecht Harrison.

Phase 1:

Assessment

Step 1: Survey Professional Environment
Step 2: Determine Professional Objective
Step 3: Create Communication Strategy
Step 4: Define Target Market & Gather Market Information

Phase 2:

Implementation

Step 5: Get the Word Out
Step 6: Search Options

Phase 3:

Transition

Step 7: Interview & Negotiate

Step 8: Transition to New Position

Approaching your job search as you would a project can help to make it more manageable and can be a more effective use of your time. In addition, you will be able to see your progress.

Step 1: Survey Professional Environment

If you have been in your position or with your company for an extended period of time, the job market may have changed since the last time you conducted a job search. The first step is to evaluate the types of positions and industries in which you are interested to determine how to focus your search.

* Is your area of expertise routinely outsourced? To reduce expenses come companies outsource areas such as HR and IT. This doesn’t mean that you’re out of luck – research new ways to take advantage of your experience.
* Are there certifications that are viewed as important? A quick and easy way to sort through resumes for a project manager position is to look for candidates with PMI certification.
* Is your industry prone to mergers? Banks are actively merging which can create an unstable environment. While large mega-banks are being created, small community banks and credit unions may be an area to evaluate.
* What is the average current salary for the position that you will be seeking? If you feel that you are underpaid, do the research so that you are confident in the salary that you request.

Step 2: Determine Professional Objective

Early in your job search, it is important to evaluate what is important to you and to determine what you want from your next position.

* What do you do best?
* What do you like to do?

What are your priorities in life? You should also begin identifying accomplishments and skills that are applicable to your search. It is important to be comfortable bragging about your success.

Step 3: Create Communication Strategy

How you present yourself is key to your job search. No matter how talented you are, if you don’t look good on paper, you are limiting yourself. There are several statements and documents that you should prepare and with which you should become very comfortable

* Exit Statement – 2 or 3 sentences that explains why you are in job search. Be careful not to convey negative feelings about your current/previous employer!
* Positioning Statement (aka Elevator Speech) – 30-second way to communicate what you do, why you are good at it, where you are interested in working and how you can be contacted.
* Marketing Plan – a document that presents the positions and companies in which your are interested, as well as your qualifications.
The key difference between a marketing plan and a resume is that the marketing plan looks forward (what you want to do), while a resume looks backward (what you have done).

* Resume – a document that reviews your work history in a way to back up your professional objective.
* Cover Letter – select a format that is appropriate for your industry and create a customizable form letter. Be careful that you edit and review each letter thoroughly before sending!
* Personal Business Cards – you should have business cards with your name, contact information and type of position(s) in which you are interested.

Step 4: Define Target Market & Gather Market Information
A job search can be overwhelming. To make the most of your time, you should focus your search. Start by answering the following questions.

* Are you willing to relocate?
* How many miles from home are you willing to commute?
* What industries or types of organizations are you interested in? Be specific!
* What size organization are you interested in?

What type of organizational culture are you looking for? After answering these questions, you should develop a target list of 20-30 companies. This information can then be used to create a marketing plan, which in turn can be shared with others during your job search. After developing a target list of companies, select the 5-10 that you feel are the best fit and begin researching those companies. This will help you to determine if the company really is a good fit. It will also help as you discuss target companies throughout your search. This list will evolve as you learn more about your target companies – some will be dropped from the list and new ones will be added.

Step 5: Get the Word Out

70-80% of jobs are obtained by networking, so you should discuss your job search at every opportunity. Do not be embarrassed or intimidated by your situation! It is also important to take advantage of networking services like JobSeekers, LinkedIn.com and professional organizations.

The more contacts you have within a target company the more likely you are to obtain a meeting or interview with a hiring manager. It is important to follow-up on conversations and to send thank you notes.
A key part of job search is networking but networking should also be part of your career strategy. This means that you should maintain your networking contacts after you have landed a new position. Always have you personal business cards handy!

Step 6: Search Options

After establishing a solid job search project, you should evaluate the following search options and determine which will best meet your needs:

* Advertisements & Internet Postings
* Direct Mail

* Search Firms (a.k.a. Recruiters, Headhunters)

Temporary Agencies While 70-80% of positions are obtained through networking, the remaining 20-30% are obtained through these methods. Remember, someone has to make up that percentage!

Step 7: Interview & Negotiate

Any conversation with a hiring manager should be treated like an interview! A telephone call to schedule an interview can be as important as the interview itself. Be prepared for various types of interviewing techniques. (Behavior-based interviewing is very common right now.) When you are presented with an offer, you should have already established the appropriate salary for the position so that you are prepare to negotiate. You should also identify other things that are important to you. You can negotiate 2-3 items in addition to, or in place of, salary. Remember, it never hurts to ask, but you do not want to appear greedy!

Step 8: Transition to New Position

You job search is officially over when you accept a new position, but before closing the book on your job search project, let everyone that has been helping know that you have landed a new position. Thank them for their help. Keep in mind, in today’s job market, you may need their help again! After closing the book on your job search, start preparing for your new position. During the interview process, you learned the challenges that your new manager, peers and staff are facing. Before your first day, review your notes and think about the conversations that you had. This will help you to make the most of your first few days in your new position.
General Tips for Networking & Interviewing
First impressions are very important. Below are a few things that you can do when you meet a networking contact or when being interviewed to help ensure a good impression.

* Smile
* Be optimistic
* Make eye contact
* Have a firm handshake
* Be enthusiastic
* Listen carefully
* Be honest

Good luck with your search!