There are many different tales of executives re-entering the job market successfully. Reasons include empty nests, dwindling funds, boredom, or hunger for another big win. Those changing careers, switching industries or seeking new positions following years with the same employer often experience job searching challenges that are similar to re-entering the job market following a long hiatus.

Effective Job Hunting Tips

One job search technique that has been proven universally effective for candidates who don’t fit into standard job descriptions is networking purposefully. This means intentionally connecting with hiring decision-makers at target companies and meeting with strategically chosen industry figures who are recognized as reliable referral sources. Examples include: conference keynote speakers, academic thought leaders, published authors and former target company executives to name a few.

In today’s competitive work environment, skills, talent and knowledge are not sufficient to attract employers and command their attention. Getting into the race early can mean the difference between getting interviewed and being ignored;. Sadly, it can be a numbers game that cuts off after “x” resumes, rather than evaluating the universe of all applicants. With the hiring process being increasingly complex, job seekers today must follow up to promote themselves periodically. Timing is critical; being recommended for a position can transform a content employee into a prospective new hire when they are not actively job hunting.

Automated candidate screening and tracking processes that don’t accommodate and can’t appreciate exceptions are increasingly used to manage the massive volume of resumes generated by Web-based postings. Most reentry candidates will rarely be included among a short list of candidates matching an employer’s ideal requirements. The challenge for those who don’t fit neatly round or square holes is to attract hiring decision-makers. The solution is to connect through a mutual contact.

Benefits

Networking has multiple benefits for prospective candidates: developing influential relationships, acquiring insights from the employer’s perspective and gaining knowledge to focus on target employers most likely to be interested in them. Smart executives make a lifetime habit of managing their careers to obtain exposure to possible new opportunities in advance of official announcements. Network connections are usually an advantage over similarly qualified competitors and others who more closely match the selection criteria. Networking is career insurance.

Here are some tips to re-enter the job market with a running jumpstart to accelerate job search progress:

• Define your skills, expertise and knowledge. Next identify a potential employer market likely to value such talents and capabilities. Then find key decision-makers/hiring managers and establish contact, preferably an introduction by a mutual contact.
• Create your plan. Your plan should include a strong value proposition to unmistakably benefit prospective employers based on quantifiable contributions, specifying target companies/hiring decision makers likely to appreciate this message.

• Focus. Choose a niche of expertise that is remarkable, distinctive and memorable. Go to resources and experts. Command more attention.

• Communicate persuasively. Show interest clearly and persuasively in a flawless written format and compelling elevator speech presentation.

• Access hidden markets. The unadvertised or hidden job market is the largest source of new career opportunities. Access is available through personal connections, not official job postings. It’s not just who you know and what you know, but who knows you.

• Emphasize networking purposefully. Connect with decision-makers or individuals especially those affiliated with a target employer who is well-positioned to not only hire, but also make introductions and expand connections to other hiring decision managers.

• Invest time. Job search is a marathon not a sprint. Invest the time and effort to develop strong trusting long term relationships. Velocitize positive campaign results by consistently using the right strategies. Continuously fine-tune positioning, documentation, etc. based on feedback.

• Show appreciation. Remember to show appreciation and to give back willingly to help others. What goes round comes round. Good networking is reciprocal and not restricted to job hunting-related activities.

• Follow-up, follow-up, follow-up! Be persistent, but not pesky. Courteously persevere and keep the ball in play. Don’t be deterred by effective gatekeepers; it’s their responsibility to filter contacts — make sure they understand that there is more at risk excluding you, than setting up a meeting or phone appointment.

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© 2007 Debra Feldman

Debra Feldman is the JobWhiz™, a nationally-recognized expert who designs and personally implements swift, strategic, and customized senior level executive job search campaigns, banishing barriers that prevent immediate success. Her gift for cold calling, executed with high energy and savvy panache, connects candidates directly to decision makers, not HR. Network Purposefully™ with the JobWhiz, and compress your job search into mere weeks, using groundbreaking techniques profiled in Forbes magazine. In addition to her private practice, writing featured columns and conducting exclusive workshops, Debra is a recommended resource to alumni of top-tier business schools. Contact Debra at www.JobWhiz.com to expedite your executive ascent.