ASK THE GURUS
John Purkiss
Headhunter
THE first step is to re-frame your resolution. I suggest, “My resolution for 2011 is to do a job I love”. The second step is to write down on paper what your ideal job would consist of, regardless of where it might be. Then you can visualise it in detail. The third step is, finally, to consider moving job. Once people define their ideal job, in many cases they discover it can be with their existing employer.
Also, be clear about what is important to you in your life and work. Many people move, but leave again within a few weeks or months because the culture is wrong for them.
Now that your strategy is clear, the tactics are relatively easy. If possible, it’s best to contact employers directly as well as going via headhunters. Knowing what you want and why will make you a much more attractive candidate.
www.johnpurkiss.com
Daphne Thissen
Networking coach
MAXIMISING your contacts is vital for finding a new job. Here are four tips.
First, be enthusiastic, happy to share information and equally happy to talk about things close to your contact’s heart. The topic of your search for a new job should become part of the larger conversation.
Secondly, (re) establish social ties with university friends and former and current colleagues you do not know very well. Ask to be introduced to new people outside your direct line of contact such as friends’ colleagues and bosses.
Third, investigate the job that you are interested in. Try to make links between key events and people in your target job to your current line of work and existing network.
Finally, when approaching your contacts, collaborate. Can you make introductions that can be helpful to them? Networking is about give and take.
www.thepartnershipbuilder.com