Paying It Forward - 5 Quick Hits For Those in Transition

Here are some quick thoughts for those that are in transition or expect to be in transition in the weeks / months to come.  I've been there and done that 3 times so wanted to share 5 things I've learned to get things up and running quickly on your job search.

1) Linkedin Profile - You need to get your Linkedin profile updated immediately.   Having your profile up to date should include a branding headline, profile summary, job history and contact information (e-mail at minimum).  LinkedIn is the tool of choice for recruiters so you want to make it easier for them to find and contact you.  In addition, getting recommendations from current or prior peers / supervisors is a good addition to your Linkedin profile.

2) Resume / Marketing Plan - Obviously updating your resume is important.  When I was in transition back in 2009, many HR executives told me that the top half of the resume is the most critical because you only have 5-10 seconds to make an impression.   The top half of your resume should include name and contact information, your branding headline / position, a 2-3 sentence summary and key words relevant to your background or future desired roles. 

The Marketing Plan is a 1 page summary that is best used for networking.  It highlights more about what you are looking for like roles, industries and target companies.  It can also provide some brief employment history but the Marketing Plan is best used to generate ideas with folks you are networking with so they know how best they can help.

3) Job Boards - Many folks will tell you job boards are a Black Hole.  Well they can be if you don't leverage them to the best of your ability.  First of all, job boards are good to understand which companies are hiring so you can leverage that with LinkedIn to make connections.  Secondly, HR / Recruiters get hundreds of job applications so if you wait 2-3 days after it is posted it is more then likely they have there pool of candidates when you apply.  So using an old analogy,  "Early Bird Get the Worm".

4) Share the News - I tell this to people all the time.  "Your network cannot help you if they don't know your in transition".  I know it can be uncomfortable to tell people your in transition but if you send out a networking e-mail giving them an update of your situation and what you are looking for that is a good way to jump start your search as well as get other eyes and ears out looking for you.

5) Network, Network, Network, Network - No big surprise here.  Getting out to meet people for coffee, lunch or at networking events is the best way to generate leads as well as other ideas or suggestions for your job search.  During my transition in 2009-2010 I kept track of my networking, connections on LinkedIn and job application submissions.  It turned out I was making roughly 5 touches with a person / company a day which obviously translates to 20 touches a week.  Like in sales, it is all a numbers game so they more you network the more likely you will find your next opportunity quickly. 

Hope you find these tips and tricks helpful.  Best of luck and God Bless..

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