Managing Your Career Transition in a Down Economy
 Debra Feldman We encourage you to check-out two previous interviews with Debra, which remain as relevant today as they were when we recorded them -- including Cracking the Code: how to get pass the gatekeepers, cold-calling – and, Getting Back in the Game
Questions Peter Clayton asked Debra Feldman
Here's what Debra emailed to me yesterday... "We'll need to make this networking focused - how to develop a network purposefully and using your connections not just to source a new opportunity before a position is officially advertised, but to seek and get career management advice, referrals to other mentors, ideas on published resources as well as online content to help you be a more qualified professional in your field" So let's break this down a bit. you've trademarked the name Network Purposefully – can you expand on what this means?
Using your network to get career management advice... it's not "help, I need a job!"
You have some excellent strategies for helping people transition -- and this really is the focus here, how to help executives who want to transition to new career opportunities.
Part two of Debra's email to me. As for the phone screens--- in today's ever more cost conscious recruiting environment, a prospective candidate usually has to "give good phone" in order to move up the chain and get to the hiring decision manager. One has to command attention and attract the screeners using savvy phone etiquette from the cold calling stage sometimes right up to a near offer so saying that you don't come across as your best over the telephone is a liability today because in-person appointments are rarely offered at the early stages of screening---
Ten New Commandments for Career Success
© Debra Feldman, 2008
What does it take for executives and professionals to succeed in the current environment?
1. Keep networking. If you recently completed a job search, stay in touch regularly with those you met. If you can't manage this, at least keep up with anyone with whom you felt a special affinity or sensed that you shared something in common.
2. The old school of long term employment, from graduation till retirement is a model that is out of date. Keep networking, because you are going to need these contacts to help you learn of new opportunities and vice versa.
3. Technology is changing at warp speed. To keep up with innovations and stay on the cutting edge, keep learning. Networking is an exchange of ideas and a learning experience. Keep networking.
4. The world runs on relationships. The more extensive and better quality your connections, the greater your advantage when it comes to finding out inside information, getting an early lead and being a part of the inner circle of knowledge. Keep networking.
5. In the final analysis, it is whom you know not just what you know that equals success. Stay in touch, be friendly, cooperate, and don't burn any bridges. Remember that networking is a two way street; it isn't called a circle of contacts for nothing. Keep networking.
6. While a large active network is advantageous, practicalities dictate how much time and effort can be devoted to being a good (see #5 above) networker. Be selective and cultivate relationships if they are better than average connections. Keep networking.
7. Establish networking as a priority. It is not just socializing. Information is exchanged that has value to both sides in the transaction. Keep networking.
8. Be on the lookout for ways to stay in touch finding relevant data to exchange, even an appropriate article, cartoon or person. Suggest that your network contact pass this along to their own network giving you exposure to their contacts that you don't know. Keep networking.
9. Networking with others in your industry probably is the best use of your job search time. Be clear on your objective which makes it simpler for someone to know how to help you.. You might be able to assist them now or in the future so keep networking.
10. Want to make a change in your career? The best way for that to happen swiftly is through a personal referral. Let your network spread the word and keep networking to expand your exposure to new opportunities in the unadvertised or hidden job market.
About Debra Feldman
Debra Feldman is the JobWhiz™, a nationally-recognized executive job search consultant who knows how to open doors to the hidden job market. If you're an executive looking to expedite your corporate ascent-either within your own industry or by transferring your skills and talents to a new industry - then Debra will get you the access you need, inside the companies you choose.
Resources:
TPR interview with Debra: Transforming the Corporate Gatekeeper
TPR Interview With Debra: Matchmaker for A Players
TPR Interview with ExecuNet - Dave Opton and Mark Anderson
Tags: Debra Feldman Job Whiz Career Transition Business Networking Peter Clayton Total Picture Radio ExecuNet
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