Develop Your Marketing Plan

·        Identify your career and industry options – Don’t limit yourself to one area. Your skills and knowledge may be applicable to training & development organizations, consulting firms, regulatory agencies, manufacturing technology firms, etc.

·        Develop your communication strategy – It should include your resume(s), letters and emails, phone discussions, personal meetings and interviews.

·        Develop a compelling resume – It should target your industry and succinctly outline your qualifications and expertise. Briefly outline your career history, highlighting your competencies and accomplishments in each position.

·        Establish your network – Identify the professional associates, industry association leaders, friends and organizations that are in a position to assist you in your job search. Attend tradeshows and participate in seminars and conference workshops.

·        Identify news and information resources – Use the Internet to stay abreast of current events, trends and developments in your industry. Read online newswires and print publications to identify expanding companies and those undergoing mergers & acquisitions. Stay abreast of emerging technology, successful corporate/marketing strategies and new government regulations. Use SEC submissions to learn about the financial status of publicly traded companies and visit corporate web sites to read posted news releases.

·        Assess the employment resources appropriate for you – There are a plethora of agencies from which to select, including employment web sites, executive search firms, outplacement companies, electronic recruiters, resume blasters, career counseling firms, etc.

·        Fine-tune your interviewing skills – Assess your initial presentation, practice answering tough questions, communicating your work ethics & management style, and negotiating the employment agreement.

 What to Look for When Selecting an Executive Search Firm

If you are adept at marketing and have excellent communication skills, you may not need to acquire the services of a career management firm to develop your job search marketing campaign. A good executive search firm provides free services and can help you land the dream job you are seeking.

Factors to consider when selecting an executive search firm include:

• Credibility and a good reputation in your industry with an extensive network
• Knowledge of your industry and functional area
• Dedication to invest the time and energy to help you identify viable opportunities
• Proven track record of success
• Competent and professional assessment process
• Accessible and communicative

What Sets One Executive Search From Apart from the Others?

When you contact a search firm, first impressions are important…

• Do they get right back to you?
• Are they warm and friendly?
• Do you sense that they are genuinely concerned about your search?
• Are they honest about the current opportunities with their clients that are appropriate for you, and the possibilities of identifying new opportunities?
• Do they provide assistance/counseling on your presentation (resume through interviewing skills)?
• Do they provide a thorough assessment process, so as to be completely familiar with your strengths and weaknesses?
• Do they offer advice on how to position yourself so as to better market your assets and negotiate an employment agreement?
• Do they give you information about the companies to which they submit your resume and convey a description of their client’s corporate culture and what they expect the new hire to bring to the table?

Job-hunting in today’s market is more challenging than ever and these are just a few of the areas an executive should consider when entering the job market. If you take an organized approach, remain informed about your options, the economic climate of your industry, emerging technology & strategies, and know who the major players are in your field, your search is more likely to be successful.