Q TIPS:
Quick and Quintessential Tips to Guide Your Job Search and Work Life
Job-hunting tips from the November 1, 2010, issue of
QuintZine.
ExecuNet is offering downloadable guide to creating opportunity, "Uncovering Opportunities in Your Backyard."
The report's intent is to help job-seekers tap the rich hidden job market through targeted research, locate
and get to know the people who can help in the job search, discover the real value of job listings,
better organize time for job-search productivity, and gain focus and confidence.
Sometimes it's helpful to consider the reasons employers hire. If you are
alert to these reasons, you may be able to tap into them. Accenture recently revealed
the percentage of U.S. employers reporting various reasons for adding employees during the downturn. (Total is
more than 100 because employers reported multiple reasons.) After each reason, we've suggested a way
you might tap in:
46 percent hired because they launched new products or entered a new market. Monitor business news sources
to learn of possible new-product launches and new-market entrances.
45 percent hired to gain workers with more/different skills needed for future business, while 24 percent hired to
ensure an appropriate mix of skills. Research the skills employers in your field seek and assess whether you possess them, and
if not, consider new training.
45 percent hired to strengthen the workforce critical to business success. Research to learn what you can contribute
to targeted employers' business success.
39 percent hired because they had the opportunity to add high-quality talent. Be sure you are visible -- through
networking, working with recruiters, and using social media -- so employers know you are the high-quality
talent they need.
The final reason is probably not one you can tap into unless you happen to be at an organization acquired by
another one; 28 percent assumed new employees as a result of a business acquisition.
In a recent blog entry, Laurie Gentile told the story of her brother and his unique approach to interviewing and finding
a job -- an approach that can help others create opportunity. "With perseverance, creativity, preparation and bit of luck," Gentile
writes, "he landed the opportunity of a lifetime!"
Here's a taste of what Gentile's brother did:
"During the interview, he was asked to describe his first 60 days on the job. He responded by handing out copies
of the 60-day plan he had written, and began to describe the various personal and professional action steps contained
within. The interviewers were impressed with his commitment to keeping the interview, but more impressed with the detailed
60-day plan he had presented and discussed. After accepting [the job offer he subsequently received], my brother learned
from the companyıs hiring manager that team of interviewers was blown away by his performance, and that they had never
before had a candidate as creative, prepared, and focused."
ExecuNet is offering downloadable guide to creating opportunity, "Uncovering Opportunities in Your Backyard."
