Tis' the Season to Look For Your New Career

Many of us have already started our holiday weekends putting work and job searches on hold. One of the largest myths around search and career management is that “no one is around during the holidays, so it is a bad time”.  That is just an excuse, it is actually one of the best times to look.  

o   People tend to avoid travel, they are in town and in the office.

o   Most are winding down, so they are available to take  calls.

o   It is the time of the year that people (hiring managers) are assessing their teams and planning for additions or replacements.

o   People tend to be in a happy mood, more open and receptive to “help” someone.

-          It is a lot easier to write the emails, you have a theme. 

o   Dear XXXX,

I wanted to reach out and wish you a happy holiday and see if you might have a few minutes for a call/coffee etc.

-          This can also be a good time to follow up on previous communications.

o   I just wanted to drop you a note and wish you a happy holiday and follow up on our last conversation

If you are very serious about a specific situation, it may, and I repeat, may be a good idea to follow up with a small gift.  Sending a small gift basket to a high potential project with a nice note can be very well received, but it can also be viewed as a bit pushy, but it is a case by case basis.

For more tips on networking, career searching and career coaching, visit MyHuntPath! 

MyHuntPath Story: Scott H.

What was your background prior to working with MyHuntPath?

“I have a master’s degree in mechanical engineering and an Executive MBA. Prior to working with the team at MyHuntPath, I was in between jobs and trying to secure a steady position. “

What lead you to MyHuntPath?

I was introduced to Tom Johnston (SearchPath/MyHuntPath Founder) by a colleague which lead me to explore career coaching through MyHuntPath.

Have you used other Career Coaching services and how was your experience different?

I had used other outsourced placement systems in the past, but found MyHuntPath to have the toolset that can help someone search for a job. The process was efficient with each step outlined and defined. The coaching I received was spot on, and my career coach was able to wrap his arms around what the next step in the process should be, and how to drive it.

Would you say that this experience helped shape your new career direction?

I received help shaping my LinkedIn profile. This lead to being found by the Executive Vice President I currently work with, and landing an interview. I was coached by MyHuntPath through the interview process and was given advice during salary negotiations. I would say without that help, I might not be in the position I am now.

General comments?

Overall the career coaching I received was very impressive, and efficient. There was no wasted time or wasted activity during the process and it was very clear what I needed to do to improve and complete action items. I also felt that the MyHuntPath team was very knowledgeable and up to date with latest and greatest tools with how a person can find a job in today’s society.

Based on your experience, would you recommend MyHuntPath services and product to other job seekers?

Of Course!

The Right (and only) Way to Search for a New Job

When you’re suddenly faced with searching for a new job or maybe your first job, it can be a very scary process. Most of us have no idea what to do, or how to begin. Many of the standard tools and techniques that are suggested do not work. Posting a resume on a job board or responding to an open role usually results in nothing, not even a response. In addition, many experts will tell job seekers to “network” and discuss tactics without discussing a strategy.  This is a very confusing and difficult process that most have not fully grasped.

  

The key to building a successful lifetime career plan is to learn the skills and techniques of the professional Headhunter and use those tactics to plan and execute your future. MyHuntPath is a new career management platform that was developed by Headhunters and recruiters to give everyone an opportunity to learn the skills to evolve from being a reactive job seeker to a proactive career hunter. Here are some points to consider when searching for a new job.

-          Chose a Niche

o   All great Headhunters usually specialize in a very specific industry niche.  The goal in most hires is to not just find a great candidate, but find one that can contribute immediately and to do that, it is important to have industry knowledge.  Moving from industry to industry is very difficult because in a sense, it requires starting over and over.  Find an industry you love and then target your movements.

-          Target Networking

o   One of the main benefits of choosing an industry niche is that it gives you a very targeted group of people to begin building relationships.  The key to a Headhunters success is the extensive relationships they build over the years with top candidates. Join associations, go to meetings, reach out and offer to help people so that when you need help, you will know exactly who to call.

-          Understand the Why

o   Ultimately, the only real question any company will ask you is Why?  “Why should we hire you and how are you going to help us.”  Spend every day building your “Why Statement”.   It is a very competitive market, no one is going to hire you because you think you're special.  You must have valid accomplishments that will make you appealing to the companies in your niche.

-          Have a Plan – Where is your Buffalo?

o   If you do not know where you’re going, you will spend your life moving randomly from company to company, job to job. Know where and what you want, before you start your search.

-          Follow Up

o   The key to building long term relationships is to always follow up with people.  Most Headhunters will reach out to key contacts at least 4 to 6 times per year and some up to once a month.

Once you learn some of the basic techniques of the Headhunter, you will have the skills you need to take control of your career.  It will help you get the roles in the companies you want, not just the ones that happen to be hiring.

Explore MyHuntPath for additional information and tools on the Headhunters Approach.