CAREER SEARCH TIP

We at Eagle Wing Strategies have frequently heard the following:  “I work hard looking for my next job.. I’ve sent out over 100 responses to posted positions; and, nothing has happened.”  This is an example of one of the classic mistakes individuals make in looking for that next career step.  They may be actively ‘working hard’ with lots of activity, but they are not spending most of their time in activities with the highest probability of paying off. 

There are several sources for identifying and securing a career position:  posted ads (internet and print media), recruiters and networking.  We advocate capitalizing on all sources available; however, you should be putting as much energy in any one area as that area has the probability of success.  So, posted ads generally account for approximately 4% of secured positions, recruiters approximately 7% and networking has the highest probability for pay off.

Networking has the highest probability of payoff.  Conducted properly, networking can help you uncover corporate challenges that you can meet, identify and become known to the appropriate decision makers. Asking an individual if he/she knows someone looking for someone like you is not the right question.  You should be prepared to tell your networking contact what you are looking for functionally, what target companies you have identified and ask, “Who do you know that I can introduce myself to who might get me closer to my targets?”

Spend most of your time in activities that have the highest probability of paying off.