Jennifer McClure`

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Written by Jennifer McClure

Networking, Job Searching and Dealing With Recruiters… Oh My

Wizardofoz460 Today, I’m featuring a reader question (actually several questions in one email) that myself and other Recruiters get in some form practically every day. Networking and job search can be scary ya’ll. Networking and job searching in today’s economy can be even more scary. Throw on top of that confusion trying to figure out how to deal with scary Recruiters, and it’s a confusing and debilitating quandary for many. But it doesn’t have to be…

The Question(s)

Hi Jennifer,

I’m following you on Twitter and I’ve checked out your blog and company’s website. I’ve not looked for a new job in over 10 years – and I’ve never talked to a Recruiter, as I’m not sure how everything works. I’m employed full-time right now (in a good job), but I’m beginning to explore options. Do you deal mostly with companies or individuals – or both? How does a recruiter work? If I were interested in putting myself out there to search for a new opportunity, what’s the best strategy to go about that? Are there easy answers to these questions – or is it not so simple?

Thanks for your help in getting me started.

“Bob”

The Answer(s)

Hi “Bob”,

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with just one step” (Lao Tzu) – so congratulations on taking the first steps toward finding your next great opportunity! (And thanks for connecting on Twitter/reading my blog!)

As for how our firm works – we are engaged and paid by the company (our clients) to find a specific type of person for a specific role within their organization. While some firms do specialize in certain industries, we don’t, but we do focus on leadership roles (typically Director level and above). We’re what’s called a “retained search’ firm – and we’re paid to search for, identify and recruit candidates that are an exact match for our client’s needs. There are also other types of Recruiters though and some will even take your resume and market you or call some companies where they have contacts to see if they may be interested in interviewing you. There aren’t many Recruiters who will do that – but there are some. So I encourage you to contact several Recruiters and ask how each one works/what their process is.

The best strategy for getting in the game is networking, meeting people, building relationships and making sure that the people you meet are clear on what you’re targeting/what you’re best at. If you’re searching confidentially, you can still do that well – just package it as you’re trying to develop your network/meet new people to stay current and grow your career. The ultimate goal is to get people to “like you” and remember you – so when they hear of opportunities that may be of interest, they’ll refer you or make you aware of them. Networking isn’t always easy, but it is truly the most effective way to find your next great opportunity. I hear from a number of people each month who’ve landed new jobs (companies ARE still hiring) and I always ask them how they connected with their new opportunity. Almost 100% of the time, their answer is through their personal networking efforts.

There are a number of studies out there on how people get jobs, and while the percentages vary a bit by the level of position, it’s typically something like 70% through networking, 20% through job boards and 10% through recruiters, so I encourage you to spend your time networking and searching for a new opportunity in similar percentages.

I hope that this information helps and I’m excited for you as you start the process!

Jennifer (the not so scary Recruiter)

More Networking Tips

Below is a link to copy of the slide deck from a recent talk I gave at a local Job Search Workshop that contains a few bullet points and tips for networking and interviewing success:

Cincy Recruiters’ Five Quick Steps for Networking & Interviewing Success on Slideshare

As always, I welcome your comments and feedback, and if you have any more suggestions for “Bob”, let’s hear ’em!

Categories: Blog, Interviewing, Networking
Posted on May 7, 2009

Written by Jennifer McClure

Searching For a Job? Don’t Call a Recruiter – Think Like a Recruiter

Jobsearchnewspaper If you’re currently searching for a job, I can relate to you in many ways. I’ve been a job seeker, a hiring manager who’s interviewed candidates, and now I’m a Recruiter and active networker who interacts with people at all stages of career transition on a daily basis.

In my current role, I come in contact with many job seekers who believe (or hope) that the answer to their current situation is to contact a Recruiter and turn over their job search to them. They need a job – and the Recruiter needs to place someone in a job in order to make money.

Sounds like a win-win for both right?

Unfortunately, that’s not the way it works with most Recruiters, and my concern is that many end up frustrated with us because we aren’t finding them a job, or they don’t feel that we’re interested in helping them.

The straight scoop is that it’s highly unlikely a Recruiter will personally take on your job search, provide you with contacts that are hiring, make calls for you, or (shocker) even place you in your next job.

Typically, individuals placed by Recruiters are identified in one of two ways. They’re either found out of the blue (cold-called) by a Recruiter searching for someone that specifically matches their skills and experience, or they were top of mind for a Recruiter when an opportunity came along (specifically matching their skills and experience) because they had developed a relationship with the Recruiter through regular interaction and/or providing referrals in the past.

While that may be disappointing to hear for those new to the job hunt, it’s true.

The reality in today’s economy is that most Recruiters are very much in the same boat as job seekers right now. If jobs are harder to come by, so are “job orders”, and the majority of a Recruiter’s time and energy is devoted to developing new business.

So what’s a job seeker to do if Recruiters aren’t the answer?

My best advice to you – if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. Make like a Recruiter, become your own Headhunter, and create opportunities for yourself by doing the following:

1. You must get out and network.

You knew this would be number one right? The simple truth is that there’s no way to get around it. And it will take time. No one magically hands over new clients to Recruiters – they have to actively seek them out and find them.

In my case, in addition to working with current clients, I spend a good portion of every day in some sort of networking or relationship building activity (i.e. business development). I attend networking and professional association meetings, make regular phone calls, schedule meetings with key relationships to keep in touch, etc. etc.

As a job seeker, you MUST be actively networking to secure your next job. In fact – networking IS your current job!

2. Focus on helping others.

Take advantage of every opportunity to connect or help other people where it makes sense.

As a Recruiter, I’m always on the lookout for ways to provide referrals or to connect my clients and relationships to people or resources that can help them.

By adding value to our relationship and helping them with their needs, they typically also want to help me. (Note: 100% of my current clients were referrals from someone that I helped at some point and expected nothing in return.) Those in career transition who do this well tend to land sooner and develop armies of people interested in helping them.

Call it Career Karma, Givers Gain, or whatever fits, but it works and I see it in action all of the time.

3. Develop and communicate your “Brand” effectively. 

Just as there are an overwhelming number of people out there today searching for jobs, the competition among Recruiters is fierce to secure clients and opportunities. As a result, each of us must work to distinguish ourselves from the pack. I personally do this by ensuring that my key relationships know what I do (Executive Recruiting, Executive Coaching, Consulting, Speaking/Training) and the types of people that are most beneficial for me to connect with (decision-makers, business owners and C-level executives).

Unfortunately, many frustrated job seekers are branding themselves this way – “I’m open to any opportunity where I can utilize the many skills I have in any industry”. This type of statement does nothing to make them memorable and unfortunately gives the people that they interact with no idea (or initiative) to help them or refer them.

4. Research companies and opportunities to “position yourself to be lucky”.

Recruiters must have a hand on the pulse of what’s going on at all times in the industries and communities where their target clients are. Many an opportunity is uncovered by reading newspapers and industry or professional publications and keeping an ear to the ground.

Recruiters read between the lines of growth, restructuring, new hire, promotion and even layoff announcements and rumors to identify opportunities. We then tap into our networks to connect with the right individuals in these companies to explore how we can add value. Job seekers who do the same thing often identify un-posted or not-yet-created opportunities for themselves as well.

“Luck” typically happens to those who have placed themselves in a position to be successful.

For the record, I truly wish I could help each and every person that reaches out to me to find the perfect job. Also for the record, finding jobs for people is not what I (or other Recruiters) do. It’s actually the opposite – I find specific people for specific leadership and key individual contributor roles at my client companies (who are the ones who pay for my services).

The good news is that you – the job seeker – can employ the exact same tactics that I (and other Recruiters) use to develop new business towards developing your next great career opportunity.

Now, let’s go get ’em!

Categories: Blog, Job Search, Networking, Personal Branding, Recruiting
Posted on February 11, 2009

Written by Jennifer McClure

Kickin’ It Recruiter Style With ERE.net in Cincinnati January 21st

Cincinnati Hey Greater Cincinnati Recruiters and Human Resources professionals – ERE.net – is hosting a networking opportunity on Wednesday, January 21st in our fair city!

The folks at ERE provide great resources on their website for those who recruit – both internally and externally – including articles, blogs, discussion groups, and on-line professional networking opportunities. They also host great national conferences, including the upcoming ERE Spring 2009 Expo, which I’m planning to attend.

I will definitely be at the Cincinnati gathering, and Amybeth Hale (The Research Goddess) was the first to sign up – so you know it’s going to be a great time. Check out the info below from the post over on ERE…

ERE is starting off the new year by hosting a Meetup — a chance for recruiters in the Cincinnati area to do a little networking after hours. Thanks to our sponsor Taleo, we’ve got drinks and appetizers — all you need to do is show up to meet and network with familiar faces (and some new ones) in our industry!

Over the past few months we have held ERE Meetups in Boston, New York City, Miami, San Francisco, and most recently Dallas. They have had a great turnout and the recruiters who joined us had a fantastic time!

We will be holding this Meetup at the gorgeous Cincinnatian Hotel in downtown Cincinnati. Here’s the info:

When: Wednesday, January 21st
5:30 – 7:30 pm
Where: Cincinnatian Hotel, 601 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH

If you have any questions, please feel free to email Melissa Shaw.

Please RSVP for the Cincinnati ERE Meetup by adding your name at the bottom of the post to the comments!

Cincinnati Glow uploaded by ellievanhoutte

Categories: Blog, Networking, Recruiting
Posted on January 5, 2009

Written by Jennifer McClure

Deep Thoughts: The Power of Business Referrals

Deep thoughts from the CincyRecruiter today while at the Dentist’s office on the power of providing business referrals…

What’s the best referral you’ve ever received – or given – and what difference did it make for you? Share your own deep thoughts in the comments.

 

Categories: Blog, Networking
Posted on December 8, 2008

Written by Jennifer McClure

LinkedIn and Web 2.0 Still Need Networking 1.0

Online_business_networking_3It’s LinkedIn week here in my world, and I’ll be speaking to three different groups this week about using LinkedIn. The first presentation will be to a group of job seekers who are participating in a 10-week Job Search series sponsored by a community group, the second at a local Chamber of Commerce to business owners and professionals, and the third to a group of senior executives in career transition working with an outplacement firm.

As a LinkedIn fan and avid user since early 2006, it’s not hard for me to talk with all types of individuals about the benefits of using LinkedIn and share some tips and strategies to maximize its potential for job search, personal branding, employment branding or business development. (By becoming a regular reader, RSS or email subscriber to this blog, I’ll share that information with you as well!)

However, I’m always careful to point out that using LinkedIn – or any social networking or online tool – does not replace the need to get out and meet people, build real relationships and help others. I like the way Jason Alba, author of I’m on LinkedIn – – Now What??? lays it out in chapter 2 of his very informative book:

While LinkedIn is a networking tool, it is not a networking silver bullet. Timeless networking principals such as “givers gain”, etiquette, long-term relationship nurturing, and investing time and effort in others are critical. LinkedIn is not a replacement for your networking efforts (online or offline); rather, it is an excellent tool to facilitate some facets of your networking strategy.

That’s right – using LinkedIn is only ONE part of any job search, business development or networking strategy – so don’t forget that! It’s definitely important in today’s world to understand how to effectively utilize LinkedIn and other social networking tools, but some of the old-fashioned 1.0 tools – the telephone, a drop in visit, face-to-face meetings, handwritten Thank You notes, are still the best ways to make a meaningful impression and to build rich relationships.

Categories: Blog, Job Search, LinkedIn, Networking
Posted on October 20, 2008

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