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CAREER FORWARD - THE TOOLS YOU NEED TO START MOVING
The document provides guidance on networking to advance one's career. It discusses how networking involves cultivating relationships that can provide career opportunities and advice. The document recommends developing an introductory presentation, identifying contacts within one's network, and using a variety of in-person and online methods to connect with professionals. It also provides tips for successful networking, such as asking informative questions, following leads immediately, and introducing contacts to one another.
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CAREER FORWARD - THE TOOLS YOU NEED TO START MOVING
- 1. CAREER FORWARD THE TOOLS YOUNEED TO START MOVING
- 2. 2 | CAREERFORWARD CONTENTS INTRODUCTION P/3 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS P/4 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED P/10 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH P/13 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER P/19 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ P/23 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER P/32 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW P/36 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW P/47 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT P/52 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA P/60 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT P/63 12 WHERE KELLY® COMES IN P/67 SOURCES P/68 INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 3. 3 | CAREERFORWARD INTRODUCTION You’re ready to move forward. You have the skills, the experience, and the drive to take that next step in your career. All you need now is the right opportunity. So now what? This guide will provide you with what you need, from effective networking to closing the deal on a job offer. THE FINE PRINT: Some of the suggestions here may seem obvious, but résumé and job search mistakes can happen at all professional levels. Taking the time to review this guide will help you avoid blunders and make your search a success. INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 4. 4 | CAREERFORWARD 01NETWORKING OPENS DOORS Who you know matters. The professional contacts you have may lead to expanded career options and opportunities, so cultivate a strong network. But how you network also matters—because your network, after all, is made up of relationships that you want to protect and promote, not alienate. INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 5. 5 | CAREERFORWARD 01NETWORKING OPENS DOORS First things first: What is a network? A network is an interconnected group of supporters who serve as resources for your job search and career advancement. THE BENEFITS OF NETWORKING Networking has been and continues to be the number one job search strategy. Networking is your investment into you. As you prepare, determine what you would like to achieve from networking. Your primary goal is to get to know people who can provide information regarding careers and leads. There are many other benefits to networking and some include: • Getting hired! 4 in 10 job seekers say they found their job through personal connections • Visibility within your field • Positioning yourself as a thought leader in your field • Professional development • Promotions and salary growth • Visibility into new vendors and suppliers • Job satisfaction • Acquiring suitable mentors GETTING STARTED Develop your 60-second presentation Know yourself, your skills, experiences, and education. A successful introductory networking conversation/ meeting will include: • Introduction • Self-overview • QA • Obtaining referrals/closing Identify your key contacts Start with the handful of contacts in your core professional and social circles and track backwards. How and where did you meet each of them? Who introduced you to them? Who helped you to get your current and previous job? Those connectors serve as your network brokers and could possibly help you to expand your network even further. INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 6. 6 | CAREERFORWARD 01NETWORKING OPENS DOORS Best networking methods Now that you have developed your personal 60-second presentation and have identified your connections and network brokers, you are ready to begin. The best way to connect with your networking targets Think outside of the box. Connect virtually or in person. Connect individually or in group-settings. Nowadays, there are so many ways to network that are more authentic and more enjoyable than the traditional, stuffy methods we have practiced for years. • Start a new online group centered on a particular topic that will attract members. • Host a brainstorming or idea exchange session. • Start an industry-specific blog. • Join professional groups and interact with other members. • Author and share content and make yourself the center of your own network. • Attend webinars hosted by your vendor partners. • Get involved in a local charity. Volunteering presents a great opportunity to meet other professionals and exchange ideas as well as gain referrals and leads. • Organize or lead a community effort. Maybe your neighborhood committee needs to raise funds for a particular item or bring awareness to an ongoing effort. By connecting with like-minded neighbors you’ll be able to expand your base. • Use your favorite hobby or weekend team activity as a way to build your network. • Start conversations. You never know where your most valuable connections will come from— perhaps the local coffee shop, restaurant, or library. The checkout line at the grocery or hardware store may also provide you with unexpected connections. INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 7. 7 | CAREERFORWARD 01NETWORKING OPENS DOORS Networking questions Specific to career or field • What do you like most or least about your work? • How did you get into that field or company? • What are you hoping to achieve next? • What advice would you give to someone trying to break into this field? • With whom would you recommend I speak? Specific to networking event • How did you hear about this event? • What made you decide to come here? • Who else do you know here? • What professional groups or associations do you belong to? • What blogs or industry experts do you follow? Personal focus • Are you from this area? • Where did you go to school? • What do you do for fun? • Where else do you go to network? • What’s the best book you’ve read lately? Once you have identified whom you will reach out to and the ways in which you will connect with your network, you must now focus on how you will get the information that you want. What questions will you ask? The following list provides examples of great questions to ask during a networking conversation. INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 8. 8 | CAREERFORWARD NETWORKING OPENS DOORS Don’t put it off Don’t wait until you’re job searching to begin networking. Initiate and continue conversations with contacts as opportunities arise. Share ideas and information, and consider that your expertise could possibly help them, too. Make it your business to connect with at least one person professionally every day. Networking gets easier and better with practice, so don’t give up. Be upfront If you are serious about a career or job change, make your intentions known early on. If you’re merely exploring possibilities, make that known as well. Whatever you do, don’t waste your contacts’ valuable time and influence or they might not be motivated to help you in the future. Follow leads If you get a job lead, follow up on it immediately. Should a lead turn into an interview, or even a new job, remember to send your referring contact a thank you note. It’s a professional courtesy that may help you even more down the road. Be genuine When connecting with a third-party referral, it’s okay to drop names— mention your shared contact or the person who referred you. Take time to get to know your new contacts’ background, knowledge, and expertise. Showing genuine interest in others will make them interested in you. Explore every angle Use the style of networking that’s best for you, but get out of your comfort zone. Reach out to circles of friends, colleagues, social networks, and professional organizations alike when job searching. Do something for someone every day Follow Adam Rifkin’s “Five Minute Favor” (if you can do something for someone that will take less than five minutes, just do it.) What could be a small investment for you could be of large benefit to someone else. Pay it forward Introduce people who you think would benefit from knowing one another. Follow up with them in the future to find out if the connection was fruitful for one or both of them. 01 Keys to successful networking INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 9. 9 | CAREERFORWARD NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 01 Be a friend Replace the word “business” with “relationship.” Think of how you interact with your friends. With friends, you engage over shared interests. You share content, articles, videos, music, and emails. Do the same with information that would be of interest to those who you would like to have in your network. Stay connected Networking should be ongoing. Stay connected with your contacts over time and not just when you need something from them. Networking should be a part of your long-term career plan. INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS Remember, networking is a two-way street. Down the road, your expertise and connections can boost someone else’s career. SOURCES
- 10. 10 | CAREERFORWARD 02JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED It’s possible to explore new job opportunities without alerting your boss, alarming your co-workers, or burning bridges with anyone in your current organization. At any given time, more than half of the U.S. workforce is considering switching from the job they have to another. If you count yourself in this group, remember that changing companies (or making the decision to stay where you are) is a process, and there’s an aboveboard way of letting it play out that won’t damage your tenure, or the confidence placed in you by your employer and co-workers. Unfortunately, some job seekers are careless, leaving an unnecessary trail of burnt bridges on their way out the door. Others who tip off their employers to their job search intentions, and then opt to stay at their current position, find that a negative perception becomes a barrier to future raises or promotions—or worse: the employer associates the employee with a tenuous status and begins searching for a replacement. Here are tips for job seekers who are currently employed, and who want to explore the job market without losing their good reputation—or their job. INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 11. 11 | CAREERFORWARD 02JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED Respect your current employer Keep a clear line drawn in the sand between your job and your job search. If you have a lull in your workload, you might be tempted to make phone calls or send emails from your office that are related to your job search, but refrain. Don’t use your work computer and Internet to search for jobs—even during a lunch break. Everyone should always assume that the activity on a work-issued PC, tablet, or laptop is being monitored. Remember that should you leave, another employee will inherit your PC/laptop and possibly your search history; leave only work-related footprints of how you’ve spent your work hours. LinkedIn® is a loud amplifier You may not be devoting regular attention to your business-facing online profile, but since it’s likely that prospective employers will be checking out your LinkedIn presence early in the hiring process, you may be tempted to play catch-up. This is a sure tip-off to anyone who’s paying attention. Nothing broadcasts to your network (and employer) that you’re in the job market like a sudden onslaught of profile activity—especially when it includes recommendations from past bosses and associates, when there had been very little previous engagement. Adopt a slower ramp-up. If possible, begin engaging with LinkedIn as far ahead of your job search as possible. If you don’t do this already, spend time promoting your current employer and industry through your LinkedIn network. This is just good business practice no matter where you work or what your intentions are. Reach out to your co-workers and associates with invitations to connect. And be sure to check the many resources LinkedIn provides for job seekers. Protect your reputation No matter how “tell all” the flow of conversation becomes at lunch, do not reveal to fellow employees that you are job hunting, or considering leaving your company. Do not confide in your associate, lunch buddy, or even the one co-worker who you consider to be a true friend. Your professional reputation and your current situation are worth protecting, and if you don’t keep your own secret, you can’t expect anyone else to. It could be a mistake to overestimate a co-worker’s loyalty to you once you declare your intentions. Remember—if it could be damaging in any way to your career and work status to have your job search discovered, keep this information to yourself. INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 12. 12 | CAREERFORWARD 02JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED Interview on your own time While it’s truly no one’s idea of a vacation, be sure to use your paid time off (PTO) when scheduling your interviews. If you are considering changing companies, even within the year, set aside a block of your PTO days for this purpose. Keep your search aboveboard—don’t use all your vacation days and then expect your current employer to absorb your unplanned absences in the guise of bogus sick days or emergency family leave. You may be able to fit in a phone screening during a lunch break, but for critical in-person interviews, you will want to be completely devoted to the moment. If an interview goes well, and you’re offered an impromptu tour or an extended conversation, you can wholeheartedly engage, instead of begging off to catch an afternoon meeting you scheduled at work. Be sure the grass is greener It’s easy to start entertaining greener- grass daydreams of how much better a new work environment will be—but leave your daydreams at home. It will be extremely hard to check back in to your current responsibilities at work once you begin to mentally check out. Stay grounded in reality, and check your work ethic and your attitude daily. The truth is, you may not find an ideal position for some time, so be fully engaged where you are. Also, while expending energy exploring external options, ask yourself if you have honestly exhausted all internal advancement opportunities where you work. Schedule time to discuss your career goals and promotion opportunities with your supervisor. You may find the options you’re looking for within your existing company. Remain aboveboard throughout your job search process, and avoid burning bridges. If and when you actually do give your notice to your current employer, you can count their sincere surprise and regret at your departure as one measure of a class-act exit.Your professional reputation and your current situation are worth protecting, and if you don’t keep your own secret, you can’t expect anyone else to. INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 13. 13 | CAREERFORWARD 03SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH Social media is a big deal for job seekers today. In the job search process, social media can help you connect with recruiters and hiring managers— and could ultimately lead to career or internship opportunities at a wide range of companies. Recruiters rely heavily on social media, with 73 percent having hired talent through a social network. But social media can also be damaging if your profiles are not professional and geared toward the opportunities you wish to be considered for. The guidelines in this chapter will help you make the most of social media in your job search. INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 14. 14 | CAREERFORWARD 03SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH More than 92 percent of recruiters use social media—or social recruiting—to1 : • Search for candidates • Contact candidates • Stay in touch with potential candidates • Generate employee referrals • Vet candidates before the interview • Post jobs Having a social media presence has become a must for the serious candidate INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 15. 15 | CAREERFORWARD 03SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH Social media may be great for your personal life, but it’s quite different when it comes to your work life Your public profiles should be professional in nature First impressions start way before the first handshake. A future employer may want to interview you at first, but decide not to move forward after reading your profile or online content. According to Jobvite® , 55 percent of recruiters have reconsidered a candidate based on their social profile, which can lead to both positive and negative reassessments. Your professional profiles should always be current This includes posting your most recent résumé, refreshing your online profile, posting current projects, and updating contact information. When possible, ask colleagues for recommendations to post on your profile before you begin looking a new job. Your online content can leave a good or bad impression Always be mindful of what you post and how it may come across. Avoid using texting lingo, slang, symbols, and abbreviations in your online communication with contacts. Write as if you are speaking to the person face-to-face. This is a simple and effective way to convey professionalism. Regularly monitor your profiles and avoid/delete any comments that may put you in a negative light. Whether good or bad, never post sensitive information about your past or current employers. Pictures should always be professional Companies consider social media a way to get to know their prospective employees before meeting them. Develop a strong profile that highlights your skills and experiences, and include a professional photo— not a “selfie.” It’s a good idea to have consistent professional images across all of your social pages, including Facebook® , LinkedIn® , Twitter® , Instagram® , and Snapchat® . Find recommended tips and tools Whenever you use a social network for career opportunities, visit that social network’s help section for recommended tips and tools. This can really assist you in leveraging the site to your advantage. KEEP IN MIND: INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 16. 16 | CAREERFORWARD 03SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH Create a professional brand ad campaign for yourself with social media Use social media wisely in your job search • Use it as a networking tool to increase your number of connections. • Create and promote your personal brand through your social media profiles. Your brand consists of your experiences, strengths, passions, career goals, and specialties that make you the individual you are. • Establish your credibility by following experts and groups in your field of interest. • Follow companies you may be interested in working with, as well as educational institutions or alumni associations that often have their own databases of jobs. Don’t be afraid to reach out to someone who intrigues you. Reply promptly when someone reaches out to you. • Establish yourself as an expert in your industry. Use your status updates to share content about industry topics, tips, and advice. You don’t have to create original content to be viewed as someone in the know. • Stay engaged even when not actively seeking new employment opportunities by maintaining your profiles. Comment, tweet, like, share, and post on your social media networks when applicable on different sites. • Be consistent. Does the information on your LinkedIn account align with the information on your other social accounts, and even on your résumé? • Review your privacy settings for each social site so that you can control what is viewed publicly vs. what is viewed by those in your network. • Finally, don’t forget to Google® your name from time to time to find out what others can see about you online. INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 17. 17 | CAREERFORWARD 03SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH Commonly used social media sites: LinkedIn As the main social media source for career opportunities, 79 percent of recruiters claim to have hired employees from connections made on LinkedIn. Your profile should always be complete, up-to-date, and should highlight your skills and talents. Include a well-written summary that describes your experience, interests, and career goals. Doing so will increase your chances of connecting with the right people and the right opportunities— your profile could potentially be viewed countless times on leading search engines. And according to LinkedIn, users with complete profiles are 40 times more likely to receive job opportunities! Add industry-specific terms and keywords to your title on LinkedIn, to your summary, and to your experience section. Promote your brand by commenting, sharing, liking, and posting on your LinkedIn home page. Recommendations are one of the most valuable attributes of LinkedIn—but can be difficult to secure from time-crunched colleagues. Be sure to recommend and endorse colleagues when appropriate, so they will be more likely to return the favor. Facebook After LinkedIn, Facebook is the site that potential employers will most likely visit before inviting you for an interview; 66 percent of recruiters use Facebook as a recruitment tool across all industries. As mentioned earlier, keep your Facebook page—including pictures— professional. But don’t completely “sterilize” your profile page. Recruiters want to see who you really are, and if you’re a culture fit. Facebook can be a great source of information for job seekers. You can like companies that you are interested in, follow their posts, advertisements, and even inquire about open positions. Twitter Another useful job search tool, here are some tips to help you leverage Twitter for career opportunities: • Create a descriptive username that complements your job search. • Put a brief but powerful statement in your personal bio. If there’s an industry or career you are passionate about, let that show. • Use a professional picture. • Have a custom background that will give you a more professional look or highlight your qualifications. • Include a link to your online résumé. • Follow experts in your industry on Twitter—check out the tools found on Twellow® and Hootsuite® for help with this. Also, follow companies you may be interested in working with. • Get targeted job tweets sent to your Twitter feed or mobile device. INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 18. 18 | CAREERFORWARD 03SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH Popular sites Primary use Ideal for LinkedIn Professional networking and job search Tenured professionals and those who want to separate their social sites between life and work Facebook Comprehensive social networking Workers who often use a social site for both work and personal social activity Twitter Instant messaging and microblogging Online reputation building and appealing to employers INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 19. 19 | CAREERFORWARD 04WORKING WITH A RECRUITER More and more, top employers rely on staffing agencies and recruitment firms to help access the best talent in the marketplace. When recruiters develop a track record of locating qualified talent, a relationship of transparency and trust can develop that benefits all parties concerned. Although recruiters primarily work to place talent on behalf of their clients, as a candidate you may find that a professional recruiter can be a true advocate—providing you with helpful information as you launch your job search. But you don’t have to wait until you are in desperate need of a new job before making first contact with a recruiter. Take the time now to develop a foundational relationship built on networking, give-and-take, and information sharing. INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 20. 20 | CAREERFORWARD 04WORKING WITH A RECRUITER Search your own network Ask the most experienced professionals in your network to refer you to the recruiters they know. Reach out to members of organizations you belong to for referrals. The initial list might be small at first but don’t be discouraged. Review the profiles of recruiters that post positions online Do an online keyword search on LinkedIn® , TheLadders® , and Indeed® to look for recruiters in your area of specialty. Search recruiter directories and trade associations Some directories will be free and others will be fee based—but all will provide lists of recruiters and search firms for your field. Blogs and message boards may also contain recruiter referrals Career networking sites as well as alma maters and professional societies could be of assistance in connecting you with the appropriate recruiters. Join online recruiting groups and organizations Not only will you become visible to industry-specific recruiters, job opening information is often shared openly in these groups. You may also discover resources for assistance with résumés and other job search efforts. Remember, recruiters can open doors Recruiters may be the best way to get your foot in the door of a company, and they often have access to jobs that are not posted elsewhere. Recruiters often have insight into a company’s culture and salary structure—and can sometimes elevate your résumé from a black hole to a hiring manager’s inbox. Identify and connect with recruiters who specialize in your area of expertise INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 21. 21 | CAREERFORWARD 04WORKING WITH A RECRUITER Make a strong first impression Even though a recruiter is not a hiring manager, don’t treat your initial meeting casually. Present your best self to your recruiter, so they feel confident presenting you to hiring managers. Bring your A-Game, just as you would during a job interview. Be transparent Be open and honest with your recruiter. Share your career goals, salary requirements, geographical, employer or industry-specific desires or restrictions, and work preferences so that your recruiter can feel knowledgeable when presenting you to employers. Tell a recruiter if you’re working with other recruiters simultaneously—this is perfectly acceptable, but best to disclose up front. Rule of thumb suggests that you should pick no more than three recruiters to work with at one time to avoid going too broad. Communicate openly If you line up your own interview with an employer, let your recruiter know. Stay on your recruiter’s radar and check in every few weeks. Be patient Success doesn’t necessarily happen overnight, and the perfect job may not be available immediately. Develop a relationship of trust with your recruiter so that you feel comfortable soliciting honest feedback about your qualifications and fit for a position of interest—trust that your recruiter will know when an opportunity is right. Make referrals When appropriate, connect your recruiter with qualified friends and colleagues who are job searching. This will strengthen your relationship with your recruiter, while making yourself a valuable resource to others. Now that you have connected, make the most of the relationship by following these guidelines: It’s important to share your interview experiences with your recruiter. An open dialogue will help your recruiter be more helpful down the road. INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 22. 22 | CAREERFORWARD 04WORKING WITH A RECRUITER How a recruiter can help you connect with a specific opportunity After connecting via phone or email, a recruiter may send you a specific job posting to review—one that aligns with your goals and qualifications. Once you show interest, the recruiter may initiate a meeting—either on the phone, in person, or through email. The recruiter may make suggestions on ways to tailor your résumé to the assignment, position, or organization. If you reach the interview phase, your recruiter will help you prepare. Job offer? The recruiter will likely act as a liaison for the terms of offer and compensation. No offer? The recruiter will have specific feedback that will help you tailor your interview strategy in the future. INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 23. 23 | CAREERFORWARD 05IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ Your résumé makes an impression that can determine whether or not you’ll be invited for an interview. Your goal is to craft a powerful document that shows off your accomplishments, experience, skills, and strengths—getting you front and center with recruiters and hiring managers. INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 24. 24 | CAREERFORWARD 05IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ Customize your résumé so it’s as relevant as possible to the specific job for which you’re applying This can mean highlighting specific skills or experience differently for each application. Position yourself Including an “objective” statement on your résumé is outdated. Instead, use a strong positioning statement to show employers what you have to offer. For example: “Highly accomplished marketing professional with more than 10 years of experience developing multi-million-dollar product lines.” Be relevant Going back 10 years, list your experience and dates of employment in reverse chronological order. Include more dated positions only when they may be critical in helping you obtain a certain position. Showcase your accomplishments Highlight your most impressive projects, incorporating measurable results when possible. A statement such as “Developed new direct mail campaign, resulting in more than $4 million in yearly sales” is specific and accurately demonstrates abilities. Use action words such as developed, established, or managed, but omit personal pronouns. For example, use “accomplished” rather than “I accomplished.” Summarize your daily tasks Use bullet points to succinctly keep descriptions short, and avoid company lingo or acronyms. Include industry-related keywords Your résumé may be submitted or placed into a searchable database that uses software to locate specific keywords or phrases. Always include keywords related to your industry and incorporate keywords that are repeatedly mentioned in a job title, description, or posting. Be truthful False or misstated information can quickly cost you a job opportunity, or come back to bite you even after you get the job. Proofread Spell check your résumé and read it out loud multiple times. Then have a friend or colleague review it for mistakes you may have missed. Even one misspelled word can ruin your chances of getting an interview. Remember, if you are careless on your résumé, hiring managers may think you will be careless on the job, too. Update your LinkedIn® and other social media profiles Make sure the information on your résumé corresponds with the data on your LinkedIn and social media pages. INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS Résumé best practices SOURCES
- 25. 25 | CAREERFORWARD 05IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ Applicant tracking systems (ATS) are software programs designed to help employers electronically manage the recruiting process. When you submit your résumé online, it almost always goes first to an ATS where the information is parsed and loaded into a searchable database. Unfortunately, this means that any résumé that’s not structured in a manner the ATS recognizes won’t be interpreted correctly. Experts estimate that up to 75 percent of all résumés don’t get past these systems2 —but since they’re used by almost all companies and recruiting agencies, you need to make sure that your résumé will be processed correctly. Keep the following tips in mind: Use keywords and phrases that are specific to the job posting In addition to industry-related keywords, an ATS recognizes word combinations that are unique to each specific job posting,3 so pinpoint the most distinct phrases and repeat them in your résumé. Label your professional experience “Work Experience” This is the term most applicant tracking systems are programmed to recognize. Avoid terms such as “Professional Experience” or “Work History.” Don’t submit a PDF Most applicant tracking systems can’t process that file type. Instead, submit your résumé as a Word document, text file (.txt), or in rich text format (.rtf). Getting your résumé noticed INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 26. 26 | CAREERFORWARD 05IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ How you organize and format your résumé plays an important role in getting it noticed, as well as getting it past an ATS. Pay attention to the following points: Get organized Use simple categories to organize your résumé. Use the following categories: “Qualifications,” “Accomplishments,” “Work Experience,” “Education,” “Certifications,” and “Associations.” List the employer, job title, and employment dates—in that order In the “Work Experience” section, list the name of the company first. On the next line, list your job title and the dates of employment. List education, certifications, and associations last This information is important, but not more important than direct experience. Skip personal information such as hobbies or awards that have no professional relevance. Be concise Your résumé should be no more than two pages. Keep it simple Stick with a clean, simple, and professional look. Avoid multiple fonts, font sizes, and complicated formatting. Use white or off-white paper for print versions. Avoid using tables, multiple columns, graphics, and expanded or condensed text, as well as special characters, italics, and underlines3 Applicant tracking systems can’t correctly parse information presented in this manner. Use a standard font Arial, Verdana, Calibri, Georgia, and Tahoma are the best choices. Don’t include a headshot You should never include an image of yourself (unless you’re applying for a modeling, acting, or other type of performing job).4 The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission explicitly prohibits employers from discriminating against employees or candidates based on ethnicity, gender, religion, disability, age, national origin, or genetic information.5 Providing a photograph of yourself during the recruitment process can put employers in a difficult situation. Organization and formatting INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 27. 27 | CAREERFORWARD 05IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ If you’re a recent college graduate with little experience: • Highlight skills and experience that are important to the job you are applying for, such as classes, volunteer efforts, internships, and memberships in professional organizations. • Try a functional résumé rather than a chronological one, listing your skills and accomplishments first and putting less emphasis on your previous positions and dates of employment. Create a robust qualifications section that compensates for your lack of work experience. If you’re changing careers: • Consider using a functional résumé, which allows you to highlight transferable skills. If you have gaps in your work history: • Use your cover letter to explain how you’ve kept your skills up to date through temporary/contract assignments, volunteer work, and professional development courses. If you’ve had several temporary/ contract positions: • List temporary/contract positions in reverse chronological order, just as you would full-time positions. • If you worked with a staffing company, use its name as your employer, grouping all of your assignments together. Listing your GPA: • Academic accomplishments become less significant as work history develops so don’t include your GPA if you’ve been working for a few years. • An exception: If you are a recent graduate with a high GPA or degree from a distinguished university, list this information near the top of your résumé. Special circumstances/types of résumés INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 28. 28 | CAREERFORWARD 05IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ SAMPLE RÉSUMÉ ONE: CHRONOLOGICAL P/1 JOHN SMITH 123 Any Street Anytown, AT 12345 Phone: (123) 456-7890 Email: jsmith@anymail.com Qualifications Experienced management professional specializing in financial analysis, planning, and budgeting. Demonstrated expertise in and dedication to developing innovative process improvements that positively affect company profitability—with a consistent and documented record of creating positive organizational enhancements. Accomplishments • Deep knowledge of asset management/wealth development built through 6 years of business experience • Created and implemented strategic planning and analysis process resulting in more than 200 enhancements to client organization • Reduced labor costs by average of $500 per month by cutting 2 days off monthly close schedule • Commended by CFO for developing model for long-term forecast of accounts payable payments to determine cash requirements and timing of bank borrowing Work Experience Investment, Inc. – investment and consulting firm Finance and Administration Director 2012 – Present Directed accounting, finance, and operations for the North American consumer division. Major accomplishments include: • Drove improvement in operating profits for division resulting in $80 million increase over the course of 3 years • Led $30 million acquisition of new operating unit resulting in a 25% increase in market penetration • Implemented financial controls and managed $1.5 million budget • Drove implementation of the CST.2 Active Accounting System throughout branch offices resulting in increased efficiency and a $1 million YOY reduction in expenses • Reduced monthly receivable write-offs by $556,000 by developing and implementing restricted credit policies for the lowest margin customers • Designed executive management, financial, and operational reporting for more than 100 branches Planning Company, Inc. – publicly held capital management company Senior Financial Manager 2009 – 2012 Co-managed $5 – $10 million in domestic equities for private individuals. Selected securities, valued portfolios, traded equities, and built personal customer relationships. Developed valuation models and analytical framework for the equity management service. Major accomplishments include: • Allocated and oversaw $50 million in corporate cash for a large public company, helping to build and maintain the relationship for more than 3 years • Secured new client relationships that resulted in $3.5 million in new business • Analyzed more than 100 companies across various industries using traditional financial statement analysis, qualitative analysis, break-up, and comparative valuation methods • Won contract offering investment services through 14 branches of a local bank • Developed a rapidly growing brokerage clientele of 275 accounts. Products included mutual funds, stocks, bonds, individual and company retirement plans, insurance, and annuities • Managed team of 7 financial managers INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 29. 29 | CAREERFORWARD 05IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ SAMPLE RÉSUMÉ ONE: CHRONOLOGICAL P/2 Interactive Company, Inc. – Management Consulting and Registered Commodity Trading Firm Senior Financial Analyst 2006 – 2009 Financial Analyst 2005 – 2006 Provided customized analysis, software, charting, and data for clients. Major accomplishments include: • Expanded proprietary database to include numerous unique data sets, particularly in the cash commodity markets • Created 20 new and innovative products to meet specific customer needs • User liaison for billing system in place in 40 offices throughout U.S.; new system showed decrease in overdue accounts resulting in 34% more billable revenue each month Education Master of Business Administration in Finance 2010 Any State University, Anytown, Any State Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance 2004 Any State University, Anytown, Any State Associations Board of Directors – Anytown Foundation • Responsible for organizing and managing monthly and yearly financial records Fundraising Committee Chair – Any Foundation • Raised donation in excess of $75,000 • Organized and managed fundraising efforts INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 30. 30 | CAREERFORWARD 05IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ SAMPLE RÉSUMÉ TWO: FUNCTIONAL P/1 JOHN SMITH 123 Any Street, Anytown, AT 12345 Phone: (123) 456-7890 Email: jsmith@anymail.com QUALIFICATIONS • Executive-level, strategic marketing, and product development professional in the financial services industry • Advanced strategic marketing and promotions • Extensive direct-to-consumer and business-to-business experience • P/L management • Online and traditional product development • Budget administration • Recognized leadership and team building ACCOMPLISHMENTS Strategic Marketing Significant accomplishments include: • Generated $41 million in annual organic growth with $500,000 marketing investment through client-focused lead generation, advertising, and promotion efforts • Development and execution of vertical industry strategy resulting in annual division revenue increases of 38% depth of online product offerings, resulting in new account growth averaging 37% per year • Led expansion efforts by identifying and capitalizing profitable markets, increasing branch coverage by 25% • Led insurance investment group through intensive overhaul of sales and marketing approach that increased penetration into personal investing by 20% and division revenue by 23% in 2007 • Improved online lead generation activity by 9,500 active leads each month • Worked directly with CEO to develop strategic marketing plan and determine corporate direction • Leveraged CRM data to develop models to identify customers at greatest risk of decline. Developed and implemented strategies to help retain key customers, resulting in consistent double-digit YOY growth for this segment New Product Development Significant accomplishments include: • New product development resulting in more than $200 million in additional yearly revenue • Developed premium account product for high-volume clients, which increased account penetration by 46% in the financial services market • Developed and introduced specialty product for the business-to-business market, which drove an additional contribution of $80 million in the first year • Enhanced existing offline products for the consumer market, improving margin by 24% • Introduced more than 50 enhancements to existing online product, resulting in 200% more repeat visitors to consumer website • Established formalized product life cycle management approach, resulting in 10% YOY growth in niche markets • Generated comprehensive product plans to address challenges and exploit opportunities identified in product review INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 31. 31 | CAREERFORWARD 05IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ SAMPLE RÉSUMÉ TWO: FUNCTIONAL P/2 Leadership and Talent Management Significant accomplishments include: • Lead cross-functional teams responsible for new product development, product management, marketing, and promotions • Motivated teams to regularly exceed targets and financial forecasts • Built national team of 30 marketing professionals that drove sales growth an average of 34% at the branch level • Identified and promoted key performers within the organization • Retained marketing team at 95% over a 5-year period WORK EXPERIENCE Investing Company, Inc., Anytown, AT A publicly held investment firm with 200 locations worldwide Vice President of Marketing 2014 to Present Planning Company, Inc., Anytown, AT A national financial planning agency with more than 100 locations nationwide Director of Product Development and Marketing 2010 to 2014 Financial Investments, Anytown, AT A boutique financial planning agency specializing in environmentally responsible investments Marketing Manager 2008 to 2010 Associate Marketing Manager 2005 to 2008 EDUCATION Master of Business Administration Any University, Anytown, AT Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting Any University, Anytown, AT INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 32. 32 | CAREERFORWARD 06THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER A well-written cover letter should be a part of any job search strategy. It provides an additional opportunity to market yourself and can establish you as a serious candidate, as well as set you apart from other applicants. Follow the advice ahead to create a truly effective cover letter. INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 33. 33 | CAREERFORWARD 06THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER A cover letter is a letter of introduction that highlights your key accomplishments and qualifications for a job opening. A cover letter adds focus to your résumé and should leave the reader with an understanding of the type of position that you are seeking. Unlike your résumé, your cover letter is an opportunity to reveal why you are passionate about the position, and should be used to convey pertinent information not captured in a traditional résumé format. Even though much of the job application process is now online, few employers seriously consider a résumé that is not accompanied by a cover letter. Don’t treat the cover letter as an afterthought in the application process—make the time investment so that you increase your chances of receiving the coveted interview invitation. • Tailor each cover letter to the position and employer. • Be brief. Get to the point quickly. If it looks like a long read, it will likely be discarded. • Identify yourself, leveraging any connection points you may have with the company or reader. • Sell yourself! Show your passion and demonstrate your communication skills. Focus on your fit for the position and company, highlighting your 3 major accomplishments. • Explain unique circumstances such as employment gaps, career changes, relocations, or re- introduction into the job market. • Include your LinkedIn® profile and relevant website links as well as your reason for including them in your cover letter, but don’t overdo it. • End the letter by requesting an interview or meeting. What is a cover letter? INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 34. 34 | CAREERFORWARD 06THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER COVER LETTER FORMAT Use the following template to help you write an effective cover letter introduction, main body, and closing. Your name Mailing address City, State, and ZIP Code Telephone number(s) Email address LinkedIn profile Today’s date Addressee’s name Professional title Organization name Mailing address City, State, and ZIP Code Dear Mr. (or Ms.) last name, Introduction: Begin with a statement that establishes a connection with your reader, such as a headline or a probing question. Briefly state what job you are applying for. Main body: The body should be one to two short paragraphs that make relevant points about your qualifications. Do not summarize your résumé! Choose some qualifications that really target the position you are interested in, but fight the tendency to oversell at this point. Demonstrate your passion and quickly share any additional information about yourself that could be relevant to the position. Closing: Your closing should initiate action by explaining what you will do next (e.g., call the employer) or motivate the reader to contact you to set up an interview. Always close by showing appreciation. Sincerely yours, Your signature (handwritten) Your name (typed) Enclosure: Résumé INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 35. 35 | CAREERFORWARD 06THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER SAMPLE OF AN EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER John Smith 123 Any Street Anytown, AT 12345 123.456.7890 jsmith@anymail.com LinkedIn profile URL Today’s date Jane Jones CEO Any Company, Inc. 123 Any Street Anytown, AT 12345 Dear Ms. Jones: I read with interest your requirements for an account supervisor. I am interested in working for a dynamic and fast growing interactive marketing firm such as yours and have noted your progress since your company started in 2001. In my position at Any Advertising, I was responsible for managing more than $17 million in national advertising revenue, along with developing and executing new online and offline initiatives designed to motivate consumer purchases and increase revenue. As the lead member of the account team, I was responsible for moving overall client retention from 76 percent to 92 percent, as well as growing several key verticals. I believe I can bring a high level of expertise and experience to your organization while making an immediate impact. The attached résumé and my LinkedIn profile provide more detail about my experience and accomplishments. If it appears that my qualifications meet your current needs, I would be happy to further discuss my background in a meeting with you. I will be contacting you the week of September 1 to follow up and schedule a personal interview. Thank you. Sincerely yours, John Smith Enclosure: Résumé INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 36. 36 | CAREERFORWARD 07NAILING THE INTERVIEW No matter how impressive your résumé is, a great interview is the key to landing your dream job. Here’s what you need to know! INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 37. 37 | CAREERFORWARD 07NAILING THE INTERVIEW • Be ready to verbally walk interviewers through your résumé. Interviewers typically expect you to give a clear and succinct overview of each section. • Understand how your experience, skills, background and aspirations relate to the position. Interviewers want to understand how your accomplishments will translate into their company’s environment, so be prepared to give examples. • Play to your strengths. Identify areas where you can offer the most value. • Don’t ignore your shortcomings. Remember, no one is perfect. If you have a specific weakness, be honest and share the specific steps you are taking to improve. Describe a situation in which you put your improvement plan into action. • Give examples. Be prepared to describe specific situations in which you made a real impact. Think of a time when your contributions made a real difference. • Expand on your résumé; use the interview to explain the “why” and “how” behind your accomplishments, or share new accomplishments not highlighted on your résumé. • Share your goals. Talk about your short- and long-term career goals. Interviewers want to know you’re career-minded and not just looking for a job. Know yourself inside and out INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 38. 38 | CAREERFORWARD 07NAILING THE INTERVIEW Research the company, industry, and position. This shows that you’re prepared and serious about the job. A company’s website will often include information on the history of the organization as well as its vision, mission, and goals. If the company is publicly traded, its annual reports can provide an overview of its products, services, and finances. • Explain how you can contribute. The question on every interviewer’s mind is: “what can you do for us?” Give specific examples of how you can help the company meet its mission, goals, and objectives. • Understand the organizational structure, and how this position fits into that structure. This will help you form relevant questions about your career path while demonstrating your interest in the job. • Know the company’s competition, and how the company differs from others. Demonstrate your interest in the industry and marketplace. • Make your interest known. Tell the interviewer specifically why this particular position, company, and industry appeal to you. Do your homework INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 39. 39 | CAREERFORWARD 07NAILING THE INTERVIEW Below are some sample work-related questions: • What are your long-term/short-term career goals? • What are the most important qualities you look for in a company, position, and manager? Why are they important? • Why are you seeking a change in employment? • What would be your next position if you stayed with your current employer? • Describe one of your greatest accomplishments in a previous position. • Do you prefer a slow- or fast-paced environment? • Would you rather be part of a group, or lead? • How do you work under pressure? • How would co-workers describe your strengths and weaknesses? • What professional skills are you currently working to improve? • Describe how others perceive you as a manager. • Describe how you meet deadlines and goals. • What are the keys to successful business relationships? • What was your biggest challenge in a previous position? • What is missing in your current role? All the right questions The interviewer will ask work- and behavior-based questions about your past employment, your current position and responsibilities, and your long-term career goals. Respond truthfully, and with an upbeat, confident tone. Avoid negative answers and instead emphasize the positive. Focus on your professional accomplishments, and make your answers concise but informative. Be sure not to go off topic or discuss your personal life. Note: Remember that all the questions in this section are only samples, and variations will occur in the interview. You should expect that at least three questions from each category would be asked during the interview process. INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 40. 40 | CAREERFORWARD 07NAILING THE INTERVIEW Below are some sample behavior-based questions: • Tell me about a situation in which you had to make a quick decision. • Describe how you’ve led a cross-functional team. What were the results? • Describe a situation with a difficult customer, and the outcome. • Tell me about the best decision you made. • How do you make sure you understand your customer’s needs? • Tell me about a time when you went the extra mile to support your team and explain how you did it. • Describe a time when you were involved in a stressful situation, but still got the job done. • Tell me about a time when you had to deal with conflict with a team member. • Tell me about a time when you had to show leadership among your peers/team. Behavior-based questions Employers frequently use behavior- based questions to gauge an employee’s past behavior and future performance. All answers to behavior- based questions should follow this structure: first describe the situation, explain what you did to impact the situation, and then highlight the end results. Interviewers may not always be looking for a success story. If you’re asked about a situation that went wrong, describe how you dealt with it, what you learned, and what steps you took to create a positive outcome. INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 41. 41 | CAREERFORWARD 07NAILING THE INTERVIEW Company focused: • How would you describe the culture? • Where do you see the company among the competition? • What’s the management style? • Who thrives in this type of work environment? • What makes you want to work here? • What are the pros and cons of the company? Department focused: • Where does this position fit in the organizational structure? • What concerns are currently facing this department? • Who would I be interacting with the most in this position, and what are those individuals like? • What is the culture of the department, and what types of personalities work well within it? Questions for the interviewer It’s just as important to ask questions as it is to answer them during a job interview. By asking informed questions, you show the interviewer that you have a strong, proactive interest in the company and the position. Following are some of the questions you could ask: INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 42. 42 | CAREERFORWARD 07NAILING THE INTERVIEW Position focused: • Describe a typical day. • What characteristics would the ideal candidate for this position possess? • How is performance measured? • What are the goals for this position? • How does the position align with the priorities established for the organization as a whole? • What is the success profile for the position and why? • What areas of my background can I further clarify for you? • How do you feel my experience and personality would fit in this position? • Is there any additional information that I can provide to demonstrate that I am the ideal candidate for this position? • What’s the next step? INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 43. 43 | CAREERFORWARD 07NAILING THE INTERVIEW • Print reference documents. During a phone interview, it’s perfectly acceptable to have printed documents to refer to. Be sure to print your résumé, questions for the interviewer, and a list of your accomplishments. These documents will provide you with points of reference throughout the interview. • Eliminate distractions. Make sure the environment in your home or office is clear of people and unnecessary noise. • Show enthusiasm. The first 15 seconds of a phone interview are critical and the way you answer the phone is important. Speak clearly, distinctly, and with confidence. • Establish a connection. Ask about the interviewer’s experience with the company or mention something you have read about the company. • Confirm information. At the close of the interview, be sure to confirm the interviewer’s title, name spelling, and street or email address. Then, use this information to send a thank you note or email. Phoning it in Before an in-person interview, you may be asked to complete a phone interview. Phone interviews are similar to in-person interviews, but they are also a unique opportunity that can give you an advantage prior to meeting an employer. Take the following suggestions into consideration to help you prepare for a phone interview. INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 44. 44 | CAREERFORWARD 07NAILING THE INTERVIEW Video interviews Make sure that the background projects a professional environment void of obvious distractions. Be sure that the camera is angled to provide the best view of you. Line up your computer screen with the camera as you talk to the interviewer. Try to limit sudden or nervous movements, which could be annoying to the interviewer. You should dress professionally, just as you would for an in-person interview, being mindful of colors that work well on video. Panel interviews Greet everyone on the interview panel when you walk in. If you must, write down each person’s name and title so that you can address them personally throughout the interview. Engage with each interviewer throughout the interview and make sure that your comments and questions are relevant to each person in the room. Send individual thank you notes to each panel member after the interview. Group interviews A candidate’s ability to collaborate and function in a team is often evaluated in this interview format. The interview may test multiple applicants at once via group exercises, exams, and scenarios to determine which applicants demonstrate leadership, creativity, confidence, and decisiveness in working towards a solution. Additional interview formats In addition to telephone interviews, there are also other types of interview formats that have become increasingly popular and their use varies widely from company to company. Video interviews, panel interviews, and even group interviews should all be prepared for a little differently than the traditional one- on-one interview. INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 45. 45 | CAREERFORWARD 07NAILING THE INTERVIEW Additional considerations Certain aspects of an interview may not have much to do with your qualifications, but will still speak volumes about the kind of employee you are. Consider the following tips to make a good impression from start to finish: INTERVIEW ETIQUETTE • Don’t be late. Factor in extra time for traffic and parking, and try to arrive about 10 minutes early. • Don’t use your cell phone. Turn it completely off, or leave it in your car. • Leave food items at home. This includes coffee and gum. Bringing these items into an interview is considered unprofessional. • Treat everyone you meet as if they were the interviewer. This shows your ability to respect everyone at the company. • Don’t be fooled by a casual setting. You’re always interviewing, no matter whom you’re talking to or where you are. Always stay professional! • Don’t read directly from your résumé. An interviewer will expect you to succinctly summarize your experience, without relying on your résumé for help. • Bringing up money during an interview can send the wrong message. Wait to discuss salary and benefits until the employer brings it up. • Reiterate your interest. Towards the end of the interview, remind the interviewer of your interest and ask about next steps. • Say thank you. Show your appreciation for the opportunity, and tell the interviewer you look forward to speaking to them again. Coming to a close The last impression you make is just as important as the first. The end of the interview is your final chance to let the employer know that you’re the best person for the job. Tell the interviewer that you feel positive about the position and about working for the company. Ask how you compare to other qualified candidates and whether you can share any additional information about yourself. Express appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Finally, thank the interviewer for their time and ask about next steps, including when you can expect to hear back, and who to contact for updates. INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 46. 46 | CAREERFORWARD 07NAILING THE INTERVIEW VERBAL COMMUNICATION • Use correct pronunciation. If an interviewer has a name that’s difficult to pronounce, be sure to practice ahead of time. Or, ask for clarification at the beginning of the interview. • Listen carefully. Allow the interviewer to finish speaking before you respond. And, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if you don’t understand a question. • Respond concisely. Don’t ramble or veer off topic. • Pay attention to non-verbal cues. Be attuned to the interviewer’s body language and expressions and adjust your responses accordingly. But never be tentative about sharing your skills and abilities. • Avoid inappropriate language. Cursing or using slang can cause an interview to end quickly. • Don’t be negative. Never share negative information about previous employers or co-workers. Doing so communicates that you are more likely to complain than to try to fix problems. NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION • Dress the part. Professional dress is always appropriate, whether you’re interviewing at a large corporation or a small agency. Keep accessories, makeup, and cologne to a minimum. • Take notes. Document important information that the interviewer shares. This demonstrates that you take the interview seriously. • Give a firm handshake. It shows self-confidence. • Maintain eye contact. A lack of eye contact can indicate insecurity. • Be positive. Focus on using a positive tone of voice and facial expressions. Keep your voice strong, steady, and confident, and maintain a calm and composed appearance. • Avoid overconfidence. Keep a careful balance between confidence and respect. Interviewers are looking for a team player, not a self-promoter. INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 47. 47 | CAREERFORWARD 08FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW Your work isn’t done when the interview ends— this is the time to be outstanding in the follow up. Within a day, take the following actions to be established as a frontrunner. INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 48. 48 | CAREERFORWARD 08FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW Think about how the interview went. Focus on your own impressions, and don’t try to guess what the interviewer thought. Consider the following questions and write the answers down so you can refer to them later: • What exactly was discussed? • What were your strong points? • What do you wish you had done differently? If you spoke with more than one interviewer, repeat this process for each conversation. You’ll use this data to personalize your follow-up messages to each person. An interview isn’t just an employer’s chance to evaluate your fit, it’s also your opportunity to assess a position and company. Ask yourself the following questions: • Now that the interview is over, are you still interested in the opportunity? • How does the opportunity fit in with your career goals? • How does the opportunity compare with others that you’re considering? • What did you like or dislike about the opportunity, the company, and the people? Conduct a self-assessment INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 49. 49 | CAREERFORWARD 08FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW Following up with your interviewer(s) is a critical step that can make a big difference. Send an email, letter, or note to each interviewer Thank each of them for their time and reiterate your interest in the position. To decide whether to write a handwritten note or typed letter versus an email, consider the conservative or casual nature of the company, the industry, and the position level. For example, the more traditional a company, the more its people will likely appreciate a handwritten note or letter. Your communication should strike a balance between gratitude and self-promotion. Briefly summarize your strengths, explaining why your skills are a good fit for the position, and what you can do to help the company. Be sure to review your communication for errors, and have a friend proofread it as well. If you need additional help, refer to the sample letter provided on the next page. Highlight and emphasize to stand out In individual correspondences, emphasize one element of your conversation with the recipient. This will help you stand out among other candidates. Fix a missed opportunity If you feel you missed an opportunity to discuss something, briefly touch upon it in your correspondence in a manner that invites further conversation.6 For example, if the interviewer spoke about the company’s plans to increase its focus on mobile advertising campaigns and you failed to mention your experience with mobile marketing, write something such as, “I’m excited to talk more about your intention to amp up the mobile aspect of your marketing campaigns. In my previous job, I successfully managed the mobile advertising for a new product launch and I believe my experience could be beneficial.” Interview follow up and thank you INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 50. 50 | CAREERFORWARD 08FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW SAMPLE FOLLOW-UP LETTER Today’s date Jane Jones CEO Any Company, Inc. 123 Any Street Anytown, AT 12345 RE: Interview Follow up Dear Ms. Jones: Thank you for taking the time to meet with me. I enjoyed learning more about your company’s unique mission, culture, and impressive accomplishments. I appreciate the opportunity to be considered for the insert job/position title at Any Company. Given my unique experience and qualifications, I’m excited about the prospect of a career at Any Company. If I can provide additional information, or answer any outstanding questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at any time. Thank you again for your time and consideration. Sincerely, John Smith INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 51. 51 | CAREERFORWARD 08FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW Next steps after follow up and thank you After your initial interview follow up, it is a best practice to wait one week and reach out by telephone. Depending upon the feedback that you received from the employer or your recruiter regarding the hiring timeline, plan additional follow up as necessary. For example, if they anticipate a lengthy hiring process of a month or more, consider following up again one month after your interview. If you don’t hear back within the timeline, it is probably time to move on. But don’t be discouraged— with each interview you are learning more about yourself and perfecting your interviewing skills. Dealing with rejection If you hear back from the interviewer and you haven’t been selected, it’s still important to remain professional and positive. Thank the person for informing you, and ask if he or she can share any feedback about your interview that you could use for future reference. If the answer is yes, then take the time to evaluate the feedback carefully. If the answer is no, at least it indicates that you’re interested in improving, which might prompt a hiring manager to consider you for other opportunities. INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 52. 52 | CAREERFORWARD 09AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT If your interview went well, you could soon receive an offer of employment. But did you know that preparing for an offer is just as important as preparing for an interview? Preparing for an offer will help you make a decision based on all the available information. INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 53. 53 | CAREERFORWARD 09AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT Note that when performing research about the offer, it’s important to protect yourself so your current employer doesn’t find out you’re considering another position. After all, you might wind up declining the offer, so you don’t want to set off any alarm bells that could jeopardize your employment situation. Avoid doing any searches pertaining to the offered position during work hours or on devices that belong to your employer. For example, don’t look up salary information about positions with the new company on your computer at work—wait until you’re home and can use a device of your own. At the same time, if you ask colleagues, friends, and family for insights about the new job, avoid doing so in a manner that could come to your employer’s attention on social media, or in an email on your company account. In short, conduct your information gathering on your own time, on your own devices, and in private communications. The first thing to understand is how long you have to consider the offer, and commit to making a decision within the allotted time. INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 54. 54 | CAREERFORWARD 09AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT The opportunity evaluation • Think about what you needed and wanted when you first considered making a change. Does this opportunity (company, people, position, compensation, etc.) satisfy your needs and provide what you wanted? • How does this position enhance your career? Think about where you might end up 3 to 5 years from now if you were to take the position. Does this trajectory correspond with your career plans? Are there opportunities for overseas assignments, cutting-edge work, and/or advancement to a leadership position? • Would you feel proud to work for this company? Is it financially stable? • Does the corporate culture match your own values, attitudes, and goals? • Do you like the people you would work for and with? Would they positively influence your skill set and career? • How do the non-monetary benefits compare to those at your current job and those at other companies you may be considering? Non-monetary benefits typically include healthcare options, 401(k), stock options, relocation packages, and perks such as gym memberships, company day care, flexible work arrangements, and even reimbursement for the costs of commuting. Evaluate the monetary value of these benefits and consider how they would impact your disposable income. If you find this difficult, it’s worthwhile consulting with a financial advisor who can inform you as to the actual value of what’s on the table. The following key questions will help you evaluate how well the opportunity fits you—and ultimately, whether you think this opportunity will have a positive impact on your career. INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 55. 55 | CAREERFORWARD 09AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT • Ask for a copy of the company’s employment terms and conditions, as well as its employee handbook. They may contain additional information that can help sway your decision one way or another. • Consider and disclose any conflicts that may arise from existing employment agreements. • Have you spoken with friends, family, or colleagues to gain additional insight? Sometimes, hearing other perspectives can help you make a decision. • Make sure you have all the information you need in order to make your best decision. What do you need to know that you didn’t know before an offer of employment was extended? • If you are clear with what you need and want in advance, and this opportunity fits, don’t pass it up. The first opportunity may be the best one out there. INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 56. 56 | CAREERFORWARD 09AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT The salary negotiation • Do your research. Use salary websites such as Glassdoor® or Salary.com, professional associations, or job boards to determine the compensation of those in similar positions. Remember that compensation can vary by geography, so make sure your research accurately reflects the appropriate marketplace. If the position involves relocation, use a cost of living calculator like this one from CNN Money to estimate the actual value of the salary in the new location. • Do not base your expectations on what you think someone else makes. No 2 people are the same, nor are 2 opportunities. If your friend has a similar position at a similar company, you might not earn the same salary. In fact, you might be able to earn more. • When compensation discussions have been introduced by the company, know your 3 compensation numbers: 1. Target number—This is your ideal compensation. At this amount, you would immediately accept an offer of employment. 2. Minimum number—Although this amount may be lower than you’d like, you’ll still accept this offer because the overall opportunity is the best option for you. Be sure not to pass up a good opportunity simply because you want (not need) more money. If everything about a particular opportunity is better than your current job except compensation, you may still be better off. 3. Turn down number—This is $1 less than your minimum number. An offer of this amount would cause you to turn down an offer. You would be willing to accept anything greater than your turn down number. • Know when to negotiate. If the offer comes in lower than expected, politely request a conversation with the hiring manager and clearly state your Once you’ve weighed the non-monetary aspects of the opportunity, your final step is to prepare for compensation discussions or even a negotiation. Here are some factors to consider: INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 57. 57 | CAREERFORWARD 09AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT reservations.7 This provides the company with the information it needs to partially or entirely meet your demands. • Be open to compromise. An offer may not always be the exact number you want, so be willing to compromise. • Focus on financials. At this point, you’ve already considered other aspects of the job, so limit your decision to financial issues. • Understand counteroffers. Counteroffers are polite declines that leave the door open for further discussions. If the company makes its own counteroffer, you must be prepared to make an immediate decision. • Avoid emotional negotiating. Overly negative or positive reactions can send up red flags. In fact, some companies start low as a strategy to see how one responds. Your reaction can say more about you than your decision. INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 58. 58 | CAREERFORWARD 09AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT STEPS FOR REJECTING THE OFFER: • If you have received an offer of employment but have decided not to accept the offer, call the recruiter or hiring manager as soon as possible to verbally decline the opportunity and to express gratitude for receiving the offer of employment. • Immediately follow the verbal decline with a written communication. Avoid lengthy explanations. Simply state that the opportunity was not the right fit due to timing or other external factors, so that you keep yourself in good standing for future consideration.8 • Move on—don’t second guess your decision or spend time feeling guilty. • When declining the offer, be concise and follow this 3-point rule: 1. Express gratitude 2. Be polite 3. Wish the recruiter or employer well Offer rejection Try not to let the offer reach the salary stage if you know you will decline it based on other important factors. INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 59. 59 | CAREERFORWARD 09AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT Offer acceptance STEPS FOR ACCEPTING THE OFFER: • After receiving the offer in writing, review it thoroughly to ensure that it contains all of the items that you discussed during the negotiation stage (position title, salary, bonus entitlements, leave time, and starting date). • If all of the information is in order, call the recruiter or hiring manager to verbally express gratitude and accept the offer. If adjustments to the letter are needed, then you should request to have the letter updated before verbally accepting. • Immediately follow the verbal acceptance with a written letter of acceptance. • In your acceptance, make sure that you thank the manager for the opportunity, and for granting the terms of employment at the stated salary in the offer. You should also give thanks for any special incentives or conditions that were attached to your offer of employment.9 • Finally, immediately after accepting the offer, send a thank you note to everyone that you met with during the interview process. It will show each person how much you appreciate the opportunity and get you off on the right foot—since you may even work with some of these individuals when you start your new position. After accepting the offer Take the next steps. Once you’ve accepted an offer, you’ll want to do the following in order to indicate that you’re fully committed to your decision: • Resign from your current position, and give at least 2 weeks’ notice. • Cancel all other remaining interviews. • Be prepared to turn down a counteroffer from your current employer. The company’s opportunity to keep you with the organization has already passed (see The counteroffer dilemma for more). • Remove your résumé from job websites. • Contact your recruiters and let them know you are no longer in the job market. INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 60. 60 | CAREERFORWARD Once you’ve handed in your resignation to your current employer, your company might make you a counteroffer in an attempt to entice you to stay. This is a relatively common occurrence that can lead you into a sticky situation if not handled carefully. THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 10 INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 61. 61 | CAREERFORWARD THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA However tempting a counteroffer may sound, you’re best advised to think your situation through very carefully before accepting or declining. Since you most likely haven’t disclosed why you’re leaving, your employer can only guess as to the driving factors behind your resignation. This means that what’s on the table with the counteroffer is unlikely to address all of your reasons for wanting to move on. For example, in most cases a counteroffer involves a raise or a promotion—both of which can be attractive. However, if you’re leaving due to inflexible work arrangements, a lack of challenging projects, or differences between your values and those of the company, the situation isn’t going to improve with a higher salary or a different job title. Even if your present employer is willing to negotiate and meet your demands, it’s important to note that, according to the National Employment Association, an astounding 80 percent of professionals who accept a counteroffer leave the company within six months.10 This can be due to an employer’s failure to deliver on promised changes or simply because the trust between the employee and his or her manager has diminished as a result of the earlier intention to leave the company. An astounding 80 percent of professionals who accept a counteroffer leave the company within six months.10 10 INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 62. 62 | CAREERFORWARD THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA A counteroffer of more money • If your employer has offered you a salary increase, ask yourself why the company suddenly considers you more valuable. In a work environment where you’re respected and valued for the work you do, you shouldn’t have to announce you’re leaving in order to be offered a raise. • It may be that your employer considers it less expensive to offer you more money than to train your replacement. • Your employer may simply be buying additional time until your replacement can be found, and that replacement may be willing to work for less money. • It’s also possible that the raise you’ve been offered is the same one that’s due you upon your next review. • Never use a counteroffer to renegotiate with your new employer. Doing so may negatively influence your new employer’s perception of you. A counteroffer of additional responsibility • If your employer offers you more responsibility, it raises the question: why are you suddenly deemed capable of taking on more? • If offered a promotion, it could be that your present employer wants to appease you but isn’t able to provide the interesting and/or challenging work you’re looking for. Diminished credibility • Even if your current employer makes a counteroffer, your manager may have felt betrayed when you announced your decision to leave. And when there’s a loss of trust between manager and employee, it’s hard to gain it back. As a result, your chances of promotion may be diminished down the road. • Accepting a counteroffer will negatively impact your prospective employer. When you accept a counteroffer, you’ve wasted their time by giving mixed signals with regard to your intentions— trust is lost, and you probably won’t be considered for future opportunities with that employer. • Your recruiter, and anyone else who helped you secure the new position, may also feel slighted and may be less likely to help you in the future. Just remember that you began your job search for very specific reasons and a counteroffer may not address your key issues. Remember that there are risks with any path you choose but when it makes sense, don’t be afraid to stand firm and graciously decline a counteroffer—and embrace the new opportunity you’ve earned for yourself. When faced with a counteroffer, consider these important points:10 INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 63. 63 | CAREERFORWARD THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT Once you’ve landed the new job, you still need to make a professional exit from your current employer. The following guidelines will help you leave on good terms and maintain the positive relationships you’ve built. 11 INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 64. 64 | CAREERFORWARD THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT Prepare a resignation letter Express your gratitude for the experiences you’ve had at the company; thank your manager and compliment the organization and your colleagues. Indicate when your last day will be, and mention that the decision to leave is one that helps you move your career forward. Resign in person To be completely professional, notify your manager in person before you tell any of your colleagues. Give him or her a hard copy of your resignation letter. Refrain from giving your reasons for leaving, and don’t reveal your new employer Though your manager will likely inquire why you’re moving on and which company you’re joining, you’re under no obligation to tell him or her. In fact, it’s advisable to keep this information to yourself, just in case you run into obstacles during the resignation process. Coordinate with your supervisor on how and when to inform your colleagues Some managers prefer to make an announcement during a meeting, while others prefer that you compose a group email. Work with your supervisor to determine what will be the least disruptive and most effective method. Send your resignation letter via email Using a personal email account, follow up by sending your resignation letter to both your manager and your Human Resources department. This ensures you have a digital record of tendering your resignation.11 Withdraw from the job market Notify everyone who’s actively involved in your job search, including recruiters, colleagues, and professional connections. Thank them for their time and assistance. Make sure any upcoming interviews are cancelled. Remove your résumé from the Internet Your new employer shouldn’t see your résumé still making the rounds. It could be perceived as a lack of commitment. Connect with your current Human Resources department Confirm the grace periods and continuation provisions of your benefits. 11 INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 65. 65 | CAREERFORWARD THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT Be graceful and professional This is not the time to burn bridges. Unless your contract states otherwise, at a minimum give the standard two weeks’ notice. Anything less is unprofessional. Anything more is often appreciated, since it gives your employer more time to find a replacement. Offer to train your replacement This ensures that your essential duties are covered once you leave. Leave detailed work instructions/ project status updates This will help your manager, team, and/or replacement forge ahead without missing a beat. Resist the temptation to update your professional social media profiles Out of respect for your current employer, wait until after you’ve started your new position to update your profiles with your new employment information. Inform stakeholders and clients Make sure to communicate to any stakeholders and clients that you’re leaving, and inform them who will be replacing you. Encourage them to reach out while you’re still at the company if they have any questions or concerns. Keep working hard Continue to put in as much effort during your notice period as you did on your first day. Don’t miss work or come in late. Thank your co-workers and supervisors Avoid making negative statements about your company and/or colleagues, and don’t gloat about your new opportunity in person, through email, or on social media. You don’t want unprofessional statements coming back to haunt you. Leave on good terms Don’t air your grievances about issues you faced at work—you never know whom you may be working with or for in the future. Depart professionally Make sure your company-issued devices are turned in promptly and that your workspace is pristine when you leave. Remove any personal items, and organize both your digital and hardcopy files properly. And finally, don’t feel guilty about leaving! Remind yourself of your reasons for moving on, and focus on the new opportunity ahead of you. Exit etiquette11 INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 66. 66 | CAREERFORWARD THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT SAMPLE RESIGNATION LETTER Today’s date John Smith Insert company name 123 Any Street Anytown, AT 12345 Dear Mr. Smith: Please accept this letter as my formal notice of resignation from insert company name, effective insert date. I trust the traditional two weeks’ notice is sufficient to transition my responsibilities and commence the process of identifying a replacement. If there is anything that I can do to ensure a seamless transition, please let me know. I wish you and the entire team at insert company name the best of luck in the future. Sincerely, Jane Jones, IT systems engineer 11 INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS SOURCES
- 67. 67 | CAREERFORWARD 12WHERE KELLY COMES IN At Kelly Services® , we’re dedicated to providing the resources and tools necessary for success. For 70 years, we’ve been working with thousands of the nation’s top employers to set the bar high when it comes to the recruitment and retention of valuable employees. SO WHY WORK WITH KELLY? The competition is tough. But if you have the right skills and the desire to succeed, partnering with Kelly is a smart way to explore all your employment options and be exposed to jobs you won’t see anywhere else. Visit kellyservices.us today to find out more about how we can assist you in your job search! Also, visit kellycareernetwork.com for the latest job postings. Staffing Solutions Contract Contract to Hire Direct Hire Areas of Expertise Contact Center Creative Services Education Engineering Finance and Accounting Government Healthcare Information Technology Law Manufacturing and Logistics Marketing Office Science INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOB SEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS | kellyservices.us SOURCES
- 68. SOURCES: INTRODUCTION 01 NETWORKING OPENS DOORS 02 JOBSEEKING WHILE EMPLOYED 03 SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 04 WORKING WITH A RECRUITER 05 IMPRESS WITH YOUR RÉSUMÉ 06 THE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 07 NAILING THE INTERVIEW 08 FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW 09 AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT 10 THE COUNTEROFFER DILEMMA 11 THE PROFESSIONAL EXIT 12 WHERE KELLY COMES IN HOME CONTENTS theweek.com.articke.index/252204 theweek.com.articke.index/252204 http://blog.timesunion.com/careers/the-8-keys-to-networking/348/ http://www.forbes.com/sites/dailymuse/2012/04/10/5-new-ways-to-network-that-you-wont-dread/ http://www.askmen.com/money/successful_100/106b_success.html http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/229440 http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/5-less-obvious-ways-to-network-with-people/ http://www.doncooper.com/27-great-networking-questions-to-ask/ 1 Jobvite; Social Recruiting Survey Results 2014 2 http://biginterview.com/blog/2015/03/applicant-tracking-system.html 3 http://www.cio.com/article/2398753/careers-staffing/5-insider-secrets-for-beating-applicant-tracking- 4 http://www.personalbrandingblog.com/your-resume-should-not-include-a-headshot/ 5 http://www.eeoc.gov/laws/practices/ http://www.forbes.com/sites/lizryan/2014/07/07/1132/2/ 6 http://career-advice.monster.com/job-interview/following-up/after-the-interview-4-ways-to-follow-up-hot-jobs/article.aspx http://www.forbes.com/sites/lizryan/2014/07/07/1132/ http://career-advice.monster.com/job-interview/following-up/after-the-interview-4-ways-to-follow-up-hot-jobs/article.aspx 7 http://www.forbes.com/sites/lizryan/2014/12/12/how-to-evaluate-a-job-offer/2/ 8 http://work.chron.com/way-accept-job-offer-25306.html 9 http://www.bosstaff.com/2015/01/22/proper-etiquette-declining-job-offer/ http://money.cnn.com/calculator/pf/cost-of-living/ http://www.forbes.com/sites/lizryan/2014/12/12/how-to-evaluate-a-job-offer/2/ 10 https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140318114519-10999323-counteroffers-should-i-stay-or-should-i-go https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140318114519-10999323-counteroffers-should-i-stay-or-should-i-go http://www.forbes.com/sites/lisaquast/2014/07/07/why-you-should-never-accept-a-counter-offer-when-you-resign/ 11 http://www.prfutures.co.uk/jobseeker-tips/how-to-quit-your-job http://www.prfutures.co.uk/jobseeker-tips/how-to-quit-your-job EXIT All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. An Equal Opportunity Employer © 2016 Kelly Services, Inc. 15-0714 1/16 SOURCES