Know When Your Previous Bosses Move to New Companies
Stay alert to key personnel changes in organizations in which you either presently or previously had a positive job or business relationship. Many years ago one of my mentors said, “The road to the top is paved with neither roses nor thorns, but with people."
One of your most important resources for uncovering your next job is the people you have come into contact with during your professional life. Be aware of when they change jobs or companies. Follow up for personal and professional job search and relationship opportunitites.
Every Personal Encounter Can Lead to Your Next Job
Think of yourself as the quintessential sales professional who is “on” every waking hour. Don’t miss taking advantage of even the most routine or casual encounters to further your job search. I am suggesting conversations with targets of opportunity, where you initiate a brief interaction, which could lead to a follow-up conversation about a job or business opportunity.
This approach requires you to be yourself, and that you are courteous and approachable. During these brief conversations you can uncover a lot about the person’s company, position, and how their business is doing. It’s not that hard and the business discussion can pay huge dividends. This a great way to maximize your contacts while “in the process” of your job search. When you choose to not talk with someone, you diminish your chances to compress your job search timeline.
Don't Be Complacent About Finding Your Next Job
As an Executive Recruiter, I know that employer timelines sometimes extend into months and you may not be able to speed up their process. Even when a position is “immediately” available, the interview process, reference checks, and securing an employment agreement can take months.
However, don’t compound your problems about the time invested in the job or business opportunity search, by being slow to start your job search. My observations show that time is not an ally in your job search.
Typically, with the candidates I see, there is a timing relationship that shows that the longer you are out of work, the more difficult it is to be considered by employers. In today’s market, it is clear that more job seekers are competing for a diminishing number of positions, and employers are not the ones who have to find you. You have to find them in your job search for your next job. Think about timing in your job search and do what you can to compress the job search timeline.
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*Cleve Rowley is the President of Cleve Rowley and Associates which specializes in assisting companies improve performance through better screening and selection of potential candidates for key positions. Mr. Rowley was the Senior Partner of a prestigious boutique executive search firm in Atlanta for over seven years. Mr. Rowley has over 25 years experience in executive management, training, personnel management, and international operations.
