The Ascendence Group

Expectation #8: No one but you will get it done

Here’s a wake up call: You must assume 100% control over your networking and job search. No one else is going to do it for you.

Expectation setting #8: You plan, you schedule, you meet, you take notes, you follow-up. Repeat. No wait, you repeat. Oh yeah, and you create a powerful network (and get a job)! …

Expectation #7: Expect the reject (the caveat to #2)

No matter how strong the referral or relationship, some people will simply not respond.  They are too busy, don’t think they can help you, don’t like to network, or maybe they don’t really like the person referring you.  There are myriad reasons over which you have no control or no knowledge of when you reach out to them.  In light of this, always remain professional (yet persistent), and if they do not respond after three tries, just move on.

Expectation setting #7 (caveat to Expectation #2): Expect the reject.  Don’t take it personally. …

Expectation #6: The job transition stigma

The truth is, some people deserve to be in transition, while others had no choice (company filed bankruptcy, company was sold, etc).  Unfortunately, most people cannot tell the difference between those that deserve to be out of work and those that don’t (have you ever seen a resume that reads: “Got fired. Was bad at my job.”?).  Me neither.

Expectation setting #6:  The risk averse may simply avoid anyone in transition.  Not wanting to chance it, they go for those still employed.  If you run into those folks, don’t invest too much time.

P.S. Here are two ideas to help overcome the stigma:

1. Get LinkedIn recommendations from your peers, ex-colleagues and your TAG Professional – there’s something to be said when people make recommendations so public.
2. Ask people who know you well to make introductions or calls on your behalf. …

Expectation #5: The Pareto Principle

The Pareto Principle (80/20 Principle) says that 20% of the effort creates 80% of the outcome. It requires that you find out what’s most important and focus on that.

Since the rule of thumb is that 80% of jobs are placed from personal networks (the other 20% from the recruitment channel), focus your time on connecting with the right people at your target companies.

Expectation setting #5: Use the Pareto Principle to allocate your time. …

Expectation #4: Welcome to the Sales Department

From minute one, you should assume the practices and behavior of a Rainmaker.  Because in the end, a search is about making a sale: the sale of yourself and your abilities to an employer.

Great sales skills are important in knowing what to sell, who to sell to, and how to get in front of key decision makers.  All of these areas are covered in TAG’s Mentorship Program.

Expectation setting #4: Polish your sales skill and prepare to become a Rainmaker.  Read “How to Become a Rainmaker” by Jeffrey Fox. Sign up for TAG’s Mentorship Program. …