There’s no doubt these are confusing times – but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for movement in the jobs market. For job seekers looking for that exciting new position, a business development-type approach could set you apart from the crowd. Here are my top tips for direct-approach tactics.
Game plan
First things first, you need a clear, defined game plan. This is usually a 12-month strategy that outlines what types of clients you want to develop beyond this next step, which sectors you want to broaden into, and what other interests you want to explore. This will help you identify what you need to learn and carry forward from a new role.
When you’ve identified which role or company you’d like to work for, then ask yourself how your values, characteristics, technical experience and natural interests fit with them – be clear in why you are aligned in these specific areas. Being able to demonstrate how you can make a positive impact within the first three months and beyond will be invaluable to an employer.
Know what you want
Understand what you genuinely want from your next role. Write down these factors, then write them into an interview scenario, so you can clearly communicate what you’re looking for. It could be a desire to overlap in a certain area of expertise, to develop further skills or an approach, or even to widen the client pool or geographical reach. Don’t underestimate how important it is to be clear. People who sound confused or unsure of themselves can be very off-putting to potential employers.
Do your research
Make ‘meaningful’ contact with professionals in your network to find out more about the position/company you’d like to work for. And by that I mean, work out what it is you want from the conversation before you pick up the phone/write that email. By doing this, you can steer the discussion in the direction you want.
This might be getting someone to talk about the company you’d like to work for, it may be trying to access a contact number or an email address for a senior staff member to register your interest. It might even be something else
entirely, such as seeing if you can pique their interest to work collaboratively on a side project to raise awareness on a common interest. Preparation and research are key before any contact.
Manage your network
Job lists aren’t the only place to find a new role. It’s surprising how many job opportunities fall into the ‘hidden’ category. In fact, around 60% of active vacancies are never advertised. So engage with your personal network, particularly people you had a good connection with, and always be on the look-out to create new contacts. By keeping lines of communication open, you may hear about the perfect opportunity with little or no competition for the post.
If you’re dealing with contacts you haven’t spoken to in a while, hold off asking for favours until you have fully rebuilt the relationship and the closeness you need. Then take the time to maintain the relationship – they should be as invested as you, because you may be able to return the favour one day.
Find a way
Often established companies will offer a bounty scheme – a prize for existing staff members who introduce a successful new candidate. Over the years I’ve heard of all sorts; anything from a picnic hamper and the latest digital tech through to several thousands of pounds (big law firms and corporates).
On this basis, don’t be afraid to push your skill-set to new contacts, who might have heard of a new job on the horizon. Hopefully previous colleagues will already know this information – although it wouldn’t hurt to make sure they’re reminded of it.
If in doubt, be super-direct. Pick up the phone to the owner of the business or the hiring manager for a certain team. Worst case scenario, you’ll be redirected. Best case scenario, you’ll work your way up to a formal interview or build a relationship with the company in other ways.
Good luck and let me know if I can help! I’m an experienced technical headhunter with legal and financial services experience from both agency and in-house environments.