[SixFigureStart] July 21, 2008 Newsletter/ AVOID THE ANNOYING TRAP http://ezezine.com Founded by two professionals with over 40 years of combined HR and business experience, SixFigureStart provides the support and the structure to enable you to get the most from your career and your life: Identify what you want – passion, balance, legacy Build a strong brand – resume and cover letter, presentation skills, online presence Communicate effectively – networking, interviewing, negotiating Navigate for the long-term – promotions, lateral moves, mentorship If you have friends who may want to join the distribution list, please have them visit http://home.ezezine.com/2034_2/ to sign up. You can also see previous newsletters at that link. TIP OF THE WEEK: AVOID THE ANNOYING TRAP By Caroline Ceniza-Levine Networking is critical to the jobseeker. Most jobs are filled via referrals, not ads. Getting inside is especially important in a slow economy, when companies cut recruiting costs. Add to this the competitive labor pool and you may be tempted to network too aggressively. You think it shows persistence, ambition, and moxie. However, networking the wrong way can just be annoying. Here are some tips to avoid the annoying trap: Make a reasonable case for why you are networking. I once recruited for a firm that only placed senior strategy consultants. We received countless inquiries from people with no background or interest in consulting. Do your homework, and only approach relevant targets. If you approach someone repeatedly, say something different each time. Your first approach might be an informational interview. Your second approach might be a personalized thank you for the interview. Your third approach might be an interesting insight about what you discussed. Each time, new information is shared. Use the information you are collecting. In the above example, information gleaned from the first interview is useful at least two more times. It is also useful when networking with other people in the field. Share what you learn from your research and informational interviews. You appear knowledgeable about the industry when you share insights from one insider with others. Remember to maintain the network. When your search is over, circle back to the people who helped you along the way. Get into the habit of not only calling people for help, but of building genuine relationships. Caroline Ceniza-Levine is a co-founder of SixFigureStart. She has recruited for Accenture, Booz Allen, Citigroup, Disney ABC, Oliver Wyman, Time Inc, TV Guide and others. Stay motivated and on track with success coaching from SixFigureStart. Schedule a complimentary coaching consultation at 212-501-2234 or email info@sixfigurestart.com. UPCOMING EVENTS: SixFigureStart is now offering “Interview Bootcamp” just in time for the Fall on-campus interview season. September 10th will be the first of a four-part telecoaching seminar on how to practice and master the interview process. Just like Princeton Review decodes the SAT, we break down typical interview questions for you, so you know what interviewers are really asking and how you can stand out: Tell me about yourself…What is your biggest weakness…Why should I hire you You’ll also learn and be prepared for the different types of interviews: live…telephone…behavioral…case Each participant on every call gets to answer sample interview questions and be critiqued from a recruiter's perspective. Harness the power of the group setting to learn from each other’s questions and answers Practice with us, and not your dream employer, at the SixFigureStart Interview Bootcamp Wednesday’s 7pm - 8pm EST (from Sept. 10 – Oct. 1): September 10 September 17 September 24 October 1 Cost: $200 for all four teleclasses Class size is limited to ensure individual attention and participation. To ask questions and to register, please email us at: info@sixfigurestart.com or 212-501-2234. Get a taste of the Interview Bootcamp at the free preview call on Thursday, July 31, 7p EST: Call-in number; 712-775-7100 Access code: 151675# (you must press the pound sign) Ask questions about the Bootcamp and hear some of the tips that will be covered: Learn how the interview process starts well before you arrive...Hear what interviewers really think about thank you notes… Feel free to invite your friends. Call lines are limited so register early to ensure access. If you have friends who may want to get the SixFigureStart newsletter, please have them visit http://home.ezezine.com/2034_2/ to sign up. You can also see previous newsletters at that link. All information is copyright © SixFigureStart 2008