[SixFigureStart] August 25, 2008 Newsletter/ CREATING A JOB SEARCH FOUNDATION

[SixFigureStart] August 25, 2008 Newsletter

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

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CREATING A JOB SEARCH FOUNDATION

I had a new sidewalk put in at my home yesterday and thought about how much time was spent on the foundation before actually pouring the concrete. The workers jackhammered up the old concrete and put it in a truck, laId out boards to contain the new concrete, poured gravel on the bottom and leveled it until it was just right. This took up about 3/4 of the day. Then came the concrete truck and it was poured in about 1 hour.

That is exactly what job seekers need to do … spend more time laying a good foundation to support all aspects of the job search. The job offer will come once all other aspects are taken care of. The right job search foundation includes:

1. Knowing exactly what you want to do: because the best candidates out there are showcasing their laser focus to employers. If you are just a bit unclear, they will pass over you quicker than the cement pouring out of the truck in front of my house.

2. Having an exceptional resume: because it represents you when you are not there. The format should be clear and orderly with not one error. The bullets should contain quantifiable accomplishments, and if they don’t, interviewers will pass you up because this is what they find in the best resumes.

3. Being comfortable when you interview: this is critical. How comfortable are you at describing your strengths and weaknesses? One of the biggest pet peeves of interviewers is someone who can’t think of a single weakness. Everyone has weaknesses. CEOs have weaknesses. You’ve got to show the maturity and confidence of being able to talk about this with ease and authenticity.

4. Networking with everyone you can. Networking isn’t about asking for a job. It’s about building relationships with people that benefit all parties. It’s a skill and it can be learned.

5. Getting advice and coaching throughout the process. An Olympic athlete wouldn’t think of competing in their sport without the right coach. A coach teaches good habits, points out bad habits, and fine-tunes your approach throughout the way. My SixFigureStart partner & I do just this with clients all day.

So start jackhammering away your old habits and get started on your new career. You can build it and we can help! …. sorry, that is Home Depot’s slogan. SixFigureStart: We know what employers want!

Connie Thanasoulis, co-founder of SixFigureStart, was former head of campus recruiting for Citigroup, Merrill Lynch and Pfizer. Schedule a complimentary consultation with a SixFigureStart coach at 212-501-2234 or email info@sixfigurestart.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Just in time for the kick-off of the fall recruiting season, SixFigureStart resumes its free teleclasses with How To Maximize Your Campus Recruiting Efforts, Thursday, Sept 4, 7p EST. This 45-minute teleclass covers what to expect, why Career Services can be your best friend (but why you also need to preserve your independence), and how to juggle the demands of the job search with academic life. The teleclass is free (you only pay for the long-distance charges, if applicable, to access the teleconference line). Lines are limited so email info@sixfigurestart.com as soon as possible to reserve your seat and get the call-in details. This class will be led by SixFigureStart co-founder Caroline Ceniza-Levine, who has recruited for Accenture, Booz Allen, Citigroup, Disney ABC, Oliver Wyman, Time Inc, TV Guide and others.

Don't forget that Interview Bootcamp, a 4-week teleclass series to master the interview, starts Sept 10. See more details.

Finally, vote for SixFigureStart in StartUpNation's Home-Based Business 100 online contest by clicking here. You can vote once each day through most of October….The picture we chose for the profile is actually co-founder Caroline’s youngest kid but that’s not why we picked it. See why in our Aug 22 blog post. Thanks for voting!

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