Resume and career services for individuals involved in job search and career transition.

"Loved that cover letter! It is short, powerful, and concise. I am so happy to have met you and been able to work with you. I only wish it happened much sooner, but, I believe some greater purpose has been served by enduring all of these exasperating problems these past 6 months."

R. S.,
High Tech Director,
Fort Lee, NJ

"I just wanted to let you know that I was offered and accepted a position. The company is AIG Insurance in downtown NYC. The position is Director of … Thanks again for all your help. You know I will recommend you whenever possible."

J.M., Finance Director, Wyckoff, NJ

JOB SEARCH STRATEGIES

Job Hunting Channels

To maximize your employment search effort, you need a multi-dimensional approach. There are 8 major channels for searching and identifying job opportunities - all should be used. In the Job Hunting session we examine the following channels: Networking, Employment Agencies, Classified Ads, Job Fairs, Direct Company Research, Alumni Associations, Trade and Business Magazines, and the Internet. Since networking accounts for over 50% of all job placements, we examine the techniques used in successful executive networking and determine which local networking events are beneficial for you.

Executive Networking Guide

For executives, the most effective method for uncovering opportunities is networking. This method, however, can be time consuming and awkward, so understanding the principles of good networking techniques is crucial.

The Executive Networking Guide (ENG) explains what networking is and is not. It discusses the importance of using the “Reciprocity Principle,” the MORE technique for establishing rapport and the P.E.R.M.I.T. method for making connections at a social event.

Having clarified what constitutes networking, the ENG then delineates 10 action steps that will maximize your networking effort:

•	Steps 1 and 2 describe the tools needed to network.
•	Step 3 involves the establishment of networking milestones.
•	Step 4 recommends where you should first start networking.
•	Steps 5 and 6 list who should be on your contact list.
•	Step 7 recommends different events to attend and groups to join.
•	Step 8 refers to a 37-page monthly networking list of local events and seminars.
•	Step 9 explains how to uncover opportunities in the Hidden Job Market.
•	Step 10 describes how to get an appointment with a Chief Executive.

Direct Mail and Email Campaigns

A traditional approach that is both proactive and effective is targeted direct mail. Using a current and extensive database of recruiters and companies, a customized mailing is prepared that matches your job preferences (geography, compensation, industry, position) with companies and recruiters that might be interested in your qualifications. Together with your resume, a cover letter addressed to specific individuals is either mailed out, faxed, or e-mailed. Following the mailing a detailed printout of the targeted companies with telephone numbers will be forwarded to you for follow-up. Prices start from $300 per campaign (about $1.00 per contact).

Posting Your Resume Online

With more employers and recruiters going to the Internet to look for candidates, posting your resume on various sites is a cost-effective measure to gain wide exposure. One option is to post your resume on the Top 25 Internet Executive career sites. This can be done confidentially or openly. Following posting, you will receive a list of the sites together with passwords and username which will allow you to edit your resume. Some sites (designated “networked”), however, cannot be accessed unless you join the service. In addition, a search agent will be created at each site that will notify you via e-mail of job openings that match your qualification. A questionnaire is used to obtain additional information regarding compensation, location, and preferred industries.
Cost of the posting is $150.

Online Executive Search Services

Consider joining one of the elite Internet Executive Services that provide exposure to very select recruiters, notification of pertinent job opportunities, opportunities to network with fellow executives, and current articles on executive job search. These companies charge anywhere from $94 to $450 for an annual membership. One of the best is ritesite.com - a site devoted to helping executives gain selective exposure. For the busy executive, Career Focus will manage your online resume search by posting your resume on major sites, responding to opportunities online and searching for new opportunities. Cost varies with specific services.

Developing Your References

For the executive, having solid references is crucial to getting the offer. A report in Fortune ( March 4, 2002) estimates that 80% of former employers will talk freely about a candidate, addressing both strengths and weaknesses. Therefore one needs to think carefully about who to list as a reference. Use only references that readily agree to a request and can be relied on to sing your praises - agree beforehand on what is to be said. Make sure that your references have a copy of your resume and know your career goals. Always include your relationship to the reference. If needed, Career Focus will develop a list of references for you.

An Executive Resume Writer is a subsidiary of Career Focus
Mahwah, NJ 07430
Phone: 201-825-2865
Toll Free: 800-585-1937
Fax: 201-825-7711
E-mail:Coach@CareerInFocus.com