Introduction To "Secrets"




Introduction *The Secrets Of Executive Search ...* Professional Strategies for Managing Your Personal Job Search Success in today’s workplace demands new and innovative strategies. The traditional business model is out of sync with marketplace reality, and job security has gone the way of the buggy whip. Over 1.8 million employees lost their jobs in 2001 — nearly three times as many job losses as in 2000, and the highest in nine years! But the rotational displacement of employees is actually nothing new. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 700,000 job cuts were announced during 1998 for example, — the peak of the economic expansion — as employers rotated out employees with “old economy” skills and rotated in employees with “new economy” skills. Call it what you like — restructuring, re-engineering, downsizing, rightsizing, merger, acquisition — the reality is that more professionals than ever are finding themselves “in the market” for a new job. And even if you’re among the fortunate who haven’t been directly affected thus far, you probably see the writing on the wall — BRACE YOURSELF! For most of us, the days of the “gold watch,” or even a 10-year job anniversary party, are gone. It has become an age of free-agency, and there is precious little allegiance by either employee or employer. Job Obsolescence The Federal Department of Labor reports that occupational half-life — the rate at which an employee's knowledge and skills become obsolete — has decreased from 12-15 years in 1970, to around 30 months today. Those who are unwilling or unable to adapt or re-train, will fall by the wayside. But for those who are able to not only embrace change but also harness it to their advantage, the future has never looked brighter! As Winston Churchill said: "To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often." Obsolete positions can translate into new opportunities for individuals with up-to-date knowledge and training. And restructuring very frequently results in new position descriptions to replace the old ones. If you know how to properly prepare and position yourself, opportunities abound! So, even if your job has not already left you, there are a host of other compelling reasons why you may want to seek a new opportunity. Perhaps this explains why the average tenure for professionals has decreased from 20 years just a decade or so ago, to five years or less today. *Why "Secrets"* Was Written** Ironically, many of the very best, most talented professionals are so focused on their work, and have had such little experience with the job search process, that they’re actually the most poorly equipped to manage their own campaign. Because of their success, the jobs have always found them, rather than the other way around, and they’ve never had to hone their job search skills. That’s why I’ve written this book. It will show you how to develop the correct long-term career strategy, empower you to reinvent yourself as “Me, Inc.” for the new millennium, and teach you the techniques the pros use to identify and capture the very best opportunities, in the least amount of time, with the fewest mistakes along the way. Not just “another” position, but the right position, in the right location, for the right salary; the kind that you’ll not find advertised in the newspaper, trade journals, or posted on the Internet. You’ll discover how to think strategically about your career, and make the moves that position you like a champion. How The Book Will Help You The book features insider tips on how to properly package your background and experience, how to market that package most effectively, and how to separate yourself from the competition. It covers such key aspects of the job search process as: Networking strategies that cause the job to find you. The importance of coaching secondary references. Writing the “absolutely sure-fire, can’t miss resume and cover letter.” How to identify the key decision makers in a target company. Pointers for preparing and dressing for maximum impact during the interview. Techniques for turning interview traps into interview triumphs. Little known secrets on negotiating strategy. How to handle the counter offer. Advice for maximizing your impact during the critical first few weeks on the job. ...and much, much more! About The Author "Secrets” is based on more than 35 years experience in human resources and executive search helping people just like you secure the best positions at the best salaries. Having held key human resource management positions at three of the country’s leading Fortune 50 corporations, coupled with more than 22 years experience in executive search, I’ve been involved with career management from all perspectives. I’m keenly aware of how top companies go about identifying executive talent, and I know the best way to prepare and position you to capture those opportunities. I’ve counseled countless executives on their personal job search strategies, and I know the most effective techniques for conducting an efficient job search. I have to. That’s my job, and my success as an executive search consultant depends upon it! And, to ensure you’re getting the broadest perspective possible, I’ve even added additional insights from several other executive search and career management experts. Your Virtual Coach In the absence of your own personal career management consultant, this book can serve as your virtual coach. Its objective is to help you work smarter and more confidently, while avoiding the mistakes and miscues that cause so many other candidates to “come in second.” By putting these secrets to work on your behalf, your career will not only be destined for the right track, but also for the fast track! The material is presented in an abbreviated format to make it easier to use as a reference guide. But it’s not only an easy read, it’s a must read for anyone seriously considering a career move. You’ll find it invaluable as you take control of your career ... and assume a proactive role in managing your personal job search. How To Order "The Secrets of Executive Search" is published by John Wiley & Sons and is available at all major bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, and most other online booksellers. Note: Expenses associated with finding a new job are generally tax deductible. Consult your tax advisor. Melancon & Company is a Dallas, TX, based Executive Search and Consulting firm, and authors of the book: The Secrets of Executive Search. Copyright 1999 Melancon & Company. All rights reserved.