HIRING IS HOT! – TAKE ADVANTAGE NOW

July 2, 2019 by Martin Buckland Leave a Comment

I keep an eye on hiring trends across the world relating data from my vast network of career decision makers and senior executive clients across all continents. In my two and a half decades of business, I have never seen recruitment across all functions and industries, except oil and gas, as hot as it is right now. Statistics from country-based governments support my deep understanding of trends with unemployment reaching 50-year lows in some western countries and wage growth reaching records.

Job search used to be highly competitive. The worse the economy, the more people there are competing for each job. Today, that is turned in the other direction in favour of you, the candidate. You hold the keys to steer your career laterally into another function or industry or to seek a promotion upwards. Despite the bubbling economy and robust hiring, you still need to make yourself stand out from the others in the race for the trophy. Jobs don’t fall into your lap. They must be searched out through in-person networking, online networking, building and retaining relationships with executive recruiters, and lastly, replying to adverts.

Now is the time to leap to your next challenge, but it is also a time to reflect and recession-proof your career as much as you can. This good economy, according to experts, won’t last for much longer. Look for sectors that service the economy, including government, education, food, retail and health care. It is prudent to do extensive research to uncover opportunities where you can make an impact and, of course, be happy. Do not be a procrastinator and put off a job search that can dramatically help you with spin offs to your family life.

Finding a new job is a little bit like dating. You must attract other audiences. One way is to craft, stick to, and express your personal brand, clearly communicating your value to your next employer. Understand what makes you unique. Do a self-audit to decipher your differentiator from your peers. Ask friends and colleagues what words and phrases describe you. Use this information to create a resonating personal brand statement, emphasizing the value you will bring. This statement can then be used on all your marketing collateral, resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile and networking card. To make yourself stand out further, actively engage in social media, be proactive on Facebook, Twitter and concentrate on LinkedIn. Blogging also brings deep value as you can share your expertise and thoughts.

Job search doesn’t happen overnight, and the available time horizon has been considerably reduced by the buoyant global economy. Are you ready to accept a new challenge? Are you ready to leap? If so, go for it!

Dream Job Networking Tips

June 25, 2019 by Martin Buckland Leave a Comment

Yes, there are dream jobs still available, but you don’t see them advertised. They are secured through networking. Below are some tips you need to embrace to build a strong, professional network. The more people you know, the better it will be for you to generate leads.

1. Reach Out to Your Peers in The Industry

Don’t be intimidated by thinking that people won’t be willing to network or unable to respond. Yes, there will be people who ignore you, but there is collaboration within industry sectors wanting to help each other. Be proactive and even bold and brassy by connecting with peers at your level working for the competitors. You never know to whom they are connected and how they can initiate leads to help you move in a positive career direction.

2. Connect with Alumni

Working extensively with EMBA graduates and candidates, I am constantly amazed at the inability to want to connect with university or college alumni. In short, you are a member of an exclusive club that is open to sharing and having constructive dialogue. The relationship is already warm; make it hot by connecting with alumni who work at your targeted employers or who may be able to advance more leads for you. The alumni directory is a gold book not to be ignored. Also, use the alumni LinkedIn groups to introduce yourself to this exclusive club.

3. Join Professional LinkedIn and Facebook Groups

These two platforms are a gold mine for generating ideas and leads. Be astute in the groups you join; don’t join a woodworking group or knitting group that will bring you minimal value. Select groups pertinent to your career direction and goals, and be sure to create a generic introduction about who you are in MS Word. On joining these groups, introduce yourself. I know from experience with my many clients that the ROI is dramatic.

4. Attend Meetups

The last few years, Meetups.com has spread like wildfire across the world. Each major city now has an extensive Meetup network for people of different professions, interests and persuasions. These networking meetings can bring significant value. Generally, they are held in a fun setting and relaxed environment. This can be less intimidating than in a formal networking setting.

5. Volunteer

Volunteering is two-fold. Not only are you helping an organization or a population in need of help, but your peer volunteers also have a network. You never know who you might meet while volunteering. On a side note, volunteering is also good for your career management, as recruiters and HR professionals are looking for that section on your resume titled “Community Involvement” which shows you are willing to give your time for free and share your talents and skills. What message does that send to a future employer?

6. Attend Professional Events, Workshops and Conferences

There are events, workshops and conferences galore dedicated to enhancing your skills and building your network. Conferences tend to be attended by others with similar skills or interests, therefore, easing your introduction into conversation. Attending also allows you an opportunity to learn from your peers and external experts. Formal networking events could be regarded as dinners or breakfasts where again, you sit at a table and are forced to open up dialogue.

To wrap up, networking is not just about you, it’s about the others you meet. It’s a two-way street; give before you take. Above all, be genuine. Don’t give a false impression about yourself and don’t make promises you can’t meet. Grasp networking as a mainstay in working towards your dream job. Happy networking!

Does your Employer Value You? Is it Time to Ask for a Salary Increase?

June 5, 2019 by Martin Buckland Leave a Comment

Asking for a salary increase can be a touchy subject, certainly not an enjoyable prospect. However, you can simplify this task if you initiate action at the right time and conduct some research prior to entering discussions. The more prepared you are, the more rewards will pass your way. In today’s world where companies are leaner than ever before, going above and beyond your responsibilities and expectations is common. As you take stock of your work and build a business case to advance your salary, you will be surprised to see how much you have accomplished throughout your tenure and what you have been asked to do, shifting the mindset for greater compensation.

Proceed with caution when asking for a raise. Often, companies will ask you to assume additional responsibilities. This is the time to put forward a business case for a salary increase. Seize on this opportunity, especially if your performance has been acknowledged by management.

Another chance to initiate a conversation is when the company has performed well, and finances are sound. Again, research the company’s financial reports and strike while the chatter over the recent corporate quarterly or annual earnings report is hot. Back your case with some examples of your own performance.

Finally, another option is to wait until your annual performance appraisal. A few weeks prior to the anticipated review, open a constructive dialogue with your boss about a potential salary increase based on an assessment of your accomplishments and how you have assisted the company or the department in reaching its goals.

A salary increase may not be at the top of peoples’ agendas as it can lead to misinformation and awkward conversations. So be firm with your request and support it with facts and figures.

Job Search and Your Attitude

May 22, 2019 by Martin Buckland 1 Comment

I have seen so many job searches prolonged or failed simply because of that person’s attitude. Yes, I agree, it can be very frustrating. One step forward, two steps back. It can be like a mine field scattered with issues and circumstances that will test you to your limit. It’s okay to share your frustration with your coach. I encourage that within this confidential environment. However, airing that frustration out in the open, or when in dialogue during networking, or during the be-all-and-end-all, the interview, will bring you down and bury you.

Positivity radiates. Positivity rules. Positivity relays a powerful message. Even when you are constantly rejected and you feel like you are wasting time and your efforts are fruitless, don’t feel down, because most others have also been through the same emotions. When you are positive and upbeat you are inclined to put in more effort, learn new skills and deliver a compelling and resounding message.

Here are some tips to portray a positive approach and attitude:

#1 Stay Focused and Organized

Ensure that you have all the necessary attributes when completing job applications. Ensure that you are ready for the interviews — research the company inside and out, up and down. Ensure that your day is organized and that you know how to use the social media platforms that are so abundant today to help you with your search. Time management is very important. Don’t waste time on fruitless things. Place an emphasis on the things that will bring you the maximum return on investment and on networking.

#2 Seek Assistance

There are always going to be people who want to champion you. They will listen to you when you are down. They will have ideas for you to regenerate your excitement and engagement. Ask them to periodically review and discuss your job search strategy if it is going nowhere. Ask them to facilitate networking meetings with their acquaintances and connections.

#3 Establish Achievable Goals

I see so many people set abnormally high goals which is good, but when they don’t achieve them, they feel down and out. Be realistic, but don’t go the other way and set low goals. As a job search expert, the perfect day in a job search is 12 hours, of which five hours should be spent on social media with the bulk of that time on LinkedIn. And, yes, this is possible –meeting three new people every day, in person.

#4 Network

Don’t solely conduct your job search from a desk in the basement. Get out and network, network, network. Utilize Meetup.com and other local or industry related groups to attend meetings and be ready to articulate your elevator pitch. Don’t be frightened to tell people you are in career transition. It’s not an illness. It’s a fact of life today.

Wrapping it up, I agree it may be difficult to stay positive. But, being organized, seeking assistance, setting reasonable goals and engaging in networking can boost your morale and help you to maintain a positive and robust attitude.

6 Social Media Tips to Increase your Presence

May 1, 2019 by Martin Buckland Leave a Comment

How did we exist without social media? It is consuming copious amounts of our time and is now embraced by all generations including mine, the Baby Boomers. In the last few years social media has evolved and its presence has become stronger. It is very important to utilize various platforms in order to boost your ability to be found by search engines employed by career decision makers. Here are six tips to help you maximize your professionalism and impact.

1. Connect Purposefully

Only connect with a predetermined audience where you can bring value to them and they can bring value to you. Connections can be made within your industry, or with others who want to do business with you, or in your targeted list of employers where you would like to work. Check your LinkedIn profile daily to see who has viewed it and consider adding these as contacts.

2. Personal Connection

Always send a personalized message that includes information on the value you can bring to potential connections, highlighting your business and how you can help them. The acceptance rate is significantly increased with personal and courteous connection requests.

3. Honesty

Be open and be expressive when writing about who you are and what you can bring and what you can do for others. Every word online is public and reflects your reputation.

4. Manners

Be polite. Be considerate and avoid controversy, keeping within your personal brand. The raucous jokes and funny pictures can be saved for close friends. So too, can political and religious comments.

5. Consistency

Post and share as frequently as you can. If in career transition, you should be posting daily. If gainfully employed, once a week or every 10 days is fine. Create and maintain a positive presence to build interest, trust and recognition.

6. Diversify Your Presence

Utilize a mix of your personal content with content generated by others. Sharing is to be applauded. But keep it specific, upbeat and professional to strengthen your brand awareness and your expertise.

LinkedIn is the prime platform for sharing content. However, Facebook is also becoming a major resource used by HR professionals and executive recruiters in finding talent. Have fun with social media. You will learn and others will learn from you.

Yay! I’ve Landed! Now What?

April 17, 2019 by Martin Buckland Leave a Comment

Career management should be as high in priority as your own financial management and planning. My philosophy as an executive career management practitioner is, the day you land your job is the day you start your next job search. That may seem tough and may frighten some people, but I am a realistic coach. All jobs today are temporary. There is no such thing as a permanent appointment. Your company can decide to terminate you at any time. And they do, in high numbers, each week, in every country across the world. Tenure is tenuous. It can be long or short. Tenure can be comfortable and it can be scary.

Here are some of the things you need to do after you land.

#1. Update your resume with your new employer and position title.

#2. Amend your LinkedIn profile with your up-to-date employer and position title.

#3. Thank all those who helped you with your job search and share details with them about your new employer and the company mandate.

#4. Network. Yes, did I say that word? Didn’t you network enough during your job search? Well, you can never network enough. You don’t need to network as much as you did, however, don’t drop off the face of the earth and stop networking. You need to continue to build a defined and targeted network and give as much as you take.

#5. Search for areas to advance your education, both in the workplace and externally in academic institutions. Often, an employer might contribute financially to your skill development.

#6. Look for opportunities where you can become a thought leader in your new place of employment, industry, or both. Industry associations have conferences and they are always looking for speakers. What a great way to enhance your profile when you speak at a conference.

#7. Collaborate with your new peers and build productive rapport and relationships. Don’t be in the closet and hide. Be overt, be a contributor and be willing to help when requested.

Congratulations on your new job! Remember to keep YOUR career management at the forefront of your mind.

Job Search: Top 10 Tips

April 3, 2019 by Martin Buckland Leave a Comment

As a career management practitioner, I believe you should always be ready for a job search for many reasons. Today, tomorrow, or next week, an executive recruiter could call you and say they have the perfect opportunity for you. Today, tomorrow, or next week, your employer could terminate you. We are in a very fluid society where there is no loyalty to your employer and where you should be ready to take advantage of opportunities offered.

Here are 10 tips you need to embrace to prepare for a job search:

1. Brag Book

We live in a performance-driven society. You will be employed because you can make money, save money, streamline operations, eliminate headcount, introduce new technology, and for many other reasons. Keep a brag book at home to document your accomplishments.

2. Update Your Resume Frequently

The resume highlights your full career hard skills, soft skills, personal brand, and education. Utilize your brag book to trigger your memory to build stories around your accomplishments. The more up-to-date your resume is, the less work you will have to do if a tap on the shoulder comes today for a decision maker to see your resume.

3. LinkedIn Profile

Like your resume, your LinkedIn profile should be current. If you are in career transition you should change the headline to reflect your job search situation with a striking message.

4. Connect, Connect, Connect

We are in a society where networking and the use of connections can bring significant value. If you are gainfully employed networking need not be as furious as when you are in career transition. Don’t negate connecting with people 24/7/365.

5. Career and Professional Development Plan

These two go hand-in-hand. Updating your education and skills are important. If you haven’t been on any courses or attended community college or university recently, you need to review that. Continuous education is part of the screening process that decision makers use before calling you for an interview. Incorporate your professional development and continuous learning into your career plan which is a directive highlighting your ambitions and goals. Where would you like to be in two years, five years or ten years?

6. Professional Associations

Most vocations have professional associations where you can learn from others in your industry or profession and network with your peers to understand industry trends and uncover potential vacancies. If the association offers a website or magazines, make yourself available to write articles or blogs. This is an ideal way of bringing your name to the forefront of the membership. Another important and engaging tactic is joining the leadership of the local chapter or national board of the chapter. Being voted by your peers can say a lot about you.

7. References and Recommendations

A professional, sensibly managing their career, will maintain a list of references. If you are in a search mode, you need to keep those references up-to-date with your search activities and potential calls from potential employers. LinkedIn also affords you the opportunity of receiving and giving recommendations. Don’t wait until you are in disaster mode (i.e., career transition) and need to rapidly bring yourself up-to-date before soliciting recommendations.

8. Review Industry Trends and Job Listings

Although job boards show only a small percentage of jobs available in most countries, go ahead and browse through to see who is hiring and what they are hiring for.

9. Job Satisfaction

Sadly, I see so many people who are unhappy in their careers. A job consumes so many hours of your life. Why should you be unhappy in it? If you feel unhappy, are experiencing burnout or stress, maybe it’s time to activate that job search plan. Or, bolder still, quit your job.

10. Career Alternatives

Today, it is encouraged for people to transition industries or sectors. It is less frowned upon than it has ever been in my 25 years of helping people attain their career goals. What are your transferable skills that you can take with you to a new industry? Look how those skills can fit in with that sector’s job trends.

The Job Interview Process: How to Prepare to Stand Out BEFORE the Interview

March 20, 2019 by Martin Buckland Leave a Comment

Anyone who has been through the job interview process knows that a lot is riding on a single first impression. A common misconception is that the first impression is established in the interview itself. However, for many hiring managers, their opinion of a candidate is determined before you even step foot in the building.

Therefore, to ace an interview, it requires you to prep beforehand. Luckily, some intentional, strategic planning can help you land those coveted interviews.

Fine Tune Your Resume

Your resume is, in fact, the primary document that provides a critical first impression for hiring managers. Unfortunately, if your resume fails to make a positive impression, you will not land the job interviews you desire. Therefore, a crucial part of the interview process is to ensure your resume stands out. These five resume tips will help ensure your resume gets you to the next step of the hiring process.

Attend to Your Social Media

Your professional social media profiles play a vital role in the job interview process. Perhaps you learned of a specific opportunity as a result of your networking efforts on social media. Maybe you were noticed by a recruiter because of an article you shared and your comments that demonstrate your personal brand. Now that you are looking for a new position and hoping to procure some job interviews, it is time to continue engaging in conversations and networking on all your professional social media platforms.

However, it is also imperative that you take note of your personal profiles. Hiring managers undoubtedly check your social media profiles—yes, even your personal profiles—to vet candidates. Therefore, ensuring all your profiles add to your personal brand is a critical part of preparing for the job interview process. What does your social media say about you? What does social media say about your job references?

Research the Company

Not researching the company before an interview would leave you walking into an interview room with an enormous disadvantage. You need to know the organization’s mission, culture, priorities. It is essential to determine whether your personal brand aligns with the company’s values, and, by doing so, you can ensure YOU would be the best fit during the interview.

Reach Out to Former Employees

Along with researching the company’s mission and values, talking to those who have experience with the company is extremely beneficial for a number of reasons.

One, it provides insight into what working with or for the organization is really like. Do people boast of positive experiences?

Two, you will get a feel for the company culture. What were the company’s expectations? Did they encourage authentic networking among team members? Do they have a stuffy or relaxed dress code? Do they allow remote work or flex hours?

Three, you will learn what the company truly values, and you can use that information to stand out in an interview. Alternatively, you may decide the company is not the right fit for you.

Anticipate Questions

Using your research, plan out the behavioural questions you will likely be asked during an interview. If you interview with different organizations, be sure to anticipate questions specific to each of those unique companies.

Furthermore, take the time to practice—yes, out loud with a friend or colleague—your responses to interview questions. Why? This enables you to work out anything that feels awkward and build your confidence in your answers before you sit in an interview when nerves are in full swing.

Plan Your Wardrobe

Take the time to plan out your job interview attire well before the interview. The last thing you want to worry about right before an interview is your clothing. Instead, you want to use those final moments and the ride to your interview to practice your responses and prepare for the interview. Therefore, make sure all aspects of your attire are ready to go the day before your interview.

Conquer the Fear of Rejection in your Job Search

March 6, 2019 by Martin Buckland Leave a Comment

No one likes rejection. It’s hurtful and full of emotions! However, in a job search you must come to terms with this word and learn how to combat negativity.

A job search is like a minefield with the potential of explosions which could cause damage to your reputation. The mind set when planning and executing a search to find your next challenge, should be to view this project long-term. If it turns out to be short-term, then halleluiah!

The moment the checkered flag drops in a job search, you are in a race, a competition where there is only one trophy! How many competitors varies according to the position, geographic location, economy, skill set and many other factors. You don’t need to do arithmetic to see that there are going to be many people by-passed in the hiring process and even the second and third best candidates don’t win a silver or bronze medal.

Be in the positive mind mode, thinking that you are going to win and take that gold position. Imagine that medallion hanging around your neck. Gold will look good on you! Also, cast your mind back to other races in swimming, athletics and Formula 1 where great candidates still perform well but drop short of a win.

In today’s hiring processes very rarely are you told why you didn’t win, mainly because time doesn’t permit the hiring authorities to call the other candidates. They must assess in their own mind why they failed and were rejected. It can rattle even the most confident and calm professional after a long job search. As hard as it may be, be prepared for rejections. However, the more rejections you receive, the closer you are to the gold medal and a win!

Questions to Anticipate in Your Executive Job Interview

January 22, 2019 by Martin Buckland Leave a Comment

As you prepare for an executive job interview, there are many things to consider such as your attire, your body language, and mastering your handshake. Making a great first impression is a critical part of the interview process; however, anticipating and preparing your responses to interview questions can prove to be a game changer that helps you stand out throughout the process.

When you know the message you want to convey about your skills and expertise, it boosts your confidence and that will shine through in your executive job interview. In your executive job interview, be prepared to reflect on the past, focus on the present, and speculate about the future as well as behavioural interview questions that illustrate how you would respond in specific situations.

With that in mind, you can anticipate some form of the following questions:

Reflecting on the Past

Hiring managers want candidates to reflect on the past and tell stories demonstrating their ability to resolve business barriers and create better processes going forward. Your responses to these questions paint a picture of how you use your value, skills, and expertise to think outside the box to find successful solutions.

Tell us about yourself.
To what do you attribute your success?
Describe your leadership style. How has your style worked for you in the past?
Consider your limitations. Describe a time you’ve had to overcome a limitation.
Tell us about a situation where you didn’t get along with a colleague or board member. How did you resolve it?
Describe a time where you were part of a project that failed. How did you react? What was your takeaway?
What legacy did you leave at your last employer?

Focusing on the Present

These questions give hiring managers a picture of your current job search strategy and added value and ultimately provides insight into whether or not you’d be a valuable hire and fit for the organization.

Why do you want to work in this industry?
What makes you want this position?
Why do you want to work for this organization?
What makes you an asset to this organization?
What is your unique promise of value?

Speculating About the Future

These types of questions provide insight into how your specific set of skills and work ethic will strengthen and serve the company.

Which of your strengths would prove most valuable if this company were to hire you?
Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years?
How would you use your skills to create a strong team?
How would you use your past success/failures to help you in this position?

Your answers to these questions help you stand out. They create an image of your value as an executive on the team, and they help you show the hiring managers how you’d be an asset to that team and the company as a whole.