Get a Job, Here's How

With everything going on with coronavirus, we offer three practical steps to take to adapt your job search to a virtual job search and take control of your job search during these unprecedented times. Learn how to ask for what you want, master the 15-minute networking call, and get active on LinkedIn.

Show Notes

1 - Learn how to ask:
 
Warming up cold emails: from Keith Ferrazzi in Never Eat Alone
 
•       Use an interesting subject line: lead with your connection or your value prop
•       Be Brief and Conversational: Write your note, then cut it in half
•       Have a clear call to action: Request 15 minutes on the phone and offer suggested dates and times
•       Be grammatically perfect
 
Sample email: 
Hi Beth, 
I have a favor to ask: I‘m looking to go back to work full-time and saw a Digital Marketing Manager position at BB&T posted on LinkedIn.  I know you have successfully juggled work and family for many years and would love to chat about BB&T and see if you can share any information about the position that I've applied for. 
 
I'm always up for grabbing a cup of coffee but if a phone call fits into your schedule better then that would be great too.  I've pasted the job posting below.  I've also attached my resume so you can get a feel for my background.  Thanks for any help you can provide!
 
 
My request:
I have an interview tomorrow for a job at Company with Sean and I saw on LinkedIn that you are connected to him. Just wondering if you have any background on him and what he's like?  
Thanks for the inside scoop!
Katie
Response: 
I went to business school with him and worked with him right after school.  He lives two blocks away from us.  I’ll call him!
 
Tip for writing a great email;  Write your email and then cut it in half
 
Use email finder websites like hunter.io to get your message through – this is not stalking!
 
2 – Master the 15-minute networking call:
 
  1. Greet & Introduce
  2. Be thankful 
  3. Position the meeting as valuable to them
  4. Describe your agenda & confirm
Ask thoughtful, open-ended questions starting your questions with phrases like:
  1. Tell me about…
  2. My research shows...
  3. Describe to me…
  4. Why...

Ask about
  1. New initiatives
  2. Business drivers 
  3. How they got there
  4. Career advice

This is not the time to ask for a job! You are building a relationship and gathering information.
Convey your messages and share information
 
  1. What 3 things do you want them to remember about you?
  2. Use your research to share information
  3. Ask for advice
“Here’s my plan for finding a job in software development. Can you think of anything else I should be doing? Who else should I speak with?”

Wrap it up, take notes and follow up
 
  1. End the meeting on time with a thank you & a reminder
  2. After the meeting, immediately jot down notes
  3.  Follow up
Use your notes to write a personal thank you email
Follow up again after they’ve made an introduction, you’ve read the book they suggested, etc.
 
3 – Get Active on LinkedIn
 
Like 
Share
Comment
Join Groups
Connect to people you don’t know
 
Connection request: 
Hi, xx,
I’d like to connect so I can continue to follow your success.
Thank you.
 
Hi, xx,
I’m currently conducting a job search. I’ve always been interested in your company and would like to get connected so I can learn more about what you’re doing.
Thank you.

Now that you know how to adapt your job search to a virtual job search, go do it. I believe in you.

What is Get a Job, Here's How?

Founder and CEO of Back To Business and your host, Katie Dunn is here to help you get a job. And she's not just going to share advice on topics in each episode - she is going to tell you EXACTLY how to do it, because "Here's how" are two of her favorite words!

Each episode will have three steps to help you win at your job search! Katie will be with you every step of the way on your job search. She has been a career coach and a recruiter. Helping you get your dream job is her number one priority. She has coached hundreds of people through their job searches so she knows what she's talking about, and when she doesn't, she brings on a guest who does. Learn how to from Katie. This is not pie in the sky, we are actually going to tell you exactly how to do it. And now that you know how, go do it. I believe in you!