Prepare, Listen, and Follow Up

Summary of an article by Max Messmer

Prepare!!!For an effective job search, you will need to prepare in

three crucial steps:

• Early Stages of preparation• Defining Your Objectives• Knowledge-Driven Inquiry

•Begin by writing down the names of people, organizations, and industries that interest you

•Define the topics you want to explore

•Clarify how these subjects relate to your work experience and career objectives

•Remember to be persistent and maintain a positive attitude

Defining Your Objectives

• Are you looking for a job or information about a job?

• Implying you are looking for a job may lead to an immediate negative response

• Implying you are just looking for information will lead to actual furthering of your knowledge if you listen

• You are looking for information

A K

nowledge-

Driven Inquiry

•C

onsider it the same as a job

interview•

Study and take notes on business

publications, books, and corporate literature

•U

tilize resources on the Internet, C

D-R

OM

s, and databases•

Dem

onstrate intellect and enthusiasm

•B

ring information of direct relation to

the topic such as a book, article, or report as w

ell as your personal info•

Be prepared to discuss your current

situation including your skills, accom

plishments, and objectives

Listen!!!Listening is always important, but there are several steps

that need to be addressed specifically regarding close listening during the job-search process:

• Talking to Gatekeepers

• Clarifying Time and Purpose

• Listening Carefully at Interview

Gatekeepers•You will come in contact with these people as they screen calls for the companies you will be contacting

•Treat them with courtesy by introducing yourself politely

•They may give you information about people who can help you

•Do not try to bypass them, because this may damage your chances in the company by tainting your relationship

Clarifying Time and PurposeProcedure at a Meeting

1. Verify exactly how much time the person has available

2. Follow an established agenda

3. Remind the person that your objective is informational

4. Ask Questions to make your meeting as productive as possible

Listen Carefully

• Remember to take notes (make sure it is acceptable to the other person and do not let it interfere with the flow of conversation

• Listen attentively, write down major ideas, and underline key points

• Have a set of questions to ask

Typical Questions to Ask:

• What are some of the challenges of working in this field?

• What skills or experience do you feel are most important for success in this industry/profession?

• What type of background is most suitable?

• How long have you been in this industry/profession? What did you do before?

• Why did you choose this field?

• What are some new developments in your industry? (You should have some knowledge of trends prior to the meeting).

Follow Through is Critical!!!

• Monitor the length of your meeting; make sure the person wants to continue the meeting when it starts to run long

• Ask for names of others to contact at the end• Send a thank-you note one to two days after the

meeting• Keep in touch with your contacts in the next few

weeks: send articles and updates regarding your job search