In the January 2, 2006 edition of the Zweig A/E Marketing Letter, Franceen Shaughnessy lists “10 rules to build your client base, create new career opportunities.” I think they are well worth repeating here! If you want to read the entire article click here for their website.
Rule 1: Establish Networking Goals
Rule 2: Prospect Proactively
Rule 3: Prospect and Qualify [Job] Leads
Rule 4: Work the Market
Rule 5: Give More Than You Take
Rule 6: Take 15 Minutes
Rule 7: Add Value, Bring In Value
Rule 8: Maintain a Positive Attitude
Rule 9: Follow Up! Follow Up! Follow Up!
Rule 10: Let Others Know What You’re Doing
A recent article by Maureen Nelson (Trends in HR: A Career Counselor’s Perspective) makes the point that Career Counselors and HR professionals ought to work together more, because they are BOTH working in the same arena and towards the same end. She writes, “When career counselors and HR professionals develop mutual respect, a cross-pollination can occur: for instance, career development initiatives, frequently involving outside career consultants, have proven to be an effective retention strategy, and, on the other side, knowledge of recruiting practices allows career counselors to be more effective coaches for clients who are in job search mode.”
I wholeheartedly agree! It is my goal to meet one-on-one with at least one HR professional every week (mostly recruiters and hiring managers). I want to know what issues by colleagues on the “other side of the desk” are facing, so I can assist clients. When job seekers can speak the business language of HR people, everybody wins!
After all, finding a job is not simply about finding the best working conditions, compensations package or benefits plan. Meaningful work is found when all parties concerned have their needs met. For most business people this means that they have found the “right fit” when they hire an employee who will help them solve their business problems.
Here’s to a long and productive relationship!
