Building Fashion Careers for the 21st Century | Connecting Fashion Career Candidates with Employers and Recruiters
Career Resources and Search Tips
The Integrated Job Search
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Are you maximizing your earnings potential, getting multiple job offers, or getting interviews at all? If the answer is no to any of these questions, then the time has come to broaden your job search techniques and more effectively utilize all the job search tools available to you. No one method provides 100% success and it is important that you understand how much emphasis to place on each method, and how each tool can be used to ensure your success.
Networking
Singularly, this is the most effective means of securing a new position. Recent studies have shown that at least 50% to 60% of all jobs are obtained through networking.
Newspaper Advertising
A viable source of openings (and names of companies in hiring mode). Accounts for about 15% of jobs found.
Recruiting Organizations
Many companies still rely on them exclusively to fill some of their positions, and certainly all the executive level, companies do retain high powered search firms.
The Internet
Rapidly becoming a significant player in the job search process. There are an increasing number of candidate and job databases that are facilitating this process.
Direct Mail
An often overlooked methodology. With today's technology, information is readily available on industries, companies, recruiters and venture capitalists. You can create finely tuned mailings that can effectively tap the hidden job market.
Resume Blasting
A new phenomenon on the Internet. These "resume posting" organizations can blast your resume to hundreds and/or thousands of companies and recruiting firms almost instantly. An excellent way to jump-start your job search.
How Much Time
The unemployed should devote at least 35 to 40 hours per week in their job search. the gainfully employed, (but actively seeking) should invest at least 15 hours.
Networking Using Your Contacts
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In a recent study by Harvard University, it was established that well over 50% of positions were secured through networking. Ever talk to your former bosses from years ago, former co-workers, neighbors, your accountant or banker? Individuals like these are your prime source for finding employment. The list is endless. In today's competitive and sophisticated job market, you must be aggressive, innovative, visible and relentless. Yes, jobs are plentiful today, but are you seeking just a job, or a career?
Do you know that bankers, real estate brokers and building superintendents know who is expanding and who is moving into your town or city?
Trade association meetings and membership lists are chock full of prime candidates for your calls. Go to an association luncheon or dinner and watch the cards being passed around. What do you really think is happening? Most of them are networking! Your house of worship, civic and community groups are excellent sources for contacts. Treat any place where people gather as a golden opportunity.
Informational interviews with recruiters and human resource professionals can start a whole new chain of contacts. Call company recruiters and tell them you are evaluating opportunities with similar companies in the their locale and would like to get information about their organization. Request a brief meeting to discuss the company's plans and goals. Remember, you're not asking for a job interview, but for information about job opportunities that may arise within the organization or other companies with whom they are familiar.
Use all your contacts to develop leads. Follow up leads and make sure you leave a trail of thank you notes and thank you calls. Let people know you appreciate their efforts. When you call again in a month, they won't mind hearing from you.
There is no mystique. It's just plain hard work and perseverance. Every one you talk to, every one you meet... they are your targets. It's incredible what people know about job opportunities that you would never have imagined. Your hairdresser/barber talks to everyone from company clerks to presidents. You are not your accountant's or attorney's only client, etc. Let people know. Give them a chance to help. You will be absolutely amazed at the results.
Be organized. Keep records. Make sure you know the direct source of each lead and even the sources that led you to that source. Leave no stone unturned and no kindness unthanked.
Devote at least 20 hours a week to networking if you are unemployed. Every lead becomes dozens of leads and every lead is one step closer to success. Don't abandon traditional methods of job hunting (recruiters, advertisements, direct mail and all other means), but give networking the time and attention it deserves.
Interviewing Tips
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You Don't Have a Second Chance To Make a First Impression!
Clichés are clichés for a reason. Often they are true. Interest in a candidate is generally decided within the first twenty minutes.
Can you do something to ensure that you aren't ruled out before the interview even starts? Whether interviewing for a CEO or staff position, there are certain consistent, predictable parts of every interview. The foundation for a successful interview is preparation. Perform the necessary research to learn as much as possible about the company with whom you'll be interviewing.
Explore the business section of your local library and gather information about the company and its management. You'll also want to review the company's recent annual and quarterly reports. Read financial and other pertinent publications for up-to-date information. Follow the company's stock price if it's publicly traded. Search the Internet.
If your prospective employer has retail outlets in the area, visit them to get a front-line feel for the organization. For certain manufacturers, look for their products at retail stores and ask sales representatives about quality and sales volume.
Finding out what you want to know about the company, its products, services, people and work environment will be important. Asking pertinent questions during the interview allows you an opportunity to continue selling yourself. Have a list, don't cross-examine, make them job related, ask questions that require an explanation.
Practice Does Make Perfect!
Honestly assess your employment background and develop explanations for any weak points.
Your Behavior Should Be Friendly, Yet Businesslike.
Listen closely to questions and make sure your responses are concise and relevant. Don't allow your responses to wander. If the answer to a question is complex, use examples to make your point.
Show interest in the company and the interviewer by asking questions yourself, but don't dominate the interview.
As the interview moves to a close, express your appreciation and your interest in the opening and company.
Compensation
Statistics show that money is often the fifth most important reason why people make career moves. All too often, individuals clumsily handle questions of compensation. Some inflate current compensation, others nervously choose to avoid the subject altogether. When confronted with the question of compensation, always answer truthfully. Be prepared to detail direct and indirect compensation (base salary, bonus and profit-sharing if applicable). Don't underestimate your true gross income. How do you respond to "I need to know if we can afford you. What are you looking for?"
Ending The Interview
Always end the interview assertively. If you want something, ask for it. A position is no different. Remember, you are competing against not only the other applicants for a position but against every mundane answer given by every candidate that person has ever interviewed.
Does this sound like you? "Thanks for taking the time from your schedule to speak with me today. I've enjoyed meeting you and think the company is doing some exciting things...hope to hear from you soon."