(Angelo Gentile interviewed me for an article that appeared in the August edition of Savvy.mn magazine.)
Conditions are improving for workers. Minnesota’s unemployment rate in May dropped to 7 percent. That figure is 2.7 percent lower than the national rate.
These numbers are especially good news for those folks who have been plotting an escape to a new job but felt they couldn’t make a move because, well, there were no other jobs to move to.
If you are one of those who are poised to flee, first heed the advice of Marni Hockenberg. A recruiter for 15 years, Hockenberg is principal of Minnetonka-based Hockenberg Search. She works on the corporate recruiting side of things, working on behalf of companies seeking new employees. She has five Essential tips for you to consider.
Evaluate
Evaluate your current situation before you start looking, Hockenberg advises. What’s your motivation for leaving? Are you running away from a bad situation or running toward a better prospect? Can you get what you want form your current employer, such as more growth opportunities, meatier projects or more compensation, so you don’t have to jump? Identify the motivation that’s behind your urge to flee.
Explore
Explore your future. In other words, research where you want to go. Examine industries as well as specific companies, and look for anyone you might know at these companies.
Engineer
Engineer your personal “brand.” Figure out your professional value based on the accomplishments and results you achieved for your company. This will help you build your resume and prepare you for interviews.
At the same time, invest in your appearance. You don’t have to be a beauty queen, Hockenberg says, “But do the best with what you have.”
Spruce up your brand from the inside out. “Candidates who work on theses ‘inner’ and ‘outer’ parts of themselves are more appealing than those who don’t invest in this part of the process,” Hockenberg says. This piece also includes gearing up your energy and enthusiasm while networking and interviewing. “Employers what to hire candidates with a passion for their job and industry.”
Enlist
Enlist a powerful ally. Hire a job coach. This step comes after you’ve done the evaluating and exploring and have decided to make a move. A coach can help you with overall career direction and also offer guidance on specific tactics such as writing your resume, preparing for interviews and developing marketing strategies for your job search.
Expand or Extend
Expand or extend your network. If you are currently employed, you’ll want to get the word out selectively and confidentially that you are looking. Work your personal network and also get involved with other networking opportunities such as professional association meetings and chambers of commerce gatherings. “This means physically getting out there, eyeball to eyeball,” Hockenberg says. “Don’t just sit behind your computer sending out e-mails and resumes.”
Hockenberg Search 