April 2002, Issue 4   6FigureJobs.com   S E V E N   S T E P S   F O R   J O B S E A R C H I N G   S U C C E S S       Take any arrows out of your back. If you were fired or let go, take the right amount of time to move through the natural emotional phases of shock, anger, resentment and self-doubt. Depending on your personality and the circumstances in which you left, you will need a few days, a few weeks, or several months to restore your confidence. If it takes more than several weeks, you are having trouble and may need outside help. Recharge your battery. While you´re reloading your confidence, take advantage of the time off and do what you have been talking about for years. Lose the 10 lbs you have been meaning to take off, upgrade your wardrobe, take the unique trip, get your hair cut, or reorganize your sock drawer. Use these events to move forward and get ready to reenter the race. Focus your career strategy. Identify your target industry and companies, and decide on your range of job positions. Know in advance your acceptable compensation range, geographic location, and commute/travel criteria. Try the middle market. In addition to targeting the Fortune 500 companies in your industry, consider targeting companies in the $100 million to $750 million range. The larger companies are apt to be flooded with resumes and tougher to approach. In a small to medium sized firm, you may have an opportunity to create a new position or upgrade an existing organization that may have use for your skills. Startups are harder to come by, but if they have funding in the market, it´s a pretty good bet. Get creative. Hundreds of job seekers are applying for the same positions you are considering. Find a way to differentiate yourself in the marketplace. What is it about you that is unique in your skill set? What are your exceptional capabilities? Where do you really stand out? Meet someone. Now study each company you are targeting. Identify whom you need to meet and find a way to reach them in the most appropriate way, whether email, phone or letter. Exhaust your personal network (Board members, VC´s, bankers, lawyers, consultants, friends, suppliers, vendors, networking events, professional associations, internet, recruiters, soccer field, etc.). Be prepared. As you continue to meet individuals, make sure that the basics are completed…your resume is updated, you have a dependable way to be reached, your attire and appearance is respectable, and you have done your homework before every meeting. Your business cards and a pen should go in your pocket in the morning, just like car keys and your wallet. When you have a meeting scheduled, realize that this may be your only shot with the company so be prepared. Do your homework on the company, the individual, the position and what benefit you bring to the company. Do not be ambiguous about the purpose of the meeting; everyone knows there is no such thing as a free lunch. Ted Martin, Founder & CEO Martin Partners, L.L.C. 312-922-1800 http://www.martinpartners.com/