Position Yourself for Success in Today’s Economy

Vicki Z. Lauter, Principal Z=mc2

• Learn how to position yourself for a changing job market

• Take away resume and interview tips to help you stand out above the competition

• Learn how to network for success inside and outside your current organization

Objectives for today

Positioning Yourself• Internal Opportunities

• Company merger or acquisition, downsizing/right sizing – Be a Leader regardless of your level

» Don’t contribute to the grapevine – Focus on short term goals of organization

» People feel more secure when they are busy– Focus on your span of control

» Think about what you need to get done, your attitude and behaviors

– Focus on professional networking and accreditations

Positioning Yourself• The External Job Search

– Plan (those that fail to plan, plan to fail) • Treat your job search like a project or strategic plan

– Vision» Decide where you want to be and pick the most creative way to get there

– Mission Statement (Personal/Professional)» Define who you are how you will live/work

– Gap Analysis» Assess your functional and technical skills » How can you acquire missing skills

– Objectives» What companies will you target » Who will you network with

– Activities» Treat your job search like a JOB» Be at your desk the same time every day» Have your action list for each day – work your list

Networking • Plan your networking

– Where will you network, with whom and what is your goal during each event, meeting or phone call?

• Professional organizations (Industry) • LinkedIn / Facebook / Yahoo Groups• Create and build new networks

• Finding Recruiters – Ask colleagues for recommendations – Kennedy Red Book: Directory of Recruiters

• www.KennedyInfo.com• Working with Recruiters

– Approach

Resume and Interview Tips• Keep your resume updated at all times

– When changing industries highlight skills that are transferable– NO picture – Do include

• Summary of skills at the top• Professional experience with Company name, your title and dates

– Accomplishments in each position • Education and other skills

• You never get a second chance to make a first impression – Practice with someone you trust– Clothes pressed and shoes shined– Dress appropriately for the organization

Questions?

Contact Information

• Vicki Z. LauterZ=mc2

vicki@zmc2.com

404-978-2616