Tip of the Week

Be Visible

So much of a job search is about being in the right place at the right time. Last night I was out with a few friends. I was talking to someone who I hadn’t met before. At the end of the conversation I realized that this woman who was sitting next to me could be perfect for a job posting that I had heard about this week. Today I will be sending her more information and we’ll see how that goes.

If I had not been sitting next to her last night, I would have never known that she was unhappy with her current job. This job is not posted anywhere yet. So, had she not been sitting next to me she would have never known about it.

You don’t know where your next job opportunity might come from. You could start a conversation with the guy standing behind you at Whole Foods and he could turn out to be a Hiring Manager. You could be at your kids basketball game and you’re sitting next to a woman who is the Director of HR. You might be volunteering for an event and the person who is helping you to stack chairs might be your next boss.

You laugh, but I’m telling you that every time I go downtown to the Whole Foods on 6th Street I ALWAYS run into decision makers that I know. Decision Makers are typically working 60 – 80 hours a week. Where do you think they are? They need to go shopping. If they have children, they will be at their children’s events. If they are philanthropic they will pick organizations that they want to volunteer for.

Decision Makers are not going to Job Clubs. Job Clubs should be used to increase your knowledge and meet new people (who may know the decision maker that you need to talk to).

Decision Makers are not going to be sitting in your house with you watching the History Channel.

Decision Makers lurk around every corner. Get out there and BE VISIBLE.