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Maximise your chance of being approached for your next role

The market has changed significantly over the last five years. The ‘you seek me’ mindset is the new norm where highly skilled executive, professionals have the expectation that they will be approached by search consultants rather than proactively seeking out opportunities.

With search becoming more prominent at all levels of recruitment, Briaan Llorente, Supply Chain and Procurement consultant, provides his advice to maximise chances of being approached by a business or search consultant and landing your next big role.

Get online.

The evolution of the digital landscape has changed the way recruitment operates. In order to be found you must be present online.

There are a number of online channels, some more obvious than others. LinkedIn is definitely the place to start – search consultants and research teams spend huge amounts of time on LinkedIn looking for unique talent. A quick survey at the Six Degrees office revealed that our consultants spend 30% of their time on LinkedIn sourcing talent, double this for our talent engagement specialists and researchers.

SEEK has diversified, they are no longer just a job board. Seek have a product called SEEK Profile available to all their users. A SEEK profile offers candidates and employers another way of finding each other. You use your profile to tell employers about your skills, experience and what you’re looking for in your next role. Employers can then view your profile and get in touch with roles suited to your experience even if you’re not actively searching for a new job. You will also industry insights based on your profile.

In both of these instances ensure you are accessible online with maximum visibility and have the most up-to-date information on your profile.

Be seen.             

You want to be seen, known and heard in your industry, not only by those with current opportunities, although this may be the end goal. To be known, you first need to be connected within your industry. That is, with industry associations, professional bodies, and your personal connections such as colleagues, clients, acquaintances, friends, family.

To do this attend conferences, forums, seminars, meet ups and professional events where you know there will be key industry figures present and network. Being visible to key people increases your chances of having a conversation, it then gives you the opportunity to connect online, which in turn increases your chances of being contacted when an opportunity arises.

Be open to having a conversation.

You may not be looking for a job and you might be very happy in your current role but you never know when your situation will change. The best talent is always open to a conversation.

Recruitment managers, industry leaders, HR managers, and consultants maintain a healthy and current network of talented individuals, so although it might not be the right time now, you may find they come to you with an opportunity at the perfect moment! Remember, you don’t know what you don’t know. At the very least, you will gather useful information about how you’re positioned within your market and commercial information about your industry that could help you in your current role.

Don’t be modest.

Don’t be afraid to tell people your professional achievements – these ultimately indicate what value you may provide to a company looking for someone of your calibre.

Like I said earlier, one of the most effective ways to do this is through your LinkedIn profile. This is your modern day CV – the more people who can see this information the better. A hiring manager will see your paper CV but it is probably the last thing an executive search consultant will see in their efforts to find you.

Develop a relationship with a mentor.

A mentor is someone who will take a vested interest in your career progression and personal development. Not only does a mentor offer you advice, support and inspiration to achieve what you want to achieve, but can also develop into a sponsor should opportunities arise.

Ask for advice and give back.

What is just as important as building a network and forming connections is to actually engage with the people in your network. Don’t be afraid to ask your networks for information, advice or favours as these people may well provide you with a lot of value. Just ensure that you show gratitude and give the same back in return.

Most importantly, be open, honest and receptive to others. With an up-to-date online presence, attendance at industry events and your proactive engagement with people in your networks, you never know what opportunities might become available.

 

For more career advice, get in touch with Briaan Llorente 02 8024 7166.

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