Six Lessons in Career Management

Many executives find that a job search can be a rude awakening. Often they find themselves searching for the first time since they were recruited out of college.

1. Create a network of contacts that can help you when you need it. Build now, don’t wait.

2. Interviewing also helps you know your value. Be paid what you are worth! I got a large raise with my latest change.

3. Think of your career FIRST. All companies have bad times, and you need to be ready if it affects you.

4. Don’t stop the process until it is really over. Keep pushing out those resumes and making those contacts until you have a signed and accepted offer in hand. Don’t make the mistake of counting on a likely “closing” and let your networking pipeline dry up.

5. It’s better to stay where you are and look for a new job. Not having a job makes your search more difficult. When you are working you don’t have to spend a lot of time explaining your position and focusing on a negative situation.

6. Remember how you were treated when you were looking for a job? Keep that in mind when you’re on the hiring side.