Much of my coaching practice is supporting the effective campaigns of those job seekers currently in the market that require some focused and directive coaching in order to achieve success.

Research shows that a job search campaign requires great organization, planning and an effective strategy in order to meet success in today's job market. The old adage "your network is your net worth" is so true when you become a job seeker. Further research supports that over 78% of the times you are successful in "landing" through this informal method of finding a job.

Here are a few thoughts to support your efforts:

The top reasons people are successful are:

1. Preparation- of the campaign target and career choice, organization of campaign
   
2. Research-on the market, the organizations targeted and the targets that they are seeking
   
3. Practiced and Skilled in handling both the Information and Job Interview-this entails substance, the style and manner of the candidate and using a more structured approach in handling the interview.

A few basic campaign management tips for your job search campaign are:

1. Know what your goal is- the number one reason candidates are not successful is that they do not know what they want. The Wizard of Oz taught us "if you don't know your destination, any road will take you there". Be clear, be focused and eliminate running a "fragmented" job campaign.
   
2. It is the Best Convincer That Wins a Top Job - hone and sharpen your "convincing" skills. Frequently, it is not the best person that wins, it is the candidate that knows how to market and sell themselves most effectively.
   
3. Network, Network, Network - you create the Network. Seventy-eight percent of successful job seekers land their dream jobs through contacts that they have made and assiduously kept up. Create your target list and ask everyone you know for advice and information to support your marketing plan.
   
4. Marketing 101 - learn how to research your marketplace, "net cruise" for trends and new directions, take relevant courseware, learn marketing through books and articles, talk to the experts and learn their secrets. "Storyboard" your vison, goals, objectives, strategies, plans and activities that should include 3 areas in your target, your ideal position and your landing date. If you need help, call a consultant to help this process! After this important project has been completed, you are then ready with your marketing plan to chart and benchmark your success.
   
5. Information and Referral Meetings - Know you're A-B-C's. The A's are people you already know, meet with them and tell them what you are researching, have them refer you to B contacts or "bridging" contacts, these contacts will lead you to the "C' contacts, the people that can make decisions that lead you to your job.
   
6. Avoid Interviews From Hell - be prepared by rehearsing tough questions, complete some extensive video training and practice, practice, practice with a coach or an able critique artist!
   
7. Ace your Interview - research the company, understand how to align their needs with what you can offer, be the "aspirin" for their pain when you have tactically diagnosed what their organizational challenges are.
   
8. Be Authentic - research shows that 65% of interviewers will not advance you to the next step because of trust. Be natural, build a relationship through the interview and ensure that references and resumes are all reliable.
   
9. Thank you Thank you Thank you - ensure that the proper thanks are expeditious, send a voice mail, send a letter.
   
10. Assimilate Properly into your New Position - the 3 C's here are be credible, make a contribution and be a communicator- the rest is up to you!