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Marge N Averra
Citizen
Username: Marge_n_averra
Post Number: 37
Registered: 8-2004
| | Posted on Friday, April 7, 2006 - 10:37 am: | 
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I wonder if anybody here has ever used an executive head hunter to find a job, a life coach, or somebody else who could help with a career transition. I am looking for somebody who is really creative, and can look beyond my current job title and instead help me find a good fit for my talents and working style. |
Hank Zona
Supporter
Username: Hankzona
Post Number: 5445
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Friday, April 7, 2006 - 11:01 am: |
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Marge,
Having hunted heads for many years, I can tell you that a headhunter does not find you a job per se. If they are conducting a search that you may be good for and they have you in their database, or they recently met you, or if they have a close relationship with a client and can float your resume by them if they think there is a fit, then they may get you a job, but they do not consider your background then start looking all around the workforce for a job for you. Some good recruiters will "coach" you and offer significant advice when possible, but for the most part, they get paid for hitting the nail on the head...so if it is a transition you are looking to make, they in most cases (not always, but in most cases) wont be able to help you, unless they are working with a client who specificially will consider candidates outside the box.
I recently read a statistic that over 50% of jobs are now filled through some online source (job search sites, corporate job postings, networking, etc.). The best way to make a transition is to do some homework, identify what industries and companies within those industries appeal to you, see where your general skills that you have are transferrable to other opportunities. Try speaking with friends and acquaintances...try getting referred into an organization by an employee. A candidate who is not going to cost a company alot of money (through an employee referral or a less expensive form of advertising as opposed to one with a recruiter's fee attached) may be considered more closely simply because there isnt as high a hiring cost figure attached. Look for industries with alot of hiring needs and expansion..they will need talent.
As for life coaches, I believe they can help you as an individual to be more focused and organized with a job search or other life matters, but they do not find you jobs, typically. There are career consulting groups out there and networking groups. They will help you consider alternatives, better organize and articulate your thoughts and career interests and desires and help you establish a network. There is a Career Transition Network that John Harvey from Freeman's Fish Market has put together. I have never sat in on any of the gatherings, but I have heard very good things about them and he is legit(they are not held at Freeman's!). It may be a good place to start to get your thoughts focused on the quest. |
Wendyn
Supporter
Username: Wendyn
Post Number: 2899
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Friday, April 7, 2006 - 11:16 am: |
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Also there are lots of books out there on changing careers. What Color is Your Parachute and The Pathfinder are two of many.
But be prepared that to adequately use these books requires lots of soul searching and reasearch. Since these are not two of my strong points, I am still here in my high paying but unfulfilling job while I post on MOL. |
Marge N Averra
Citizen
Username: Marge_n_averra
Post Number: 38
Registered: 8-2004
| | Posted on Friday, April 7, 2006 - 11:31 am: |
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Thank you so much. This is very helpful.
I guess I wasn't clear - I thought the life coach might be a good approach to help me figure out where to start looking rather than help find a job. I've been in a fairly specialized industry, but with skills that can be applied to a variety of settings. I have ideas about how to find out about a skill fit. I'm just less sure about a personality fit, if that makes sense.
Is it realistic to get this sort of help from a life coach?
Either way, I'll check out the thing that John Harvey runs.
I've been through the "Parachute" book so many times I think I'll scream if I read it again. It tells me I should be where I am, but I know this is false - I am miserable in my current job. Actually there are things I like a lot about my work, but there are things about my current employer that are getting less & less tractable. i.e. my work is fine; my job stinks.
I'd stay in the same kind of job, except that in the entire five years I've been in my current position, not one comparable job has opened up within a two-hour commuting radius. I am geographically stuck, due to the nature of my spouse's work. |
BGS
Supporter
Username: Bgs
Post Number: 903
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Friday, April 7, 2006 - 11:44 am: |
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Very well written Hank. I agree 100% with what you say, having also hunted heads for over 20 years in a different bridge of activity.
Marge-I think that John Harvey's classes might be just what you need.
Best,
BGS
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dano
Citizen
Username: Dano
Post Number: 191
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, April 7, 2006 - 12:36 pm: |
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You may also want to try www.fiveoclockclub.com |
Lydia
Supporter
Username: Lydial
Post Number: 1752
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, April 7, 2006 - 2:18 pm: |
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We've got an amazing life coach - literally changed my husband's and our lives, and has been very helpful with navigating choppy job-transition waters.
He's fantastic - his nickname is "The Guru" - P/L me for contact info. |
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