There are some common job search traps that even the most seasoned executives fall into. Recognizing these pitfalls and understanding how to avoid them will give you an edge in searching for and landing your next great opportunity.

1. Executive Transition – Networking Overview & Checklist
Top 10 Mistakes Executives Make When Searching for a Job
#1 Networking ineffectively.
Overview
Networking is the most effective way of finding a job. Yet, most people are quite ineffective
at networking. For some, networking indeed comes naturally, but for others, it can require
significantly more planning and effort. Determining specific objectives, cultivating the right
attitude and approach, reaching beyond known contacts, reciprocating and continuous
maintenance are all key to effective networking. Although the intent of networking hasn’t
changed, the tools and resources available have certainly evolved. Online professional
networking services such as LinkedIn are becoming standard among job seekers, recruiters
and hiring managers.
Coaching
Networking requires a proactive and persistent approach. Building your network is an
ongoing process, and you need to increase and modify your range of contacts regularly. Be
prepared to step out of your comfort zone if you want to see results. While networking
might seem intimidating, the more you do it, the easier it will become. Whether in person,
by telephone or by email, your networking "personal pitch" should have a clear introduction,
followed by a statement of what your area of interest is, and finally, your "selling
proposition". Try out a few different versions and keep practicing to see what works best for
you. Some people will likely brush you off, but don't take it personally. Be polite, but move
on to someone else with whom you can build a rapport. Networking involves give and take,
so be prepared to reciprocate. Establish yourself as a resource that people will turn to for
advice. When it comes to managing your network, keeping organized and following up are
key.
Dos & Don’ts
• Engage in “netgiving” by contributing your time, expertise and relevant connections to
others in your network.
• Don’t limit yourself to friends, family and colleagues – the power of an effective network is
expanding it to include unknown contacts.

2. Executive Transition
Networking Checklist
I’ve identified network potentials - known contacts that I will
NETWORK POTENTIALS
use to build my network. These are “warm calls”.
 Family & friends  Colleagues & classmates
 Recruiters  Boards & associations
 Target company contacts  Other
PROCESS
 Objectives I have set out clear objectives for my networking interactions.
I understand that networking takes time and I am prepared to
 Commitment & scheduling
dedicate a certain amount of time to networking each week/ day.
 Cold calling I am prepared to cold call my list of network prospects.
I have researched which events I should attend to broaden my
 Events
network.
I have prepared my personal pitch – my “elevator” speech – to
 Personal pitch
use in networking situations.
I have prepared questions to initiate conversations, and I’m ready
 Questions & answers
to answer common questions, especially “How can I help you?”
I always have enough of my business cards on hand to pass out
 Business cards
freely.
I’m prepared to offer assistance whenever I can to my network
 Reciprocation
contacts.
I have a contact management system, including a day planner,
 Keeping organized
scheduler or calendar to keep track of my networking contacts
FOLLOW UP and commitments.
I follow up in a timely manner – within 72 hours after meeting a
 Timeliness
network contact.
I manage expectations around the commitments I’ve made to my
 Keeping promises
network contacts.
© 2011 Bill Holland All Rights Reserved.