Searching for your next opportunity is a process. One that can be well defined and followed. Part of this process is looking forward so you can keep current opportunities moving ahead and part of the process is making sure you have enough opportunities in front of you. Look for future installments and my presentation of the job search process in the near future. Dave White www.mycareersearchonline.com

1. The Power of “NEXT!” During Your Job Search
Working with hundreds of candidates over the years I have
seen a tendency for people searching for a new job to hang
on to one or two potential opportunities far too long without
developing new opportunities at the same time.
The word “NEXT!” is a very powerful word when in the job
search process.
Dave White SC Palo Alto
2/20/2012 1
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2. The Power of “NEXT!” During Your Job Search
“NEXT!”
Dave White SC Palo Alto
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dwhite@scpaloalto.com

3. The Power of “NEXT!” During Your Job Search
The word “NEXT!” has two meaning during your job search:
1. As the process moves forward for a specific
opportunity, you should be thinking:
1. “What do I do “NEXT!” for this opportunity?”
2. “What are the “NEXT!” steps in the employer’s process?”
2. Imagine your current opportunity does not work
out, even if you are confident it will. Ask yourself:
“What is “NEXT!” for me?”
1. “What other opportunities do I have to pursue right now?”
2. “What steps should I be taking right now to develop new
opportunities?”
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4. The Power of “NEXT!” During Your Job Search
So, after you submit your resume to 5 new opportunities, or
finished your 1st phone interview, or just left your 3rd and final
in-house interview – relax, sit back, and write down the
answers to these 2 questions:
1. “What are the “NEXT!” steps for the opportunities I am
pursuing? Because I want to keep momentum on these
opportunities.”
2. “What “NEXT!” opportunities am I going to pursue right
away? Because this opportunity might not work out and I
do not want to lose momentum.”
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5. The Power of “NEXT!” During Your Job Search
During my career counseling meetings I tell people:
As soon as you leave an interview do a quick
reflection on how you felt it went and say to yourself:
“NEXT!”…
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6. The Power of “NEXT!” During Your Job Search
… “NEXT!” steps in this process
… “NEXT!” opportunity
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7. The Power of “NEXT!” During Your Job Search
The benefits of “NEXT!” are many:
1. It allows you to keep the process moving forward with the potential
employer
2. It helps you avoid the cycles of having active opportunities and then
long stretches of too few opportunities
3. It helps you avoid the emotional swings that come with the cycles
4. It keeps you focused on moving forward
5. It increases your ability to develop multiple opportunities so you do
not feel dependent on one specific job – imagine having multiple
interviews and multiple opportunities to consider
6. It reassures you that you are pursuing the right opportunities and
reduces the feeling that you are simply grabbing a job even if it is not
the best fit for you
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8. The Power of “NEXT!” During Your Job Search
And, one important point:
When you are talking with a perspective Hiring Manager, Human
Resources Manager or Recruiter, either at the end of a call or at the end
of an interview, ask 3 important questions before you leave:
1. “What is the “NEXT!” step in your process?” (not optional)
2. “What would be the “NEXT!” step after that?” (optional based on
how your interview is going and the demeanor of the person you are
meeting)
3. “What can I do “NEXT!” to help facilitate your process?” (not
optional)
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9. The Power of “NEXT!” During Your Job Search
Brought to you by Dave White and SC Palo Alto
650 – 530 – 9011
dwhite@scpaloalto.com
http://www.scpaloalto.com
http://www.mycareersearchonline.com
Look for future presentations on LinkedIn and Facebook
Contact me with any feedback and comments
2/20/2012 Dave White SC Palo Alto 9

10. The Power of “NEXT!” During Your Job Search
“NEXT!”
Dave White SC Palo Alto
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dwhite@scpaloalto.com