JOB SEARCH TUNE-UP��

BOB KORZENIEWSKI

Discussion of Key Areas

• Resumes
• Marketing Plans
• Interviewing
• LinkedIn
• Networking
• Balance

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Goal for tonight….

• Grade yourself against the bullets I have outlined
• Add things you have done in each category that might be point worthy (via chat)
• Lets see if we can go from my 50+ thoughts to over 100 with your help.
• I also have lots of examples of template emails to make your own and use.
• Lets start and hopefully finish the night with a breakout.

First breakout

• Groups of three
• Short introduction (up to 60 seconds)
• “How are you currently feeling about your job search”
• Ten minutes to discuss.

Resumes

• Been fully reviewed and tweaked
• Has accomplishments vs. job descriptions
• Best items are on page 1
• Spell checked and reviewed for grammar
• Might have multiple versions if different focus
• Customize for Key Opportunities
• Pleasing to the eye – but still works with ATS.

Marketing Plan

• Have taken the workshop
• Have a plan I share and use regularly
• Have identified at least 20 companies/agencies
• Have contacts at target companies and am adding more
• Can describe why the companies/verticals are my primary focus.

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Interviewing

• Have drafted answers to my top 10+ questions – had them reviewed and tweaked.
• Have 5+ STAR stories (Situation, Actions, Tasks, Results)
• Know the three things I want people to think when I am done interviewing.
• Have done mock virtual interviewing over Zoom and improved my virtual presence.
• I set aside time each week for Interview Prep

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10

Interview Tips

• Use Positive, factual, positive (PFP) format to reply.
• Always write down questions and the answers you gave after each interview
• Sell your soft skills – most people don’t
• Remember the #1 tip is to SMILE! Show positive energy.
• Check out Amazon’s website for their interview process and recommendations.

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New Interview Tip

• Ask at the beginning if it is okay to take notes and hold up your portfolio…. Where you already have outlines of the answers you want to deliver to key questions. Might want to practice it once or twice prior. (thanks to Chris O’Rourke)

My Favorite Closing Question

• When I am lucky enough to get this job and we are sitting down at the end of the first 100 days for an informal review and you say I have done an amazing job – what will I have done?

LinkedIn

• I have 500+ connections
• I always personalize
• I have 3+ recommendations
• I have a professional photo
• I have used the About section to add personality and additional info.
• I never apply for a job without checking LinkedIn for potential connections and working them.
• I stay up on the latest changes and how to best use them – would rate myself an 8 or above.

Networking

• I have reached out to my warm network (advisory board), met with them and asked for connections.
• I have met with their connections (2^nd level) and got additional connections.
• I have conducted 2 or more Informational Interviews.
• I am having 2 one on one meetings a week.
• I am comfortable sharing my status (in transition) articulating my focus and asking WDYK?
• I have an employee referral strategy and am working it.

Note to Advisors

Dear Susan,

I hope this note finds you and the family safe and healthy. It has been a unique year and I am hopeful for the days ahead. I would love to connect via phone or Zoom (never thought that would be my new favorite tool) and just say hello and check in. I am active in networking as part of my current job search and always find your perspective of great value. Let me know some options that might work for you. I will follow-up with a phone call early next week.

Grateful,

Bob

www.linkedin.com/bobkorzo

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Note to Advisors

Dear Bill,

I hope this note finds you well and that you and the family enjoyed a nice Easter.

I was reaching out to see if we could chat - either by phone or Zoom.

After 7 great years at VeriSign the pandemic impacted many of us across

the company and my position was eliminated. Very proud of the work our team did there – but it is time for my next great professional home. I am reaching out to folks whose opinions I highly value to get their thoughts and advice. If your willing, please let me know a few dates and times that might work in the weeks ahead.

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My best to Jane and the family.

Grateful,

Bob

www.linkedin.com/bobkorzo

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Request to Recruiter

Dear Ms Jenkins,

I would be grateful to be connected as MicroStrategy tops the list of my target companies. I have applied for a position as a customer success manager (job #297756) and hope we are able to share coffee some day in the future. If I can ever be helpful with hard to fill positions please let me know and I will try to work my network. Continued success.

Request to Alumni – Connection and Informational Interview Request

Dear Mr. Juergensen,

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As a fellow alum of the University of Maryland I would consider it an honor to be connected. I was very impressed reviewing your successful career in finance, most recently at Merrill Lynch, and was hoping you might consider a 15 minute call to share some advice. I too have a finance background, having graduated in 2015, and know your perspective would be extremely valuable as I network into my next professional home.

Grateful,

Bob Korzo

www.linkedin.com/bobkorzo

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Request for Informational Interview

Hello Mr. Pearce,

My name is Bob Korzo, and I was referred to you by a mutual friend – Dave Eaddy. I am very interested in the GIS work being performed within the Government Contracting industry, and Dave thought you would be a great person to have a short conversation with on the topic.

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Might there be a window to chat for 15 minutes at your convenience? I could do a phone call or set up a Zoom meeting? I would be extremely grateful. (I have attached a short list of questions should we be fortunate enough to meet).

Grateful,

Bob Korzo

www.linkedin.com/bobkorzo

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Request for Informational Interview

Hello Mr. Venable,

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My name is Bob Korzo, and I am a fellow alumni of Ohio University. I currently reside here in VA and have a great interest in Think Tanks and the important role they play in influencing global policy.

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I was hoping that you might consider a short 15 minute call to get your perspective on the industry from your very unique viewpoint as a former officer and now senior research fellow. I could schedule a phone call or Zoom meeting at a date and time of your preference.

Very Grateful,

Go Bobcats!

Bob Korzo

www.linkedin.com/bobkorzo

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Another Affinity Request

Dear Ms Jones,

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As a fellow member of the Career Network Ministry (CNM) ,I wanted to reach out and get connected. I am an MBA with 8 years of experience in government contracting and would be grateful for a 10 minute phone conversation. Leidos is high on my list of target companies and your perspective on the company/industry would be of great value.

Very grateful,

Bob Korzo

www.linkedin.com/bobkorzo

Cold Request – VP of Inova

Dear Mr. Dunlap,

I hope this email finds you well. I appreciate the work Inova is doing to save lives and their active involvement during the Pandemic as well as in the vaccine roll-out. I would enjoy being connected as Inova tops the list of my target employers.

I have 10 years of experience in IT and have consistently delivered to both customers and management. If your schedule might allow a 10 minute discussion to hear your thoughts on the company, I would be grateful.

Bob Korzo

www.linkedin.com/bobkorzo

Next Level Reach Out

Dear Debbie,

I hope this email finds you well. I was talking to Susan Smith last week and she encouraged me to reach out and connect. I worked with Susan at VeriSign, and she thought I would benefit from a short conversation with you about Amazon and the local technology market.

After 7 great years at VeriSign my position was eliminated, and I am trying to stay abreast of opportunities while extending my network. I would be very grateful if you had 15 minutes to chat via phone or Zoom in the days ahead.

Grateful,

Bob Korzo

www.linkedin.com/bobkorzo

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ER - Start with a Call

Hello James,

I hope this email finds you well in the midst of all the turmoil. I wanted to connect and see if we could chat about your experience at Amazon? It remains high on my target list and I would love to chat for five minutes and get your insights into the company.

I am sure your crazy busy – but let me know a few dates/times that might work.

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During the call….

• Provide latest update on what is happening with you…
• Get your contacts perspective on life at his/her company.
• Restate your interest and ask about a potential employee referral.
• Clarify the process, if they know it, and how you can potentially help them earn a referral bonus.

Working a Pre-cleared Employee Referral (ER)

Hello James,

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I just saw a job at Amazon that is a great fit for my skills and has me very

excited. Per our prior conversation I am submitting my resume and will note

you are an internal referral. I meet or exceed all the requirements as you can

see from the attached list. I have also attached the job description and my

submittal. I will keep you informed.

Very grateful.

ER Strategy – Target Contacts vs. Companies

• Look at people you know – not companies
• Might their company be a good target?
• Would they be a reference?
• Lets pre-clear the request
• Lets move up that company on our list
• Should you also get connected to someone closer to your desired department?

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Balance

• You are sensitive to the need for balance
• You are finding time for you – spiritually
• Physically
• Emotionally
• Finding what energizes you
• Managing what pulls you down

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Extra Credit Areas

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• Regular attendee at Kevin’s Interview Group
• Elevator Pitch tweaked by JV and being used.
• Member of an engaged Accountability group
• Networking to the 3^rd level and beyond
• Engaged in LinkedIn groups & writing articles
• Further skill development & certificates.
• Attending Virtual Job Fairs

More Extra Credit

• Checking out other Meetup meetings
• Connecting members of your network to one another
• Bringing positive energy to the vast majority of my meetings
• Proactively trying new things I learn on a weekly basis
• Becoming more efficient in submittals.

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Even More Extra Credit

• Feeling better today about my chances to land my job then at any time in my search
• I have helped others in their job search
• Adding to my skill set both formally (classes, certificates, etc) and informally.
• Actively engaged in volunteering

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Second Breakout

• Groups of four
• Short intro (30 seconds)
• “What positives have you taken away from the Pandemic that you will continue to do even when it is more normal”?
• Ten minutes to discuss