Preparing for the Next Consulting Engagement
Recruiters can play a valuable role in any job search, but you have to own and manage the process of finding a new job. Before you start your job search, there are a few questions that you should answer:
- What type of consulting position do you want?
Review job postings by considering the industry, role, seniority, and job requirements. Do these fit with where you are in your career? Direct your energy and attention where the position is a good match with your specific goals and skills.
- Where is the job located?
Is your preference to work locally or to stay within a specific geographic area?
- What are the travel requirements?
Do the travel requirements fit your lifestyle and family obligations? Is there an opportunity for remote work? What is the standard work week?
- What are the financial details?
What hourly rate do you want for your services? Are expenses included in the rate or paid separately? Are you able to manage paying your own expenses?
Resume
Once you have a clear idea of the type of job you want, the next step is to develop your resume. Choose a format that best highlights your skills and experience. You can also add a contemporary touch by using resume templating software such as Trendy Resumes at www.trendyresumes.com
Start with a version of your resume and then make several variations on your theme based on the types of positions (i.e., project manager vs analyst). When preparing to submit your resume for a particular position, read the job description very carefully and include the pertinent keywords in your resume. Be sure to send your Recruiter an updated resume and initiate a conversation so they understand the new skills and experience gained since they last worked with you.
Using LinkedIn for Professional Networking
LinkedIn is the most powerful professional networking tool on the market. It helps to maintain professional relationships, keep track of former colleagues as they move from one company to another, find and connect with people who work for targeted companies and meet professionals with similar group interests. In addition, LinkedIn offers a tool for sharing endorsements and testimonials.
Want to get noticed? Your headline, your name and your profile photo are the only cues that a user will get before deciding whether or not to click through your headline to your full profile. Your LinkedIn headline is your online brand so make it pop. Here is an example: “Consultant looking for next opportunity” is vague, but “Healthcare Training Consultant Who Can Deliver Outstanding User Engagement and Quality Improvement” tells what you plan to deliver.
Communication
- Keep a journal/spreadsheet of your job hunting activities including a list of all job openings, date resume submitted and interview details
- Have a professional voicemail message and email account
- Respond quickly to inquiries about your resume, job interviews or on-boarding requirements.
- Job searching is competitive so remember every communication shapes a client and recruiters impression of you. If you are too slow, difficult to schedule or hard to work with, then they will move on to other candidates.
- Communicate if you are going to be unavailable for a period of time
- Provide the preferred method of contact
Interview Preparation
Being prepared can make all of the difference in landing your next consulting position. Do your research on the company and review the job description. Connect with people you know who have worked for the company to gather information. Be ready to describe you project experience, identify key strengths, offer ideas and convince the interviewers why you are the best fit for the organization. For additional interview tips, please refer to our blog at https://dcshq.com/category/interview-advice/
By: Amy Noel, Executive Vice President, Sales and Recruiting at DCS