By: Brian Rainboth – General Manager, SYSPRO Canada
For the first time in my adult life, I found myself unemployed and looking for a job. After 20+ years in technology, it was important I find the right executive role for me and not settle for just anything. I also carried a sense of urgency as I had a family to support. The day I separated from a start-up, to the first day on my new job was four (4) months to the day.
Below are a few tips for other sales professionals that are currently job hunting, especially ‘seasoned’ executives with experience under their belt and on the short side of retirement age (ok; ‘old guys’).
- Keep your routine. Get up early, pour yourself some coffee, send and return messages and apply for new opportunities. Do this early in the day as this gives your recipients time for a same day response.
- Network. Set up coffee chats, lunch meetings, happy hours and dinners with your network. Connect with your peers and colleagues and get out of the house. This is your best source of job leads. I ensured a full day of meetings 2-3 days per week.
- Cast a wide net. Consider opportunities in new industries and new geographies. You can always say ‘no’ at the end of the day. Until then, don’t restrict yourself because of industry or commute time.
- Keep your mind sharp. Attend industry events, read a lot and phone friends to discuss their business. This will help to keep your mind in the game and your knowledge of the industry up to date.
- Job hunting is a job. Your new title is Job Hunter. This unpaid position involves a daily routine, hard work, focus and relentless pursuit of your goal. Resist the urge to binge watch Netflix, sleep in and play 18 holes everyday. That’s what weekends are for.
Follow these 5 tips and your job search will yield better results much quicker! For more tips on how to land your next great sales role, check out more resources here.