Click here for a full transcript of the episode.

In this episode of The JoyPowered® Workspace Podcast, hosts JoDee Curtis and Susan White walk listeners through the process of starting a job search, from getting job-search ready to negotiating an offer. They discuss how to strengthen your resume and LinkedIn profile, develop an elevator pitch, use your network, prepare for behavioral interviews, and follow up in ways that help you stand out.

JoDee and Susan also explore what happens once compensation enters the conversation, including researching market pay, evaluating salary alongside benefits and flexibility, and approaching negotiations. They answer listener questions about discussing salary expectations with recruiters, asking for a raise, and searching for a new opportunity while still employed.

Key Takeaways

• Stay job-change ready. Even if you’re happy in your current role, keeping your resume, LinkedIn profile, network, and interview skills current can give you more choices when an opportunity arises.
• Make your resume and LinkedIn profile work together. Keep your resume concise and easy to scan while using LinkedIn to provide additional detail and relevant keywords that can help recruiters find you.
• Perfect your elevator pitch. Be prepared to answer “Tell me about yourself” with a short, confident story that highlights your experience, three key strengths, important credentials, and how your background connects to the opportunity.
• Apply first, then tap into your network. Follow the employer’s application process before asking a contact to make an introduction or recommendation. When networking, ask people for advice, connections, and insight rather than simply asking them for a job.
• Prepare specific stories for your interview. Review the job description and think about examples that demonstrate the skills the employer needs. Practice explaining the situation, what you specifically did, and the outcome so you’re ready for behavioral interview questions.
• Follow up. Send a thank you email after your interview and stay appropriately connected while the employer makes a decision. A gracious response is important even if you didn’t receive the offer, since another opportunity with the organization could come along later.
• Research your value before negotiating. Look at market data, assess your accomplishments, and consider the entire compensation package, including salary, benefits, paid time off, flexibility, and working arrangements. Practice the conversation ahead of time so you can clearly explain what you’re seeking and why.
• Keep your job search positive and professional. It’s common to look for a new opportunity while you’re still employed. Use your personal phone and email for your search, maintain confidentiality when necessary, and be prepared to explain what you’re looking for without criticizing your current employer.

Quote of the Episode

“You should always be, I think, job change ready, whether you choose to pull the trigger or not.” – Susan White

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Purple Ink
• Susan Tinder White Consulting
• JoyPowered®: Intentionally Creating an Inspired Workspace by JoDee Curtis
• Majority in US Now Optimistic About Job Market – Gallup, February 2017
• StrengthsFinder – now called CliftonStrengths®
• LinkedIn
• Indeed
• Dice
• The Ladders
• WorkHere (now closed)
• The November 2016 issue of SHRM’s HR Magazine
• Payscale
• Glassdoor
• Salary.com
• O*NET Online