Making your own future
Pat O’Donnell here to share what I’ve learned about improving job satisfaction and security by targeting the right jobs and projects, staying on top of what is needed most, and keeping yourself visible as the preferred provider.
In addition to the great resources you'll find on this site, I invite you to check out O'Donnell Executive Strategies for:
- complete packages in strategic guidance for individuals
- recruiting and outplacement services
- workshops and speaking for professional groups
The five most recent articles:
Take control of your destiny!
By Pat O'Donnell | February 6, 2010
In the last 12 months I left one company, test drove another, and then expanded my independent business. Let me share what I learned while researching how to take control of my own destiny.
Economic insecurity will continue
Many employees feel less secure than they did 3-10 years ago. While the end of the Recession will reduce the level of panic, longer-term trends will continue to reshape the relationship between employee and employer. Read the rest of this entry »
Topics: Career Strategy | 1 Comment »
What does it take to be an “effective communicator?”
By Pat O'Donnell | September 25, 2009
Many job seekers create a resume that suggests they are suitable for many different companies and then apply to hundreds of job postings. These resumes frequently use language like “relationship builder,” “effective communicator,” and “strong team lead” without offering more specific accomplishments or case histories to support the adjectives. Recruiters and network connections are often told by these same job seekers “Just get me the interview, and I’ll get the job.” Read the rest of this entry »
Topics: Branding + Positioning, Career Strategy, Resume + Cover Letter | No Comments »
The limitations and dangers of using LinkedIn
By Pat O'Donnell | September 13, 2009
There are lots of books and courses available on how to use LinkedIn with the standard messages and tools. But those courses tend to produce users who think that if being listed in the software is good using it heavily without further thought is better. I disagree.
- In the Twin Cities Metro there are 4K LinkedIn listings with “marketing communications” mentioned, 59K with “sales,” and 31K with “engineer.” 65% social media participants users use to stay in touch with friends, 47% use social media “for work” and but only 26-28% use it for “career search.” Read the rest of this entry »
Topics: Branding + Positioning, Career Strategy, Hidden Job Market, Networking, Recruiting, Resume + Cover Letter | No Comments »
Advice from a Recruiter for the Candidate
By Pat O'Donnell | September 9, 2009
Disclosure: O’Donnell Executive Strategies provides recruiting services as well as career strategy.
Here are important tips for a successful relationship with a recruiter, when you are the candidate.
- Interview the recruiting firm. A firm may cover many roles, such as Sales, Marketing, IT, Engineering, Senior Finance and Accounting, Training, Organizational Development, Human Resources. Individual recruiters have industry specialties like medical device, durable goods, etc… The recruiter needs to assess whether one of the recruiters in the group is likely to have jobs that fit you. Most great recruiters have hands on experience in the field they cover. For instance, I have 10+ years as a VP of Marketing and I recruit marketers and others. A good finance recruiter might have a CPA and experience in one of the Big 4 accounting firms. Read the rest of this entry »
Topics: Career Strategy, Networking, Recruiting | No Comments »
Expanding your target audience
By Pat O'Donnell | July 26, 2008
In many of my blogs I have advised you to concentrate your efforts on the 15-25 corporations for which you are likely to be the preferred job seeker. So what if you want to move to another industry or role? What if you have not yet had a job offer in your preferred target group and need to expand your efforts?
Read the rest of this entry »
Topics: Career Strategy | No Comments »
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