30 Second Sneak Peak: The more I asked for help the better opportunities seemed to appear + have at least one great recruiter in your network.

In my last Sneak Peak I talked about my job search.  What I did not share was all the help I received from my network.  I had former colleagues, former clients(CFOs, Financial Advisers, Bankers, Accountants, etc), friends and family all pitch in.  You do not have to do this alone!  When times were really tough in 2009, 2010, 2011, I was recruiting in NJ and NYC.  There were so many people...talented people unemployed for over a year.  They had the degrees, the skills, and the experience, but they could not land the job.  There were limited jobs.  I would speak with them monthly.  I had a couple of suggestions for them.  One was to make sure they were growing their network and utilizing all the resources out there.  That consisted of inner circle, acquaintances(church, community, neighbors, etc,), centers of influence(this was specific for Accounting and Finance professionals - Bankers, Accountants, Lawyers), recruiters, and then online postings(indeed, linkedin, chamber of commerce, business associations in your town).   I suggested they do not contact them weekly or monthly, but rather every 6 weeks to check in.  NEVER say I am looking for a job rather provide an update that you are actively networking, and pursuing the next opportunity and what activity has occurred.  People want to help.  They really do.  Also, I highly recommend you locate a local not for profit and volunteer.  Go to GuideStar.org locate local not for profits. 

Lastly, find that one great recruiter.  I received help with my resume, my interview presentation, when it came to an offer and how to best counter offer.  The job search has so much to it.   The locating the right company and culture, the interview, the offer stage.  Just talking things through.  There is so much there!  We all have blind spots.  A great recruiter will add firepower to your job search.