Land your dream job in today’s market: negotiation tactics, job search councils, more | Phyl Terry
13 Sep 2024 (5 days ago)
Phyl’s background
- Phil Terry is the author of the book Never Search Alone.
- Terry was on the founding team of the first company Amazon acquired.
- Terry was also the CEO of Creative Good, a product and customer experience consulting firm, for over 15 years.
The concept of job search councils
- Job search councils are support groups of six to eight job seekers, primarily from the product community, who commit to supporting each other through the job search process.
- Job search councils utilize a methodology that helps individuals determine their candidate market fit and employ strategies to succeed in their job search.
- The act of bringing anxious individuals together to be open, vulnerable, and seek help transforms anxiety and fear into hope, motivation, accountability, and confidence.
The power of community in job searching
- Job searching with others, such as through councils or support groups, can be highly effective, even in challenging job markets.
- Personal anecdotes illustrate the power of community in job searching, highlighting how a support group helped a single mother find employment in the 1970s and how the speaker assisted numerous individuals during the dot-com bubble burst.
- Drawing from personal experiences and observations, the importance of community in job searching is emphasized, with a specific focus on the benefits of councils and support groups.
The scale and structure of job search councils
- Over 2,000 free job search councils have been launched.
- The councils are funded by book sales and donations, and they are run by volunteers.
- Job seekers can apply to join a council, and they will be matched with a group based on their employment status and willingness to moderate.
The impact of job search councils
- People who participated in job search councils have shared positive experiences and successful outcomes in their job search.
- Job search councils provide support, accountability, and a sense of community, which are essential for maintaining emotional balance during the often challenging and demoralizing job search process.
- Job search councils offer a structured approach to job searching, providing practical tools and techniques, and fostering a supportive environment where individuals can connect, share experiences, and navigate the job market together.
The concept of candidate-market fit
- Candidate-market fit is the most important job search tactic.
- Due to current economic conditions, there are more candidates than available positions, especially in the tech industry.
- Job seekers should determine what they want and don't want in a job before applying for positions.
Writing a Mnookin two-pager
- The Mnookin two-pager is a tool developed to help individuals in job transitions gain clarity on their career preferences.
- The Mnookin two-pager is a document where individuals list what they like and dislike in a job or work environment.
- Sharing the Mnookin two-pager with others in a job search council or group setting can facilitate shared learning and help individuals refine their career goals.
Conducting listening tours
- Job seekers should conduct listening tours to gain market insights and leverage their network.
- Listening tours involve sharing a document outlining career goals and seeking feedback from former colleagues, network contacts, and recruiters.
- Benefits of conducting listening tours include gaining market insights, refining career goals, and building relationships that can lead to job opportunities.
Creating a focused candidate-market fit
- A job search council can help individuals interpret feedback and narrow down their candidate market fit.
- A narrowly defined candidate market fit, expressed concisely, is more effective than a broad one.
- A well-defined candidate market fit typically includes three to four key attributes, such as company stage, industry, role level, and company culture.
Advice on finding the right stage of company for you
- There are more job opportunities in startups than in established companies in the tech industry.
- It is important to be realistic about your market value and be open to taking on roles that may be different from your previous experience.
- Talking to people in your desired industry and getting their honest feedback can be crucial in determining the right career path.
Identifying your unique path
- A two-step strategy may be necessary to land a dream job, especially if current qualifications do not meet the requirements.
- Networking and consistently updating your network on your job search progress is crucial, even if there are no significant updates to share.
- Actively participating in job search councils, taking responsibility for your job search, and adapting to changing market conditions are essential for success in a challenging job market.
Navigating tough job markets
- The technology job market is currently experiencing a downturn, unlike previous periods of growth.
- It is important for job seekers to resist limiting themselves to a narrow job search and instead explore different options and industries.
- Determining "candidate market fit" is crucial, which involves identifying the right roles and companies that align with a candidate's skills and experience.
Playing to win
- 50% of people who read the book "Playing to Win" join a job search council and follow the advice given.
- When interviewing, individuals should create their own version of the job description, including a job mission with OKRs (Objectives and Key Results).
- Individuals should share their job mission and OKRs with the hiring manager after a couple of interviews, as it demonstrates their understanding of the role and their commitment to achieving outcomes.
Negotiation tactics for job offers
- Companies appreciate it when candidates discuss what they need to succeed in the role, such as training budgets or additional team members.
- Asking for things that tie back to previously agreed-upon objectives demonstrates a candidate's initiative and commitment to success.
- When negotiating salary, candidates should clearly state their desired compensation and be open to discussing it collaboratively.
The gratitude house exercise
- People should consider all the individuals who have contributed to their journey and express gratitude towards them.
- Before an interview, individuals should review their gratitude list to remind themselves of their support system and boost their confidence.
- After an interview, individuals should debrief with someone to gain a clearer perspective on their performance and address any negative self-talk or imposter syndrome.
The power of asking for help
- Asking for help well is a sign of confidence, a giving activity, increases independence, and improves one's reputation.
- Asking for help poorly can lead to negative consequences, especially if someone is asked to complete a task instead of providing advice or support.
- Many successful leaders, including CEOs and prominent business people, attribute asking for help as a factor in their success.
How to ask for help
- Asking for help can involve seeking diverse perspectives and insights from individuals both within and outside of a company.
- Seeking feedback on important emails, particularly from those with a track record of well-received communications, is a valuable form of seeking assistance.
- Engaging in peer coaching calls, such as reaching out to individuals who have successfully navigated similar career transitions or challenges, can provide invaluable guidance and support.
Final thoughts and advice
- Everyone experiences anxiety and insecurity during a job search.
- People should develop mentors and study their work and philosophies.
- People should develop visual literacy, empathy, and an understanding of art to be better product managers.
Lightning round
- "Creative Destruction" is a recommended book that explains how AI will create more jobs.
- "Las Lules" is a TV show about the first women recruited to the police force in Mexico City in 1971.
- Landmark's Herodotus is a history book with a unique format that enhances the reader's experience.