Adam Cole (B. Math, I.S.P., ITCP, PMP)

Think of these tips as insurance. They'll help you transition to your ideal job when the time comes.

As I start my job search and start cranking up the networking, many of the messages from my good friend Nick Corcodilos come in to play. [For those of you who do not know, Nick is the author of a widely acclaimed book, Ask The Headhunter, and blog of the same name.] Based on my recent personal experience I encourage you to undertake the following:

1. Establish a personal email address. Keep this address with you as you travel through your career. I was immediately crippled when I left my previous employer as I had been there so long (6+ years) that all my contacts only knew how to reach me via my work coordinates. In the last few days I have registered the domain adamcole.ca and will now use adam@adamcole.ca as my permanent email address regardless of where I work. (See Identity Theft at the Office)
2. Similarly, do the same with a phone number. I begged and cajoled the local mobile providers and was ultimately given the very commercial sounding number (416) 884-8100. This too will become my permanent professional number.
3. Network like mad and network with everybody. I am just starting; however, I know this will be critical to my next job. I don’t yet know where I will end up. Presently I am taking time to survey the landscape. I expect one of my professional contacts will ultimately help lead to my next job, but who knows. Perhaps someone completely unexpected will point me down a prosperous path.
4. Be a good person. Besides the benefits to those around you, your good deeds are a currency when you’ll need it. (See Why it Pays to be a Decent Person)
5. Establish extracurricular credibility. Friends such as Nick Corcodilos, Steven Ibaraki, Mitch Garvis, and others have established themselves as foremost experts in part through their blogging and writing activities. I plan on blogging and participating in/running a healthcare IT user group – among other things.
6. Own your job search/career. Do not rely on a headhunter, friends, family, anyone. Many people will help you but do not count on them finding your next job. That is your responsibility. With every contact made, make a note in your calendar to follow-up. Let your contact know you will be following up on such-and-such a date. This is critical as what is important to you is not necessarily a top priority for your contact. By following up you can ensure many good opportunities do not slip through the cracks.

Hope this helps!