So the big day finally arrived. This week I presented to the Business Executives Networking Group (BENG). By far, this is one of the best networking groups I've ever attended. Their career backgrounds and level of experience is top notch. As you may recall from my prior posts, the topic was “Job Search Strategy in the New Normal." The subtitle was “Improvise, Adapt, Overcome!”
After a brief welcome from Julie, the group’s moderator, I was introduced and began my presentation. The first thing I did was provide a brief summary of my background and then provided an overview of my presentation. You'll remember the old maxim; “tell them what you're going to tell them, tell them, and then tell them what you told them.” I let them know that I had two exercises planned, which would ensure their participation. When I completed the setup, as is customary, I invited the participants to make their introductions.
My strategy for the presentation was first, to remind the audience of their career experiences. In other words, as we were all baby boomers, we share similar life experiences. We have learned to improvise, adapt, and overcome.
When their introductions were complete, I asked each of the participants to offer one thought about job search in the “new normal. “ Many related their frustration dealing with the process. They were in agreement that this is a challenging time. Some are having difficulty adapting. They do not hold Human Resources personnel in high regard. There was consensus on the need to network aggressively as opposed to sending resumes to job boards. That wasn't a big surprise as they are involved with this networking group.
After listening to their feedback, I gave my take on the "new normal" from a top-down perspective. Employers are risk-averse. They are reluctant to make new hires. This mindset is due to some factors, especially the renewed interest in Federal regulation. I gave them my assessment as to the state of the global economy, i.e. slow growth and changing demographics. I reminded them that all of the economic issues we face exist in the broader context of our headlong transition into the digital age. As one of the participants stated, we have entered the fourth industrial age. I summarized a report by the Bank of England which rated the probability of occupations to be lost to automation. That report did offer some good news, at least for my audience. Senior level managers and Professionals are less likely to lose their jobs to automation. Likewise, jobs requiring creativity and personal interaction, such as Interior Design, are not good candidates for automation. The bad news is that most administrative, middle management and blue-collar jobs are at risk.
We discussed "CNBC’s Disrupter 50" list. They recognized Uber, but not many others. Startups a bringing innovations to the market, creating new employment opportunities. More good news!
In the final exercise, I asked the group to list one significant implication for their current job search. Naturally, they reinforced the need to network. They understood the need to keep learning, to ensure their skills are up-to-date. They spoke to the need to be more flexible in their job requirements. Project work or consulting opportunities must be part of their job search plan. As I said before, this is a smart group. They get it.
I believe I got their attention. Three people asked if we could meet for coffee, and two others asked if I would be interested in speaking to other, similar groups. The question is, what will they do now? What changes will they make? Will they align their personal needs with those of the market? I need to explore these issues further as there might be an opportunity to develop a useful workshop.
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Jim Weber, President
New Century Dynamics Executive Search
Author of: Fighting Alligators: Job Search Strategy For The New Normal
Current Assignments
1. GM, Private Club based in Southeast, Confidential Search: New
2. Director of Business Development, Atlanta-based B2B Professional Services Company: New
3. Training Director – Southeastern-based Restaurant Group: New
4. Senior Accounting Manager – Atlanta-based Manufacturer. New
5. Controller – Orlando, FL-based Restaurant Company: New