-
Step 1
Create Marketing Portfolio (weeks 1-2)
This really depends on your field, but will likely include a resume, portfolio of past work, or the like. -
Step 2
Seed Market (weeks 2-3)
Send a short message to everyone you know letting them know that you're looking for a new opportunity, what areas you're interested in, and asking them to let you know if they hear about anything interesting. -
Step 3
Solicit Recommendations (weeks 2-3)
Ask current and/or former co-workers, bosses, subordinates, teachers, friends, etc for recommendations. Ones that speak to your abilities in a field relevant to the one you're looking for are best. Also good are testaments to your ability to work with others and manage others (if you're looking for a management position) even if not in the same field.
I use LinkedIn to collect these, as it has good tools for doing so, but you could also maintain a document containing them manually if you prefer. -
Step 4
Schedule and conduct meetings with direct contacts (weeks 2-5)
Taking people out to coffee or lunch to learn about what they're doing is a great way to find out what good companies and areas are out there, and often leads to specific opportunities. There shouldn't be any expectation of a specific outcome for these - the lack of pressure is what makes people willing to talk to you. Most people are happy to give you 20 minutes of their time if they get to talk about themselves. :-) I did 5-10 of these a week for several weeks during that stage of my last search. They're also a lot of fun - there are an amazing number of cool things happening out there that you don't normally hear about. -
Step 5
Schedule and conduct meetings with indirect contacts (weeks 5-9)
The meetings with your direct contacts will likely lead to other people you should talk to, especially if some of your contacts are civic leaders, venture capitalists, or other well-connected sorts. -
Step 6
Hone in on best opportunities (weeks 9-12)
Start to think about which specific companies (and hopefully positions) are the most interesting. Find and engage with the hiring managers and start interviewing for specific positions. -
Step 7
Close the deal (week 13)
Get a couple of offers, compare them, and negotiate a great deal!
