San Francisco STC meeting, June 18th, 2008

Becoming the

Compelling Candidate

Andrew Davis

Synergistech Communications

Overview

• Assumptions

• Today’s Job Market

• Job-Searching 101

• New Tactics

• The Final Touches

• Part 4: Q & A

My Assumptions

I’m assuming you:• Have professional tech comms experience• Have relevant portfolio samples to show• Have current tools and technology skills• Have market-compatible comp requirements• Can identify the right ‘culture’ for your

needs

Today’s Job Market

• More competitive than last year• Lots of work (if you’re geeky & S.Bay-based)• Technical knowledge (domain > tools) matters• Job descriptions more unrealistic• Publications managers’ role has changed• Profession’s stature has diminished

Job Searching 101, pt 1

1. Write a flawless resume

2. Network, network, network

3. Put your portfolio online

4. Apply liberally (but not to the forehead)

Job Searching 101, pt 2

5. During phone interviews…

6. Do your research

7. During in-person interviews…

8. Following in-person interviews…

9. During negotiations…

10. When you get an offer…

New tactics

• Get your candidacy noticed

• Resourcefulness

• Educated enthusiasm

• Demonstrate real-world results

The Final Touches

Chemistry• Attitude• Engagement• Growth• Compensation

Questions to ask yourself, pt 1

Ten questions to keep your career on track1. Am I making a measurable contribution?

2. Learning valuable skills?

3. Responsibilities evolving?

4. Evidence I’m valued?

5. Am I being held back?

Questions to ask yourself, pt 2

6. Who’s got it better? Where? Why?

7. Which other role here would I prefer?

8. Will this company support my evolution?

9. Is there precedent for taking on a new role?

10. Would I survive a layoff?

For more info...

Please see Synergistech’s Advice pages

www.synergistech.com/advice.shtml

1-866-591-2968