Job Seeking In Today’s Market

A case study byJason Miceli

www.productninja.net

A Recent Success Story1. What worked

for me2. Some random

tips and advice3. What about

you?

Tip #1

Know what you want!

Timeline

Technology

Network Engineer /Project Management

Project Management /Product Management

IT Integration /Network Consulting

Space:

Role:

Products:

Market: Legal / Financial Financial / Compliance

Information Security

Career: 1997 20102004(7 years) (6 years)

Timeline

Technology

Network Engineer /Project Management

Project Management /Product Management

IT Integration /Network Consulting

Space:

Role:

Products:

Market: Legal / Financial Financial / Compliance

Information Security

Career: 1997 20102004(7 years) (6 years)

Timeline

Technology

Network Engineer /Project Management

Project Management /Product Management

IT Integration /Network Consulting

Space:

Role:

Products:

Market: Legal / Financial Financial / Compliance

Information Security

Career: Today!

Product Management

Provisioning & Workflow Automation

Construction /Avionics / Medical

The Cold Hard Truth• Began my search 9 months ago• Was working a few warm leads

for many months• SmartEquip approached me 2

months ago, and I initially turned them down

• All potential opportunities were through networking (2nd choice was actually through church networking!)

Tip #2

Focus your efforts wisely…

Job Search Methods

Recruiters

CareerConsultants

Ads / Direct

Networking(TMI Executive Resources)

(Monster.com, LinkedIn, TheLadders, classified, etc.)

(Agencies, LinkedIn, TheLadders, etc.)

“We don't find jobs for people, we find people for companies”

Tip #3

Put the effort in!

It Wasn’t Easy• I put in tons of effort for weeks• I visited repeatedly, created

presentations, went out to prospective customers, etc.

• The thought of having to do it all over again was terrifying, though realistic

• According to SmartEquip…

It Wasn’t Easy• I put in tons of effort for weeks• I visited repeatedly, created

presentations, went out to prospective customers, etc.

• The thought of having to do it all over again was terrifying, though realistic

• According to SmartEquip…

Tip #4

Leverage your Product Management expertise!

Sell Yourself &Leverage Leadership

• You know how to sell stuff, so sell yourself as though you are a product! Here are some great tips from Steve Johnson:1. What is your story?2. What market problems do you solve?3. How do you define your target market?4. Who are the buyer personas and what is their buying process?5. Have you established thought leadership?6. What is your pricing?7. Are you doing win/loss analysis?8. What is your product roadmap?

• You are all leaders within your organization, and likely your prior organization(s) – use that leverage!

Tip #5

Resume Building &Final Career Advice

Framework Essentials• For your resume:

– “So what?” and “who cares?”– Call out community engagement / activities

• For your career:– Take risks, and volunteer for anything and

everything you can– Always stay positive – you’re a leader!– Shine in every way possible!!

Jason MiceliProduct Ninjawww.productninja.netwww.twitter.com/JasonMiceli

www.productninja.net