Are You Ready For A Startup?

This is an article that I wrote back in December but felt it was  worth posting again. It was recently picked up by an online site for startups called Startupnation.com. Joining a startup is always somewhat risky, but if you think about it, so is joining IBM.  If you do not have experience working with an early stage company, this article talks about questions to ask before making the move.
http://www.startupnation.com/articles/9580/1/startup-readiness-assess-5-questions.htm

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Five Reasons People Remain Unemployed

By Nick D'Ambrosio

For over 15 years I have been working with job seekers and hiring managers in the technology space. While a tight job market doesn’t make finding a job any easier, I believe 95% of all job seekers struggle to find work based on one of the five reasons explained in this article. By understanding what is hindering their search success, they can adjust their approach, implement new tactics and achieve greater results.


1. They have job skills that are not in demand. If you are one of many who spent your life working in an industry that has fallen on hard times, you know how difficult it is to find work. Imagine how difficult it is for those with backgrounds in real estate, mortgage banking, home building, auto manufacturing etc. In many ways it is not different in technology. Having a background in a market that is shrinking, adds another layer of challenges as you seek new work. While certain job skills are transferable, hiring managers’ in tight markets want the complete package. They want people with industry knowledge and job related skills. They want someone who will contribute DAY ONE! Having experience in enterprise software, cloud computing, networking, wireless or internet related technologies gives you more market value than someone who has been selling components or mainframes for most of their careers.


2. They have below average backgrounds. In our industry, these people are referred to as “job hoppers”. They have shown short term success but fail to show any long term stability. They always chased the next big thing, spending 1-2 years before seeking greener pastures. In good times these people do fine, however, in today’s market, the gaps in their resumes are the kiss of death. The problems these individuals faced in their past cannot be changed. This is a hard pill to swallow, especially when reminded of their poor choices by every employer they approach. Everyday I speak with these people explain in detail why they made certain moves. As much as I sympathize with them, it is the hiring manager they need to get on their side.


3. They are geographically undesirable. Many people have great backgrounds but live in second tier markets. I have coached very talented people who happen to live in these areas. This plays a huge role in their ability to create career options. Last year, I coached an absolute A+ individual in South Carolina. In any major market he would have seen incredible results. While he did eventually land a job, he had far less options than those living in major markets. So while it’s nice to have hundreds of affordable golf courses in your area, unless you are in the golf business, finding a good job may not be easy.

 
4. They let their egos get in the way of their success. I talk to a lot of people who just lost their jobs. They are adamant about staying at the level they were at when they were laid off. Their attitudes change drastically after 3-4 months of unsuccessful job hunting. I am not saying a former VP at IBM should take a job at a local bank. I am saying that people need to forget their past titles and be open to taking positions a notch or two down in the pecking order. Remember, the longer you are unemployed the harder it will be to find work. Explaining why you took a job you were overqualified for is easier than explaining why you haven’t worked in two years.

 
5. People lack the skills needed to find and compete for “good jobs”. Across the board, this is the top reason 99% of all job seekers fail to find work. Every day, I see brilliant people with amazing backgrounds struggle to find meaningful work. They seemingly have it all and yet cannot secure interviews, let alone job offers. A great background and resume has significantly less to do with future career success than most people believe. Success almost always comes down to being an expert at what I call “Five Steps to Search Success.” Unless you excel at all of them you will struggle. Most experts will have you believe the “silver bullet” is called networking. I strongly disagree. How many interviews have you landed using your network? How many offers? If you are like most people I speak with, the answer is not many. So what are the 5 Steps? I will explain in detail in our next newsletter





FRS is proud to welcome its newest team member,  Rob Davies.  For the second time in his career, Rob has joined First Round Search as a Managing Director. Rob brings over 15 years of search experience and industry knowledge and will be heading up  the Consulting and Outsourcing Division for First Round.
Prior to joining First Round, Rob founded Bayside Search and over a six year period, helped them become a recognized leader in the IT consulting and outsourcing services arena. Rob's leadership took Bayside from a small niche player to a nationally recognized firm who had the exclusive search contract with one of the top 5  worldwide leaders in the IT consulting industry. His direct involvement led to over 200 Senior Level placements across the US and International Markets. Bayside was only one of a very small group of search firms to achieve exclusivity in the markets they served, successfully competing with Korn Ferry, CT Partners and other recognized industry leaders.






Entrepeneur of the Year Finalist

Nick D'Ambrosio, founder of First Round Search is a finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year in Orange County. His reaction reads,
"Not to sound like an actor at the Academy Awards,  but without Joe Napoli and Jess Baker there would be no First Round Search. I have been around this industry for many years and can say without a doubt, Joe and Jess are two of the best."

To view entire article :

http://www.firstround.net/downloads/OCBJ-EIE_Guide.pdf