After a career in the United States Marine Corps and a decade of successfully managing projects for Ericsson and Sony Ericsson, George Kendley landed a position at NetApp. Fortune Magazine recently rated NetApp the #1 best company to work for in America in 2009. George has an MBA and has attained his PMP certification.
George witnessed first-hand the depth of this economic downturn during his recent (and successful) career transition. During his time between paid positions, George dedicated himself to mentoring MBA candidates, leading volunteer activities, and guest lecturing at local universities.
I asked George to share his advice for a successful career transition. Here are his top 5 tips:
1. Have a Strategy – My strategy was to target companies where I “knew” I could effectively compete against other job hunters in positions I wanted to work in ([senior] project and program management…) or where I wanted to work because of the technology, environment, and culture. NetApp, for me, was ALL three.
2. Notice Trends – I have a close relationship with PinPoint Resources Group. I took my cue from the increase in the number of openings that PinPoint is filling for companies locally; now’s the time to get target companies to notice you.
3. Keep Your Profile Updated – I systematically updated my profile and information on the career site of each of my target companies. This is also where NetApp pointed me towards the position for which I applied and for which I eventually received an offer. As soon as I submitted my updates, their system matched me up with the opening!
4. Dig in to Target Companies – My plan was to make a connection in each of my target companies. I wanted to take advantage of these companies’ upcoming opportunities. I networked into NetApp using an application I submitted in the spring. I kept in touch with the contact for that position.
I also sent my information along to the recruiters I had made contact with earlier in my transition. My intention was to follow this course of action with every target company where I did not already have an inside connection with HR or management.
5. Network – I worked my contacts that were internal to NetApp and I worked my contacts that were external to NetApp. During the month-long interview process, I followed up with influencers and decision-makers to ensure they knew who I was relative to the competition. I found that one of the references I chose to submit to NetApp knows a well placed RTP-based NetApp executive who made calls and contacts on my behalf due to a mutual association with my reference.
THAT’S NETWORKING!
So, have a job-hunting strategy, plan the work, work the plan, and NEVER let up! Pursue all of the networking activities that everyone tells you to do and mix in a couple of networking venues where you find “employed” people along with your networking activities where you rub elbows with fellow “unemployed”.
George Kendley is an experienced Senior Program Manager who just landed at NetApp. He’s an MBA, PMP, and retired Major in the United States Marine Corps. Thanks for your advice and support, George!
