Try Before You Buy Job Search - Career Pivot

Try Before You Buy Job Search - Career Pivot Try Before You Buy? Have you thought of using the “try before you buy” method for finding your next job? “Try before you buy” is when you offer to serve as a contractor or a consultant (at a competitive rate) to see if you want to work for the employer…AND the employer gets to try you out before they hire you. I had success in getting a number of older candidates hired by using this method. They offered to do a fixed amount of work for a fixed amount of time. This allowed the potential employer to have clear boundaries regarding budget. This mitigates the risk the employer is taking in hiring you. If you work out, they know they have an excellent candidate. If you do not work out, they have greatly limited the risk of a bad hire. CEO/COO â€" Try Before You Buy I am working with many former C-level executives on their job search. When you are a displaced CEO or COO and over 55, the odds of finding another CEO or COO position are very small. There are very few available positions..and lots of competition. This is where “try before you buy” method works very well. The plan is to create a consulting business that will allow prospective employers to try you on before they hire you. Heck, you may find that you like the freedom of consulting! Creating a Consulting Business Think of yourself as a consultant. In previous jobs, what are the problems you solved that make you the proudest? Pick 2-3 business problems that you can create service offerings around. Get some help to come up with a name for the business, purchase the internet domain, and create the LLC to make the business legal. Putting the LLC at the end of the name will give your business an air credibility, among other benefits. Hire a credible web designer to create the website. I use Melinda Taylor of Weborization for my website, and I have referred many clients and friends to her. Just find someone who will give your website a professional feel. This is one example of when going to a family member is probably not your best choice. Build your business plan. If you are a CEO, COO, or another C-level executive, you probably can write a business plan. However, if you need help, search online for “SBDC” (which stands for Small Business Development Center) along with your state name. For example, SBDC Texas or SBDC New Jersey. The results will include some local centers as well as the state SBDC website. Listen to the most recent episode Small Business Development Centers are funded by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and are a free resource. After Glow Effect Using this process, most of my clients find is that their job search becomes much more effective. They have a reason to talk to prospective clients. Their overall mental attitude improves. I have one client who, as soon as he started to work on his consulting business, found a couple of different opportunities. One was with a start-up where there was a definite possibility of his being hired as a contractor in a temp-to-hire position. Whether you are a displaced C-level executive or just an experienced professional who is over the age of 55, you need to seriously consider a “try before you buy” job search strategy. I am currently talking with an experienced former CEO to create a workshop and support group to work with older, displaced C-Level executives. If this is of interest, please reach out to me via my contact me page. Marc Miller Like what you just read? Share it with your friends using the buttons above. Like What You Read? Get Career Pivot Insights! Check out the Repurpose Your Career Podcast Do You Need Help With ...