Finding a Job in Management

Searching for that elusive management job in the best of times can be difficult, but it becomes even more difficult in a bad economy. Job searching shouldn't be something that you dread; rather it should be viewed like any other challenge that arises in a management career. Remember that managers are problem solvers, and this is simply the first problem that you need to solve.

Stay Focused, Organized, and Answer the Value Question

Job searching is all about remaining focused and organized. To be focused requires a positive attitude, and staying upbeat. Once a negative attitude starts to take over, negative behavior is generally not far behind—and that's not the attitude you need when an interview opportunity arrives. Staying organized is a matter of keeping track of all leads, keeping your resume current, and maintaining a list of references to go to bat for you.

The primary question that all companies ask when they interview to fill a position is, “How does this individual bring value to our company?” Once you grasp that concept, you are halfway to the finish line. That key point will require your full attention and preparation, and it's the point that you'll need to communicate on a resume and in the interview session.

Determining your value to a company means matching your skill set, education, and what you've learned in the past to the job opportunity at hand. It may require that you speak up, taking credit for a past performance where it's due, and do it with an air of confidence that doesn't sound like boasting.

Remember to put forth a positive attitude, pointing out where your experience fits into the job, and expressing a desire for the position. Also remember that the perfect job opportunity may not be out there this time around, but if the job market is tight, taking a position now, even at a lower salary than you hoped, may be the key to a better opportunity once your foot is in the door.

Management Job Search

Importance of a Resume

The resume is a written document that summarizes your personal employment history. The most basic information contained in a resume is your name, contact information, education, skills and experience, professional associations, and licenses. You should avoid listing personal information (date of birth, place of birth, nationality, and religion) on a resume, especially since it's not included under United States law in what a potential employer can ask about you.
A cover letter should always accompany a resume, particularly since it is the first document that is read regarding your credentials for employment. The cover letter should be written specifically to the management job for which you are applying, your qualifications and experience. If a job posting has a criteria list, the cover letter should match that criteria point by point.

Career References on the Resume

Your career references are those people who will vouch for your abilities. Prepare your list of references carefully and check in advance so you know how the person providing the reference will speak about you when asked. Never assume that someone will be a reference without requesting permission. If you're starting out with no major past experience in management, a former teacher, a colleague, or a summer job employer will most likely be your best references. Once you have experience, your references will be focused from a past customer, client, coworker, or even a former employer.

On your resume, state “References available upon request” and keep a separate document with those names. This allows you to tailor your references to the management position that is being considered, allowing you to highlight your abilities in a specific area. A reference document should list no more than three or four people, with their names, telephone numbers, addresses, and email addresses. Make sure that your reference information is always up to date, especially telephone numbers. Maintain an active network with your references; you'll never know when those references will be needed in the future.

Meeting Face-to-Face in the Management Degree Job Interview

Getting to the job interview stage provides you with the opportunity to meet face-to-face with a potential employer and close the deal for that new management job. This is where an ability to think quickly, articulate a coherent response to a question, and show off communications skills becomes important. From the company's perspective, the interview process provides an opportunity to promote their organization and to assess the candidates' skills to find the most qualified person to fill the position.

Preparing for the job interview requires research and practice. Check out the company from information gathered on its website and literature to get the basics of their structure, management philosophy, mission, and the major players within the organization. Practice role-playing that focuses on your past experiences and translates your skills to real-life management examples before the interview.. Remember to answer questions in an honest and thoughtful manner, and be prepared to answer difficult questions with a positive attitude.

Internships Provide Valuable Experience

When the job market is tight, a management internship can also provide practical real-world training under the supervision of an experienced individual. Internships help students and professionals who are looking to gain understanding and new valuable experience to their careers.

Internships provide on-the-job training by applying textbook learning to real situations. Supervisors of a management internship generally have had many years of experience in their specific area of expertise and can be valuable as mentors. Internships are also valuable in building professional networking relationships with others in the management profession.