Complete MBA Job Search Program for top Jobs

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Many MBAs miss forming a baseline, creating confusion along the way, and a "shotgun" approach applying to everything. This can also lead to the error of following the classmates and general opinion on your job search plan. You need your own plan, your own baseline, and your own execution plan. Learning to have a baseline for yourself will help you throughout your career. This is something that many professionals miss in the later stages of their careers as well. Not you.

Homework:

• Reflect on the baseline idea (not the content yet) and imagine how your baseline will potentially evolve over your professional career (3 years, 5 years, 10 years etc.)

Doesn`t it feel amazing? You get to select your own geographical targets in this world. Places where you will live, work, potentially raise a family, and enjoy a balanced life. MBA provides a one-time opportunity to switch geographies, pay close attention to your decisions here as it connects with your "life management" and not just a job.

Homework:

• Have your 3 target countries defined.

It is true that 70% of MBAs find their post-MBA careers in consulting, finance, and tech.

But that is still a very high-level definition of industries. Even if you are part of this 70%, it is very useful to dive deeper into the industry categories. Why is this? To ensure that you have knowledge of all the sub-segments and the great companies in there. In most cases, MBAs find pools of wonderful companies through their research and the target list becomes very interesting.

On-campus recruiting can create a bubble of certain companies and industries, however, there are hundreds of bubbles out there to be explored. As we said, you will play both fields, on and off-campus, pre-built bubbles, and your own creations.

Homework:

• Have a list of 5 industries that you will go after (at this point)

Functions usually tend to be an easier task for MBAs, there is frequently a fairly good idea on what functions are of interest. MBA recruiting is geared towards certain functions and that also eases the decision-making process for you.

Homework:

• Have your list of 3 functions set for you.

This is it! Your (current) baseline for our next modules. Remember that a baseline is dynamic and it will evolve as you execute your job search process. The only rule with your baseline is to stay truthful and update it when needed. Baseline only has space for future-oriented, realistic alternatives.

Homework:

• Final baseline with 3 pillars ready.

• You feel proud of your new baseline.

Attachment included.

These episodes are longer but I trust that you will have the patience here. It will pay off at the end. This is the matrix that I have developed (and use every day) for my own work. Having an extensive and detailed matrix serves these purposes (and therefore provides a solid ROI).

What ALWAYS happens, is that with a messy file and increasing contacts and applications, ad-hoc files get destroyed and go out of date. This leads to the candidate not being able to act in a professional and timely manner. I have seen hundreds of these overloaded and out-of-date files. Not you.

1. You will never miss a deadline for application.

2. You will know exactly what is going on with your job search process.

3. You will never miss to follow up with a decision-maker.

4. You will have the right focus on active cases and not fluff that looks nice on a file.

5. You will have clear classifications and know that you are covering the turf.

6. You build networks and come across like a true professional beating competition.

7. and much more.

Homework:

• Familiarize yourself with the matrix and create your own copy as a base.

Linking to your wonderful baseline and the industry categories targeted, we will go through different channels of finding the key players. The location will also link to your baseline pillars. Especially for post-MBA jobs, it is crucial to research the target companies to ensure that they are the leading partners in your sector, or are heading that way at a rapid pace. Financial aspects are also of major importance as you are betting on them, as much as they are potentially betting on you.

Homework:

• A good-volume company list in your target matrix. (this is an ongoing process but you should aim to have a solid list of the main players as soon as possible). Aim to have 80% of the names on your matrix right away.

Prioritization is very important, your aim is to keep the pipeline full at all times, having full control of your matrix and working on new active cases. Also, priorities are often different for various channels: Consulting and finance rush in early and occupy the early part of your matrix timeline.

Tech follows next and then the other 30% placement sectors. Your own relationship development and "self-crafted" opportunities enter the matrix in times when you work the hardest.

Bottom line. A submitted application is not a "prior 1" or hot case anymore. Whereas it needs to be followed up and played correctly (your matrix file will ensure this), your prior 1s are the companies, contacts, and applications that have not yet been submitted.

Homework:

• Have your prioritization complete for your current corporate targets on your file.

No networking...No MBA jobs!

I know, it is one of the most difficult tasks (for all of us, with an MBA or without). But the reality is that the MBA job market is so competitive that, without maximum effort to networking, there is no space to maneuver. Tough...yes. But needs to be excelled in. The good news is this: This skill will serve you for a lifetime.

At the same time, networking needs to be done in the right way and with the right people. Let's learn to dance, and become experts in networking.

Homework:

• Reflect on all the possible connections who might be able to help you on your journey.

• Reflect on the journeys of successful people in your own network. How strong are they in networking? Are they smooth operators? Could you reach out to them for advice and tips (answer to that, by the way, is: YES)

Alumni are your most important connection point to post-MBA career. Period. MBA alumni always work the best, however, you should utilize the complete alumni network to make connections.

When done in the right way, networking with alumni actually becomes second nature to you. It will grow on you and will be enjoyable as time goes by. You will be respecting and collaborating with your fellow alumni, not merely asking for favors.

Homework:

• Your matrix connected with alumni decision-makers and contacts with whom you want to start networking.

Outside of the alumni circles, you have the options of talent management and line management people to contact. Knowing how to find them, research their backgrounds, and selecting the right ones will save you precious time and effort. The sources are many and the world will never fall short of good people too contact. The words: "There is nobody to contact there." are pure lies and indicate that the candidate does not want the end result badly enough. Not you.

Homework:

• Your matrix connected with the right decision-makers outside of alumni as well.

Another simple yet powerful tool, boolean searches. Find your key contacts and targets within minutes, not days. Run different combinations, see what works, become the master of research.

Homework:

• Feel comfortable with different search combinations and of course have your matrix finalized for the current companies that you have.

I call this personal branding for a reason. Everything you do, deliver, talk, and convey is part of your MBA candidate's personal brand. Whether it is the resume, cover letter, social media profiles, content creation, or how you interview and dress, it is all part of an integrated package: YOU.

And that is the most exciting part of it all, you shape your brand and that will differentiate you from the crowds (remember, it is busy out there and a lot of high GMAT numbers and fluff flying around). You will be different, an integrated smooth package ready to be contracted.

Homework:

• Brainstorm your own current brand with post-its, bubbles, whatever you prefer to use

• Run a gap analysis for yourself, what is not right, perfect, professional? Which piece needs to be reworked, or built from scratch?

• Build a winning attitude and start working on your brand. I will show you how in the coming episodes.

• Looking very good already...keep it up!

I know, quite lengthy 2 episodes on Linkedin profile building. But then again, 90% of interested recruiters will look at your Linkedin profile. Only a fraction of that will ever get to your resume and other material. Linkedin needs to be smooth, professional, reflecting your future direction (baseline), and welcoming with Call-to-Actions.

Thanks for your patience, massive ROI here. I promise. The majority of even top MBA school candidate profiles are not on a professional level. You will differentiate...again!

Homework:

• You guessed it :) Perfecting your own Linkedin profile by following the steps.

I know, quite lengthy 2 episodes on Linkedin profile building. But then again, 90% of interested recruiters will look at your Linkedin profile. Only a fraction of that will ever get to your resume and other material. Linkedin needs to be smooth, professional, reflecting your future direction (baseline), and welcoming with Call-to-Actions.

Thanks for your patience, massive ROI here. I promise. The majority of even top MBA school candidate profiles are not on a professional level. You will differentiate...again!

Homework:

• You guessed it :) Perfecting your own Linkedin profile by following the steps.

Attachment included.

For action verbs, The Muse has a very covering list that I like.

https://www.themuse.com/advice/185-powerful-verbs-that-will-make-your-resume-awesome

Any MBA school will have a resume building module or an online tool at your disposal. Our work here is to check how that compares with the best practices out there, perfect it, and move on to execution.

A resume is an important part of your package (once a decision-maker or a screener gets interested in your profile) and it needs to be of great quality. Great quality means 1) easy to read 2) conveying your position-relevant experience and results.

The world has plenty of great templates and examples, there is no need to re-invent the formats. You can use the version of your school (you probably have to for the career services organized applications) and/or you can use the version here.

Homework:

• A base resume finalized that follows the STAR model and provides a clear overview of your skills and experience.

Attachments included.

When a recruiter is reading your cover letter, you know that you have intrigued a level of interest in them to look in more detail. MBA cover letters frequently fail to provide a clear and concise answer to the main questions:

1. What are you applying to?

2. Why our company?

3. Why this position?

4. Why me for your company? (remember, the two hiring factors 1) the upside of you to the company and 2) limited risk in hiring you)

5. Professional and snappy closing

With the 4 paragraph structure, you will steer clear from damaging your brand and probability of success and differentiate as a professional.

Homework:

• A frame cover letter of 4 paragraphs that you can then modify based on the baseline targets.

Endurance, positive energy, and consistency will lead your way to success in your MBA job search. My word is "Teflon", you will need to be able to take a good volume of "no"s and non-responses without these rejections sticking to you. Positive energy and responses will be your fuel to propel you back into your matrix and intro calls.

Failing, very easy as well, no need to lie here. But failing frequently comes from not having the right job search process (which you have in this program) and not understanding that quality+volume is needed before results start appearing.

The world is not waiting for us to apply so they can welcome us with open arms. We need to go sniper-shooting for opportunities, hustle, talk to people, not give up, and get those opportunities. It will take sweat, time, coffee, and a lot of Teflon coating.

But remember...we are looking for that ONE. For that ONE right opportunity that will catapult our post-MBA career into new heights for life.

You got this!

Homework:

• Build the Teflon around you, we need the superhero side of you in the next stage.

• Here are some of the Teflon-strengthening questions that I use to motivate myself:

  • No response, so what, I will go after the more qualified companies

  • Rejection, they have no idea what they just lost. Another company will win big.

  • No response, we will meet very soon. I am going to find another entry point and dance harder and get myself into this game.

  • Rejection, self-reflection, what did I miss communicating? I will improve my delivery and go after other similar companies...smarter, harder and there is no chance I will lose again.

  • Rejection from talent, ok, I will find another channel to a line manager instead. Back to my matrix...

  • Well, you get the idea :)

There are plenty of open positions out there, real positions, fake positions (to boost brand), MBA-relevant positions, and a lot of non-relevant ones. The key is to move quickly through the positions and handpick the interesting ones. Then matrix takes over and you always move to the contact finding, networking, and finding the right entry point.

Do not think for a moment that those "quick apply" Linkedin jobs with 600 applications will yield interviews without personal connections. It does not happen, you need to get to the thin pile. To get there takes a call, reference, alumni, anything personal. Quick volume applications only provide a fake feeling of accomplishment and a big hangover after you receive 150 "you have not been selected" messages. When you apply, apply with all you have got...nothing less.

Homework:

If you are in the application stage for an internship or a permanent position, start applying the full-blown networking approach to open market positions.

Attachment included.

Alumni or non-alumni, you will always approach them for guidance and advice, sharing their own experiences and tips. These are successful business people, they know what an MBA is after and they will evaluate you on your approach and professionalism. Build a connection, pick individuals that share a common ground with you. There is a chance that these professionals and alumni will become colleagues/friends with you later (especially if you join the same company). Professional, smooth, and not wasting anyone's time.

Homework:

• Draft 3x entry message templates for yourself for Linkedin and email.

Attachment included.

Many times there are companies where you cannot find alumni connections. That is fine, with a professional and straightforward approach you can make an impact. Although difficulty level increases to get responses, the whole world is your playground and you will find the right contacts. It takes time and effort but gets rewarded.

Homework:

• Craft 3 messages for Linkedin and email that you will use to contact decision-makers directly.

Attachment included.

This is another fairly straightforward topic where MBA students spend too much time wondering if yes...or no. Here it comes:

USEFUL--> If your post-MBA target is not to change pillars (except geography), seniority level up one level is fine. Or directly applicable background (e.g. Investment Banking to Private Equity).

NOT USEFUL--> If your baseline has pillar changes from your previous experience.

Headhunters will be your best friends when your seniority increases, however, they do not work with career changers.

Different channels can (and should) be used for various audiences and situations. Linkedin paves the way nowadays, although a blended approach provides effective follow-up tactics as well. In addition, some channels are no-gos and should be avoided.

Homework:

• Reflect on how you will approach your specific contacts in your baseline choices.

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Introduction calls can be (rightfully) overwhelming, especially if you are working across new cultures and pillars on your baseline. With the right structure and a few opening questions in your pocket, you will be able to "get into the call" professionally and follow the desired pace/style of the audience. These calls are so crucial as you are almost always talking to a potential referral.

Homework:

• Build your own list of opening statements and questions that you like.

• Practice them, first alone with filming or recording, then via phone call/video calls with your classmates. This is important, do it multiple times. It is way too expensive to "practice" in your live calls.

Attachment included.

In any job search process, you need to succeed in two parts: The application and the interviews. They go together hand-in-hand and together provide the outcome of the process. Preparation and practice is the key to successful interview outcomes. There are no shortcuts. Furthermore, you will need to practice the different interview modes in their native environments, e.g. video interviews via zoom and phone interviews via telephone calls. Your classmates are of great support here.

Homework:

• Start investigating how your baseline targets run their interview processes. Find out what are the modes and structures and note them down for your practice plan.

For the industries and functions where technical questions are part of the interview process, there is a good selection of preparation material available on the market. It is recommendable to invest in these preps early in advance (either via school clubs or individually) and to utilize their best practices and knowledge. There is no added value in trying to "guess" the approach and questions, there is no time for that during an MBA program.

Remember that whereas some technical questions will require exact answers (e.g. finance calculations and ratios with given set of numbers), many questions will not have only one definite answer. Consulting cases or banking valuations are a good example of these. The key is to have a solid answer and to be able to explain and defend your solution.

Homework:

• Find out the best technical prep programs for your baseline targets, talk to your clubs, career services, and investigate the market for comparison.

• Get the prep programs and give it all you have.

Attachment included.

If you ask me (and many others), you will get the response that fit questions are the most important type of interview questions. Technical skills can be reasonably acquired, motivation is intrinsic and easy to spot. And then there is fit, how well do you fit into the organization's culture, teams, and unwritten rules and habits. Are you a candidate who will benefit the whole work team, enjoy the working place, and stay for a reasonable time. Fit runs deeper in you and therefore it is crucial that you analyze the companies and teams as well.

Homework:

• Practice the list of fit questions, record, learn, repeat...

• Reflect on your own "fit". What is important to you when eyeing for your next company to work for?

Attachment included.

Motivational questions relate more to the function and tasks in the position. How enthusiastic you are about the position, what drives your success, and if your own motivators are a good fit with the job responsibilities.

Homework:

• Practice motivation questions, record, learn, repeat...

• Reflect on your own motivators, do the functions on your baseline require the same motivators? Are they a good match or do you need to re-visit baseline?

Attachment included.

Contracting differs quite a bit depending on the size and origin of the employers. Another ankle comes from rotational programs and expat assignments. A good understanding of the components is necessary and can make a big impact on you and your family.

Homework:

• Memorize the most important contract components from the checklist.

• If you are in a contracting stage already, use the checklist to negotiate professionally (remember that internship contracts are much lighter in structure than permanent position contracts).

Contract components can be divided into 1) negotiable and 2) non-negotiable. The advice is to forget the "non-negotiable" and know the negotiation limits for the "negotiable" ones. Then negotiate on those components and accept the offer once you have hit the threshold that you have defined for a green light. Do not jeopardize the contract and relationship after that point.

Homework:

• Draft a threshold contract for yourself (you do not need an offer to do this) to get a good feel at what the future will bring.

• If you are in a real contracting stage, bring it home!

Private career coaching:

https://www.lassialbin.com/store

To stay in touch and to support you further even after this program, make sure to join my private FB group:

"Career Accelerator" Facebook group for all your future career questions.

Also, my Youtube channel video might prove handy as well on different career management topics. Feel free to subscribe here:

Lassi Albin - YouTube