The Million-Dollar Race: An Insider's Guide to Winning Your Dream Job

232 Pages·2013·3.173 MB·English

by  Kirk Hallowell

M i l l i o n -
T HE
D o l l a r
R A C E
AN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO
WINNING YOUR DREAM JOB
K I R K H A L L O W E L L, P H. D.
M i l l i o n -
T HE
D o l l a r
R A C E
AN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO
WINNING YOUR DREAM JOB
K I R K H A L L O W E L L, P H. D.
This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard
to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher and
author are not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional services. If
legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent profes-
sional should be sought.
Published by Greenleaf Book Group Press
Austin, Texas
www.gbgpress.com
Copyright ©2013 Kirk Hallowell
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted
by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without
written permission from the copyright holder.
Distributed by Greenleaf Book Group LLC
For ordering information or special discounts for bulk purchases, please contact Green-
leaf Book Group LLC at PO Box 91869, Austin, TX 78709, 512.891.6100.
Design and composition by Greenleaf Book Group LLC
Cover design by Greenleaf Book Group LLC
Publisher’s Cataloging-In-Publication Data
(Prepared by The Donohue Group, Inc.)
Hallowell, Kirk.
The million-dollar race : an insider’s guide to winning your dream job / Kirk Hal-
lowell. -- 1st ed.
p. : ill. ; cm.
Issued also as an ebook.
ISBN: 978-1-60832-400-2
1. Job hunting. 2. Executives--Recruiting. I. Title. II. Title: Million dollar race
HF5382.7 .H25 2013
650.14 2012942964
Part of the Tree Neutral® program, which offsets the number of trees
consumed in the production and printing of this book by taking proac-
tive steps, such as planting trees in direct proportion to the number of
trees used: www.treeneutral.com
Printed in the United States of America on acid-free paper
12 13 14 15 16 17 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
First Edition
Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Part One: Preparation
Chapter One The Perpetual Search for a
Job of Your Dreams. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Chapter Two Managing Fear. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Chapter Three Define Your Ideal Job. . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Chapter Four Define Your Ideal Organization . . . . . . . 37
Chapter Five Assessing Yourself: The Johari Window . . . . 59
Part Two: The Race
Chapter Six Hurdle One: Building Your Platform . . . . . 79
Chapter Seven Hurdle Two: Sourcing Job Opportunities . . 97
Chapter Eight Hurdle Three: References
and Background Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Chapter Nine Hurdle Four: The Screening Interview. . . . 129
Chapter Ten Hurdle Five: The Main Interview Process . . .137
Chapter Eleven Hurdle Six: Psychological
and Cognitive Assessments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .161
Chapter Twelve Hurdle Seven: Presentations
and Simulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .171
Chapter Thirteen Hurdle Eight: Portfolios
and Work Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .183
Chapter Fourteen Hurdle Nine: Managing Setbacks . . . .189
Chapter Fifteen Hurdle Ten: Acceptance and Negotiation .197
Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .213
Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .225

Introduction
Finding and landing a management position in today’s job market
is a significant challenge. The consistent change in organizational
structures driven by the economy, mergers, acquisitions, globaliza-
tion, and information technology have resulted in fundamental
change in the way organizations find and select top candidates.
It is essential for job candidates who are entering this competi-
tive job market to understand and react to this new level of com-
plexity quickly and effectively. Wonderfully qualified and capable
people fail in the job-selection process simply because they are not
adequately prepared or do not understand basic dynamics and new
rules of job competition.
A few years ago, an individual who focused primarily on their
résumé and interview skills could hope to be prepared for the com-
petition. That is no longer the case. Organizations are becoming
increasingly sophisticated in the ways they are sourcing job candi-
dates and in the way in which they select from thousands of candi-
dates who typically apply for a management-level position.
This book was written for you if you seek to land a mid- to
senior-level leadership position quickly and successfully. This means
2 | The Million-Dollar Race
a job that fits your needs for income, satisfaction, and career develop-
ment. Social media and open communication structures in organiza-
tions have increased direct access to information about companies
and jobs. These changes have also leveled the playing field in access
to information to job candidates across the world. These changes also
mean that top-paying jobs are attracting thousands of applications.
Based on extensive experience in the design of corporate selec-
tion processes, scores of interviews with job candidates and recruit-
ing professionals, coupled with a thorough review of emerging
candidate-sourcing technology, this book is designed to help you
prepare for the immense challenge of landing a senior management
position with a structured and rigorous approach.
GETTInG THE MOs T OuT Of THIs BOOK
This book is intended to support a job search and selection pro-
cess that may span an extended period of time. Information in each
of the chapters will have more relevance based on your immediate
needs and your current phase of the selection process. With that in
mind, here are a few strategies to consider in utilizing this resource
most effectively:
1. Skim the book from beginning to end and identify topic
headings, exercises, and questions that seem most relevant to
your situation.
2. Immediately access the Million-Dollar Race website (www.
TheMillionDollarRace.com). Here you will find forms, exer-
cises, plans, supporting materials, and updates that will keep
you current and disciplined in the selection routine.
3. Integrate the book into your job search and selection prepara-
tion activities. A regular discipline of job sourcing and net-
working activities forms the foundation of a successful race.
Introduction | 3
4. Review specific sections of the book as you approach the next
hurdle in your race for selection and focus on specific activi-
ties to prepare you for that event.
5. Actively involve your friends and family in a discussion of this
book and your ongoing efforts in your bid for job selection.
Their input, support, and participation will make the pro-
cess more rewarding for you and help them understand and
accept the eventual outcomes.
There is no question that the job search and selection process
can be a significant and extended challenge for many people. Many
professionals looking back on a job transition experience find it to be
one of the most challenging and frustrating experiences of their lives.
This can also be a time of significant growth, development, and
self-understanding that never would have been achieved had the
unique constellation of events, experiences, and emotions not been
realized. It is my profound hope that this book not only helps you
to land a great job, but also helps you to become a more self-aware,
confident, and resilient individual. The competition for a high-
paying leadership position in today’s job market is fierce. The time,
effort, and commitment essential to winning the race for selection
are within you.