Career Advice

Getting a business development job

Getting a Business Developmen job is like many good things in life, you get out what you put in. Getting a good job is similar to direct marketing - it's a numbers game. The more applications you make the greater your chances of finding the Business Development job you want. Business development jobs are no exception.

How to write a great CV

Imagine you're an employer, you have a hundred CVs on your desk and from them you have to choose just a handful to interview further. What are you looking for? How do you decide? As the applicant, your aim is to clearly show that you are the right person for the job, so your CV should demonstrate that you have:

the specific business development skills needed for the job
the right sort of experience
the right personal qualities
an understanding of the specific requirements of business development.

But you must also keep it simple. It should be:

short - ideally no more than two A4 pages
clear - typewritten and laid out with wide margins, section headings and information in logical order
relevant - address the employer's two main questions: whether you can do the job and whether you will fit in.

Your CV should be in reverse chronological order detailing your most recent or current position first. Start by documenting your career history, and remember that employers want to know what you can do for the organisation they are hiring for. This means that your priority should be your experience that is relevant to the business development role you are applying for. Write down a history of your positions over the last 3 to 5 years, and detail all your roles, your specific responsibilities, and maybe a little bit about each company.

Also, it's always a good idea to have 2 or 3 different types of CV that describe what you do from different aspects. For instance if you?re a technical manager, you may want to have one that is more descriptive from a technical perspective with a lesser emphasis on the management, and vice versa, for those more management orientated positions. There?s no ideal format for how you should write your CV, nevertheless it?s good to tailor it to the bsuiness development jobs you're applying for.

Covering letter

Just as with a good direct marketing campaign personalisation is very important. By personalising your job application covering letter or email many potential employers will feel you've taken the time to construct your application, and are more inclined to respond out of professional courtesy. Employers obviously don't like spam and speculative job applications that have not been personalised.

Keep your job application covering letter or email cover short and to the point, and specifically target it towards business development and the role or industry that you're applying for. Where possible address it to the person specifically hiring, and within the text include relevant information that will make a potential employer want to read your CV. A short line at the end of the covering letter to the effect of you appreciating a reply whether or not your application appears to be suitable never does any harm. Finally, keep a note of all your applications so if you choose to follow them up or are contacted by the employer, it is too easy to lose track if you are applying for lots of business development jobs.

Where to find a business development job

Once you've completed your CV and your covering letter, its time to do some research. It's very important to remember that finding the right business development job is a job in itself, so its a good idea to document everything you do. This way you're far more able to track your applications and approach companies and recruiters far more methodically and professionally. Here are some potential sources for finding job vacancies:

Online job boards

Online job boards and employment sites like this one allow you to apply for as many business development jobs as you can find in the time it takes for you to apply for one job using the traditional method. It's worthwhile considering that many job boards have a high percentage of opportunities posted by recruiters and getting a response can be a bit hit and miss. If you're keen to approach companies directly always check to see whether the site is geared to employers or recruitment agencies. You can also check the email address on the job you apply for to see where your CV is going.

Recruitment agencies

Recruitment agencies will always ask you for a copy of your CV before they do anything. An important aspect for you to consider is that the employer pays the recruitment agency, and as a result of this the employer expects the recruitment agency to put forward candidates with the right experience. The advantage of applying to a recruitment agency is that it's free, and if the recruitment agency is a business development specialist the one CV you send can result in a few interviews.

Trade publications

Trade publications such as Precision Marketing orMarketing Direct have a section to the rear of the magazine that advertisesjob opportunities. You will also find recruitment agencies that specialise in business development recruitment.

Trade shows

The International Direct Marketing Fair is the UK direct marketing industries leading trade show, although there are others. These events are a good way to network with prospective employers and future contacts.

Approaching companies directly

One of the best ways to find a job is the direct approach, but it can be hard work. First research your target market and then apply to the companies you're interested in working for. The DMA www.dma.org.uk website is not a bad starting place when researching companies. Company web sites often have a careers or vacancies section. Because the company won't have to pay a fee, all direct applications are usually prioritised ahead of recruiters CV applications. Approaching companies direct obviously also demonstrates interest in them.

Interviews

Interviews are generally straightforward and a little preparation can make them a lot easier. 90% of employers already know an individual can do the job theyre looking to hire for from their CV. Interviews generally take place for employers to discuss more about what's written on your CV, and more to talk to you about your aspirations, how you would fit into the team. Most employers would prefer to find the right person after a couple of interviews rather than 'trawl' around and waste precious time. Interviews are basically common sense with a little bit of preparation. Even if what's listed below is used as a prompt for what you know already or highlights an area for you to think about, then it's still better than a wasted day off, or a long journey. The following is aimed at helping you achieve your best in an interview situation, however there's no substitute for genuine enthusiasm and a desire to succeed. Preparation and enthusiasm go a long way.

Pre-interview

Find out a little more about the company and think of one or two questions you can ask during, or at the end of the interview which show your genuine interest in the role. The company web site is a good place to start
Prepare and plan your journey and contingency, for example, if you miss a connection. It is important you arrive at your interview calm, collected and not stressed
Read up on your CV, and be prepared for questions that the prospective employer may ask you. See Interview Questions below
Read up on your skills relevant to the position you are being interviewed for, and be prepared for technical questions that the prospective employer may ask you

Arriving at the interview

Arrive 5 to 10 minutes early, and if you're delayed or running late always phone ahead to apologise for the inconvenience.
If you suffer from nerves a useful technique is to go somewhere quiet 5 or 10 minutes before the interview, close your eyes, and imagine yourself in the interview projecting the image you want.
Introduce yourself to the interviewer; a solid firm handshake is essential.
When waiting and during the interview don?t fold your arms as this gives a negative image.
First impressions are everything, and most interviewers decide if you are a suitable fit within the first five minutes. This is why your appearance, presentation and clothing are important.

The interview

Make sure you listen and answer the questions.
Always have one or two pre-rehearsed questions about the Company and opportunity.
Make sure you talk about the role in enough detail. The interviewer will want to tell you how good it is. People always like to talk about their Company. You want to leave the interviewer with a feel good factor about the interview.
Remember that the interviewer is hoping that you are the person that they are looking for.
Always make it clear that you have a responsible attitude and that you?re looking for a Company you can commit yourself to.
Don?t get defensive or aggressive, if an interviewer starts asking difficult questions it may be to see how you perform under pressure.
Avoid any unnecessary apologies, especially at the start of the interview.
Avoid argumentative discussion with the interviewer. If they have strong views on a subject it?s usually best to avoid discussing it and to direct the conversation to more constructive areas.
The purpose of the interview is to present your skills, ability and suitability, so make sure you bring them up. If by the end of the meeting you haven?t managed to, take the opportunity to go through them with the interviewer. Having a check list in your pocket can help, even if you don?t refer to it.
If you are asked to describe your strengths back this up with modest examples.
Expect to be asked to describe your current responsibilities, be ready to tell the interviewer the following:
- What you enjoyed about each job
- What you think your achievements are
- What experience you gained and how that has helped you
- What skills you acquired
Never stray from the point, or talk for more than a couple of minutes at a time, but do give full lively answers. Avoid just yes and no answers, most questions the interviewer asks will be intended to get you talking, help your interviewer to interview you!
The ideal interview is when the interviewer and candidate speak for around the same amount of time.
Never bring up money at an early stage of an interview or appear too money motivated, you must show you are interested in the position first and foremost.
Never openly criticise your current or previous employers. Always talk positively about your experiences.
If you are asked to describe any weaknesses it?s generally best to describe a problem or difficulty that you managed to overcome, it?s best to prepare this beforehand.

Finishing the interview

Always thank the interviewer for meeting with you and say you have enjoyed the interview.
Always state that you're genuinely interested in the position; never say that you will 'think about it'. It's not inappropriate to say you really want the job.
If a Company has to choose between two equally suitable candidates, they will choose the one who wants the job the most. A thank you note or email is always a good idea.
Find out if the interviewer has any reservations about you. If there are, the best time to persuade them otherwise is whilst you are face to face.
Consider asking what the next stage is. Try; 'where do we go from here'?, 'I like the sound of this job is there anyone else I need to meet'?

Common reasons for failure

A recent survey found that the following were the most common reasons for candidates not succeeding at interview:

Poor appearance and presentation
Overbearing or aggressive attitude
No interest or enthusiasm evident
Inability to express ideas clearly, poor voice, dictation, grammar
Over emphasis on money
Unwillingness to start at bottom, wanting too much too soon
Criticism of current or previous employer
Failure to ask questions about the Company or role
Little or no background homework done on Company or role
Failure to look interviewer in the eye
No vitality, few signs of life
Not being able to explain why they are leaving current employer
Not being able to explain current role clearly

Our top tips

Ask to meet other members of the team you could be working with
Ask to see where you will be sitting if you get the job, and even take a seat at the desk. This leaves a picture in the interviewer?s mind of you in their office.
Always ask at the end of the meeting if the interviewer has any reservations
Phone your recruiter as soon as you leave the meeting so they can tackle any issues sooner rather than later
Always send a thank you note or email

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Interview questions

Find below a list of questions that you could be asked whilst at interview

Warm-up questions

What made you apply for this particular position?
Briefly, how would you summarise your work history & education?

Work history

Can you describe for me one or two of your most important accomplishments?
How much supervision did you receive in your previous job?
Describe for me one of your biggest disappointments in your current job?
Why are you leaving your current job?
What?s important to you in a company, and what things do you look for in a new organization?

Job performance

What are your strong points for this job?
When you?ve been told, or discovered yourself, a problem in your job performance, what have you typically done? Can you give me an example?
Do you prefer working alone or in groups?
Starting with your last job, tell me about your achievements that were recognised by your manager?
What things you would like to avoid in a job and why?
What would you say is the most important thing you are looking for in a job?
What were some of the things about your last job that you found most difficult to do?
What are some of the problems you encountered in doing your job? What do you usually do about it?
What are some things you particularly liked about your last job?
How do you feel about the way you were managed?
If I asked your present or most recent employer about your ability, what would they say?

Education

What aspects of your education or training have prepared you for this opportunity?
What courses have been of most help in doing your present job and why?

Career goals

What is your long-term career objective?
What kind of job do you see yourself doing five years from now?
What do you feel you need to develop in terms of skill & knowledge to be ready for that opportunity?
How does this job fit in with your overall career goals?
What would you most like to achieve if you were offered this position?

Self-assessment

What are your three greatest strengths?
And what are your three greatest weaknesses?
What kind of things do you feel most confident doing?
Can you describe for me a difficult obstacle you have had to overcome?
How would you describe yourself as a person?
What do you think are the most important characteristics a person must possess to become successful?
What do you consider to be your greatest achievements to date? Why?
What things frustrate you the most? How do you usually cope with them?

Creativity

Can you think of a problem you?ve encountered when the old solutions didn't work & you came up with a new one?
What kind of problems have people recently called on you to solve? How did you solve them.

Decisiveness

Do you consider yourself to be thoughtful, or do you usually make up your mind up quickly? Give an example.
What was your most difficult decision in the last six months? What made it difficult?
How do you go about making an important decision?

Range of interests

Tell me specifically what you like to do outside of work?
How do you keep up with what's going on in your industry?

Work standards

What are your standards of success in your current position?
In your position, how would you define doing a good job?
If you were to manage the performance of another individual, what factors would you look for?

Leadership

What approach do you take in getting your co-workers to accept your ideas?
How would you implement a specific change in the organization?
How would you get co-workers who don?t want to work together to establish a common approach to a problem?
How would you describe your basic leadership style? Give specific examples of how you practice this?

Flexibility

What was the most important idea or suggestion you received at work and what happened as a result?
What was the most significant change made by your company in the last six months that directly impacted you, and how successfully did you adapt to this change?

Self-development

What or who has been the most important event or person in your own self-development?
What kind of books & publications do you read?

Resignation tips

Congratulations on securing your new position. Now, if you?re happy with all the terms stated in your job offer letter, and if you?re currently employed you?ll need to resign. The resignation is an important exercise, and is essential that it?s done in a professional manner.

You must always be positive. Remember, it is highly likely that future employers will use the company you?re leaving for a reference in the future.

Always confirm your resignation in writing, and thank your employer for the opportunity they have given you.
It is important to refer to your contract of employment or staff handbook and be aware of your notice period.
Whilst resigning, be professional and objective. Even if you didn?t get on with your manager, never use this meeting to settle a personal score. Whatever the relationship, it?s important that you?re mature in your approach and that the resignation meeting is completed smoothly.

More useful resources

Career-resource.net has lots of good information

If you get stuck writing your CV try using the CV builder at Reed.co.uk

For a free CV review go to thefullercv.com

For more interview questions and answers see ?Tough interview questions answered? at Reed.co.uk

Redgoldfish.co.uk is a directory of jobsites and useful career info

Redgoldfish Jobs

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Career development

You spend almost a third of your life at work so it's important to be happy and doing something you enjoy! No one is more motivated or in a better position to manage your career than you. Here are some resources that can help:

See the Career Portal at Trotman.co.uk for award winning online careers service.

Also see Monster.co.uk and Workthing.com for good career advice

Reed.co.uk have developed a number of assessments to help you build up a profile of your personality and work preferences

Career-resource.net can help with your career choice

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Salaries & benefits

Direct Recruitment, a leading recruitment agency, has probably the best direct marketing industry salary information

Reed.co.uk have a good more broad based salary calculator.

If you are in IT jobstats.co.uk has the best computing job market info.

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Education & training

See the IDM (Institute of Direct Marketing) website

Also see Direct marketing information below. Sign up for email newsletters that relate to your specific job. In our fast changing industry life long learning is important and can open up opportunities for your career development.

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Networking

The importance of networking can not be over emphasized. Hence the phrase it?s not what you know but who you know?. There are many industry events run by the DMA and the IDM

In addition trade shows and other industry events are ideal ways to meet people in the industry

Monster.co.uk has some useful articles about networking

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Graduates

See the Institute of Direct Marketing?s website for graduates consideringa career in direct marketing

Prospects.ac.uk is the official graduate careers web site

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Business development info

The Internet is full of excellent information for business development. Here are some of our recommended sites where you will find answers to many of your questions:

Direct marketing:

Direct Magazine
US monthly with good how-to in-depth articles. Clunky search facility, but well worth the wait
www.directmag.com
DM News
The excellent US weekly direct marketing magazine. Sign up for the informative newsletters
www.dmnews.com
Database Marketing Institute
Arthur Hughes shares his wisdom. Lots of useful articles and info
www.dbmarketing.com
DM Review
Lots of information on DM and analytics with an IT focus
www.dmreview.com
Drayton Bird
Great answers to hundreds of DM questions
www.draytonbird.com
Bill Fryer
See "Free Information" for lots of good ideas
www.billfryer.com
Database Marketing Magazine
Sign up for a free subscription
www.dmarket.co.uk

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Customer analytics:

Kurt Thearling
A bit dry but see the first-rate data mining tutorial, plus good book reviews
www.thearling.com
Jim Novo
Jim Novo's excellent data mining website
www.jimnovo.com
KD Nuggets
Knowledge Discovery Nuggets data mining directory and information resource
www.kdnuggets.com
David Shepard
Author of New Direct Marketing, still a classic on targeting and segmentation. Good presentations. This website is hard to find
www.dsadirect.com
MRS Geodemographics Knowledge Base
Good links to international data sources
www.geodemographics.org.uk

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Internet:

eMarketer
All the stats you could ever want about marketing on the Internet with a good daily newsletter.
www.emarketer.com
Web Digest for Marketers
Larry Chase's website with an invaluable weekly email newsletter especially good info on search.
www.wdfm.com
Overture
Their view advertisers' max bids facility is a must
www.overture.com
www.marketingsherpa.com
A website and newsletter with lots of case histories, real numbers and "how they did it" detail.
www.marketingsherpa.com
Wilsonweb.comvv
Where the Dr. Ralph F. Wilson shares his wisdom about what's working in e-commerce.
www.wilsonweb.com
Clickz.com
Large internet marketing information resource
www.clickz.com
Bivings Report
US consultancy offering excellent info on interactive marketing and other high-tech communication services and products.
www.bivingsreport.com

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CRM:

Patty Seybold
The brilliant Patty Seybold's website, pure customer genius
www.psgroup.com
CRM Insight
Good free CRM resource centre, previously CRM-Forum, now run by BT
crm.insightexec.com
Destination CRM
US CRM resource centre
www.destinationcrm.com

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General:

The IDM
The Institute of Direct Marketing. The trade body for individuals. Good training, especially the direct marketing diploma
www.theidm.com
The DMA
UK Direct Marketing Association. The trade body for companies. Lots of networking events and invaluable legislative lobbying
www.dma.org.uk
Economist
Excellent weekly round up of World news plus lots of good research. Bill Gates is a reader.
www.economist.com
Financial Times
Good coverage of financial events and data
www.ft.com
Media UK
Listing of UK newspapers and magazines with links to on-line titles
www.mediauk.com
- - THE TELLMEABOUT DIRECTORY - -
SEARCH:
Dilbert
If you have been to all of the above sites you need to lighten up, so finally a bit of fun
www.dilbert.com
Jobs in UK - ClickAJob - Search for UK jobs. Find current job vacancies in your area.
Trenzdirectory.com - the Online Web Directory
Business to Business Directory Online B2B directory for the UK
Chinwag - for UK netmarketing.
Houston Jobs
http://www.careersinhouston.com
Search for Houston jobs or careers using different criteria, or post resumesand let employers with job openings find you. Also has a section of adviceand career-related information resources.
Physician Jobs | Physician Job Placement
http://www.doctorjobplacement.com/
Welcome to DoctorJobPlacement.com, the premier placement site for doctorjobs and physician jobs throughout the United States.