A bit of job search wisdom

In a year of challenges and dreams, the Discovery Expedition approaches and the job search picks up steam. Ricardo shares a bit of job search wisdom.

The IMD MBA is characterized for being surrounded by multiple priorities, challenges, and dreams. As we feel the excitement for the upcoming Discovery Expedition, we also need to keep progressing in our job search. I took the opportunity to ask a couple of classmates, Constantino Carli and Aman Narwal, to bounce back a bit of the job search wisdom we have gathered so far. Here’s what they say:

Job search advice from alumni

A key asset at IMD is the alumni network, an incredible pool of both work experience and life wisdom. These are people who understand our road, have been extremely helpful, and have gone the extra mile to help us. The following are few examples of advice they have shared:

Have a clear cut value proposition. Stay focused on your choice and do not waver.
Corporations aren’t siloed. Therefore, even if that specific role isn’t the best fit, making a good impression might open other work opportunities.
Do not look for jobs but make it a job creation process. Understand your assets and pitch the work you want based on what companies need.

Advice from MBA classmates

I also wondered how my classmates approach a promising job application. This is what they said:

Practice cases and interviews with classmates. Have an ample repertoire of stories to tell and display your value proposition.
Research the company. Read their latest reports, understand their culture claims, and search for unbiased feedback from present and past employees.
Work on clear timelines and adhere to them. Make sure you dot the i’s and cross the t’s.

Final reflections

Finally, I asked for some reflections on what classmates should be doing at this stage of the program. This was their final advice:

Network and send out job applications. Convert contacts into referrals.
Create a compelling story to convey why you think you would do well in a job.
Enjoy the whole process. This is a unique year. Don’t get so caught up in the job search that you forget about the true values that brought you here.