“How to Effectively Market Yourself in the Evolving Business Continuity Job Market”

1. “How to Effectively Market Yourself in the Evolving Business Continuity Job Market” Presented by: Cheyene Haase of BC Management, Inc.

2. Introduction to BC Management, Inc. • Founded in March 2000 • Headquartered in Newport Beach, CA • An executive search firm exclusively placing business continuity, disaster recovery, information security and emergency management professionals internationally • Confidential assistance in career searching • Free monthly e-Newsletter to keep BC/DR professionals informed • Annual BC/DR salary survey results

3. Topics of Presentation • Evolution of the Business Continuity Field. • Hiring Trends. • Skills in Demand. • Increase Your Marketability. • What is Your Fair Market Value? • When should You Change Jobs? • How to Conduct a Job Search? • Final Tips to Strengthen Your Career

4. The Evolving Business Continuity Field • Contingency planning is becoming an enterprise focus. • Corporations are combining business and information technology under one umbrella. • Where should the BC program report?

5. Hiring Trends in Business Continuity • Budgetary constraints  less jobs and combining jobs within a company. • Less jobs and a greater candidate pool  selective hiring decisions. • The hiring process has slowed down in comparison to 1999 and 2000. • Companies are shying away from relocating candidates with or without assistance.

6. What Skills are in Demand? • Certified professionals (CBCP, CISSP, CEM, PMP, etc.) • Degreed professionals (Bachelor required, prefer Masters) • Strong understanding of both business and technology issues in contingency planning • Previous experience developing contingency programs globally • A wide array of skills from contingency planning, information security, emergency response and risk management. • Strong soft skills

7. Soft skills Desired • Polished presentation skills to CXO and executive board members • Strong, experienced project management • Training expertise • The ability to engage all employees from users to the CXO level • The ability to make a business case for an enterprise contingency program • The ability to understand what type of contingency program fits the company culture.

8. Increase Your Marketability in a Tight Job Market? • Brand yourself • Become certified or dual certified • Get your bachelor degree • Improve your presentation skills – take a public speaking class • Sharpen your business or technology knowledge • Sharpen your expertise in other tangent fields (information security, emergency management or risk management) • Be an expert in the field – serve on a board, become published, and take on public speaking

9. What Determines Your Salary? • Years of Work & Field Experience • Job Title – Where do you report within an organization? • Geographic Location • Technical Expertise • Certification • Advanced Degree • Industry Specialty • Percentage of Travel • Project Management & People Management Experience • Work History

16. Indicators for a Job Change • Lack of Challenge • Lack of Career Growth • Direction of Company is Questionable • Lack of Support • Salary • Boss

17. How should you conduct a Job Search? • Constantly network (work associates, friends and family) • Search the Internet (job search websites and local company websites) • Engage in a recruiting firm • Research companies listed with the local Chamber of Commerce • Join a local association • Attend BC/DR related seminars • Sign up for all BC/DR related newsletters and trade journals

18. You’ve Identified a Job… Now What? • Tweak your resume for the job opportunity • Submit a cover letter with your resume stating why you are qualified • Tailor the email subject line • Stand out above the rest

19. Resume Do’s Sell yourself on your qualifications and accomplishments. Trim the resume down Chronological not functional Summary of qualifications instead of objective Use short concise sentences with bullet points You have 30 seconds to get their attention Resume Don’ts Never lie or inflate the truth Don’t list personal information Don’t go into detail with irrelevant jobs you had 11 years ago Eliminate paragraphs Do not include salary history Don’t submit a resume without spell checking and a friend’s review Do not include references Writing a Resume that gets Attention

20. Interview to Get the Job • Research the company and position • Dress as a conservative professional - Nothing too trendy • Be prepared with 3-4 copies of your resume, letters of recommendation, samples of work, questions to ask and portfolio to take notes • Be prepared with an ice breaker • You are the BC/DR professional - Determine what their need is, then state why you are the qualified candidate • Do not mention salary or benefits • Always listen and clarify a question if you are unsure • Do not dominate the conversation • Never be negative • Always express your interest in the job and thank them for their time

21. Final Tips to Strengthen Your Career • Always strengthen your skills. • Always be networking with colleagues. • Brand Yourself. • Do not wait until a job search to increase your marketability. • Changing jobs may not help your career in the long run.