How to Conduct a Job Search Using a Sales Approach

70% of active job seekers find their next position through connections in their professional network. However, most people actively searching for new opportunities spend 70% of their time talking to recruiters and combing job posts instead of networking.


When actively searching for a job, the best way to approach networking is to think like you’re in sales: The product you’re selling is yourself; your target customer is your next employer.


Keep reading for the “sales” strategy we share with active job seekers to help them execute a more effective job search.



Create Your Sales Plan

The best job searches we’ve seen always start with a clear plan. If you’re currently looking for a job, answer these questions:


What am I selling?

Like any successful company, when you search for a job, you need a product or service customers will pay money for. These services are the skills you can offer to your potential new employer.


What value can you provide, and what problem will you solve for your new employer? Build your sales pitch around those skills.


Who am I selling to?

Once you identify the value that you can provide or problems you can solve, determine who faces these problems or needs your skills. Not every company will be a potential buyer of your services, so be specific about what industries fit your profile and the companies within those industries. Then build a targeted list based on those organizations.



Craft Your Sales Pitch

With your sales plan in place, you can hone your sales pitch to potential targets. Make sure to be specific. You won’t receive referrals from your network if your network doesn’t understand what you do.


When we ask candidates where they can add value, many respond that their understanding of business and their leadership and communication skills enable them to solve business problems. While this may be true, this pitch isn’t informative or unique.


When you search for a job, opt for a more detailed pitch like, “I help companies looking to expand internationally and set up new distribution channels in the hard goods space through my 20 years of experience working with global companies.” This pitch is specific and easy to understand. With the right target, it’s more likely to resonate.



Get Out There & Sell

Now it’s time to get out there and start selling yourself. Here’s what you should keep in mind.


Stay focused.

The company list you came up with while building your sales plan will be the driving force behind your sales efforts. Make sure to stick to your list, and add to it as you continue to build your network during your job search.


Target buyers.

Target the people who will “buy your services” (i.e. hire you) or the influencers who will connect you with the buyers.


Success starts by networking with the right person in the companies you target. For example, a candidate for a CFO position shouldn’t turn to the Controller in a target company. He or she should network with the CEO/President (buyer of services) or the VP of HR (influencer) for a better chance of turning the conversation into a worthwhile referral or opportunity.


Leverage your existing network.

During a job search, don’t forget about your existing network when you’re out there selling!


Think about the professionals you work with who can connect you to the buyers and influencers at your target companies. They likely have ideas for similar organizations you should consider as well.


Your existing network is made up of former colleagues, people you went to school with, and even professional service providers. A CFO, for instance, should talk to his or her accountants, lawyers and bankers to find out who else to reach out to.


The people you already do business with will be more than happy to help you out. All you have to do is ask.



Set Sales Goals & Adjust Expectations

The primary goal of your search for a job is to land a great position with an organization you’re excited to join. However, incremental goals can help you build momentum and keep your job search moving forward.


Successful salespeople constantly log activity to track the progress they make between closing deals. Setting an incremental goal of at least 5 meetings/conversations per week, for example, is an achievable and manageable goal that will keep you motivated and help you avoid frustration during your job search.


Many professionals entering the market are often frustrated by the response rate to their requests to network, but don’t get discouraged. Batting .300 in Major


League Baseball will get you into the Hall of Fame, so if you’re receiving a 30% response rate or higher, you’re doing great!



Always Bet On You


Remember to be realistic about your job search. Would you hire someone without the right skills and required experience? Probably not, and most hiring managers aren’t any different.


Organizations are sometimes willing to hire outside of the scope of a role if they’re familiar with and impressed by the candidate. However, they usually won’t hire an unproven candidate who doesn’t meet their ideal candidate profile.


But don’t let that stop you from working towards the role, company or industry you are most interested in. As an outsider, you may need to start somewhere else in the new organization first. Leverage your past experience to get your foot in the door before making a move once you’ve proven yourself.


For example, imagine you’re a CFO who just got passed up for the CEO role at your company. You might decide to explore new opportunities outside of your current organization. Making the leap from CFO to CEO at a new company may be difficult, but if you target CFO roles at companies whose CEOs are nearing retirement, your path to CEO may be easier.


Always bet on yourself to succeed, and put yourself in the best possible situation to win that bet.


Ultimately, all you need is one great job. Make sure to focus on what you’re really capable of and what you really want from your next position, and have fun with your job search!


Bonus: What You Shouldn’t Worry About When Job Searching

Your resume doesn’t get you a job, it gets you an interview. Don’t spend too much time reworking your resume during your job search; instead, invest your time in networking using the strategies we outlined above.


But here’s what you SHOULD pay attention to when it comes to your resume:


Concise but impactful content: Highlight your accomplishments rather than your responsibilities.


Clear and coherent formatting: Clearly state the companies you worked for and what they do, as some reviewers may not be familiar with them and the roles you held.


Proofread proofread proofread!: Don’t have an eye for detail? Find someone who does so any grammar errors, spelling mistakes or other typos won’t go unchecked.

By Christine Kennedy March 12, 2025
Corporate Development Manager About the Company Impel is a family of companies that offer comprehensive flow management solutions in partnership with each other and the best manufacturers in the world. Each of Impels branches represent individual brand cultures and span the West Coast. Impel serves customers in water, wastewater, agriculture, industrial, manufacturing, energy and mining. Impel was founded in 2021 with a vision to build a “one-stop shop” to serve municipal and industrial fluid management needs by acquiring complementary capabilities in contiguous geographies. The platform launched with the first acquisition of PumpTech , a premier distributor of high-quality pumping products and systems serving the Pacific Northwest. Subsequent acquisitions have grown Impel to over ten fluid management companies throughout the US. Impel is backed by Pike Street Capital , a private equity firm based in Seattle, WA. Recently, Pike Street successfully raised capital to fund additional acquisitions. Impel is actively pursuing growth opportunities and remains focused on acquiring and partnering with family-owned and operated companies in the sector. About the Role This is a key position managing the acquisition process within Impel. You will participate in all aspects of the investment process including industry/market research, deal origination, strategy and execution, and relationship building with acquisition target owners, executives, investment bankers and other intermediaries. This is a great role if you’re looking to own the deal process and progress your skillset as a deal professional. This role will give you deep insight into the entire acquisition process while closing multiple deals a year. We are a fairly lean team and believe in cross functional work so come with a growth mindset and you will develop a skillset across each business function; Our team believes in developing our team members. Primary Responsibilities Perform company analysis, including initial screenings, financial modeling and valuation, due diligence, consultation with external advisors, and preparation of materials for internal investment meetings. Responsible for M&A project management processes to include, but not limited to, valuations, letters of intent, due diligence analysis, financial planning, and business case development. Analysis of risks and opportunities of M&A activities, translate this into fact-based and well-reasoned insights on the valuation and structural impact of various acquisitions. Drive market research and strategic fit analysis. Conduct research on prospective sector opportunities and market trends and develop and present data-based opinions to inform decision-making and price transactions. Participate on deal teams to help structure and execute transactions, including coordinating the deal process and legal and transactional documentation. Special projects working directly with C suite, functional leads, and regional vice presidents. Qualifications 2-6 years experience in private equity, consulting, financial DD/QoE, investment banking, accounting, or corporate M&A Exposure to other diligence areas including commercial, operational, market sizing, risk analysis, customer and supplier, agreement review, etc. Excel and PowerPoint expertise Value oriented Strong communication skills Commitment to high professional standards Credentials: CPA preferred Interested in Learning More? 180one is a retained search firm and has been engaged by Impel to manage this search. If interested in learning more about the opportunity, please contact Tom Haley /503.334.1350/ tom@180one.com
By Greg Togni March 10, 2025
Long Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs) and Why to Implement Executive compensation is a nuanced and multifaceted subject that involves a delicate balance between rewarding top talent and aligning their interests with the long-term success of the organization. Typically, executive pay packages consist of three primary components: base salary, annual bonuses, and long-term incentive plans (LTIPs). While base salary and annual bonuses have historically been the most visible and commonly discussed elements of executive compensation, LTIPs are increasingly being recognized as the third and arguably most important leg of the stool. LTIPs serve as a tool for aligning the goals of executives with those of the company over the long term, offering rewards that are tied to the sustained growth and profitability of the organization. As businesses evolve and face growing challenges, LTIPs have become a central component in shaping how executives are compensated, ensuring they remain focused on creating long-term shareholder value. Over the past 75 years, LTIPs have been a common feature in public companies, where stock options, performance shares, and other equity-based incentives align executives with shareholder interests. It hasn’t been until the past couple of decades that private companies have implemented LTIPs to align executives' interests with the long-term success of the company, but also almost out of necessity to compete for the same talent who might already possess an LTIP as part of their compensation. What Are Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs)? Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs) are compensation structures designed to reward executives for achieving long-term business goals. Unlike annual bonuses, which are typically tied to short-term financial metrics, LTIPs are structured to reward performance over a longer time horizon—usually three to five years or more. The primary purpose of LTIPs is to ensure that executives are motivated to focus on sustainable growth, value creation, and the long-term health of the company. The Factors Driving the Adoption of LTIPs in Private Companies According to a survey by WorldatWork, approximately 63% of private companies are using LTIPs as a means of rewarding executives and aligning their interests with the company’s long-term success. Several factors have contributed to the rise in popularity of LTIPs in private companies, ranging from the quest for competitive advantage to changes in organizational dynamics and evolving employee expectations. But the following reasons might shed additional insight: Companies with LTIPs Have 30% Higher Revenue Growth: Research by the National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) found that companies that implement equity-based LTIPs experience 30% higher revenue growth compared to those that do not. The statistic underscores the positive impact of LTIPs on a company’s overall performance, as they drive executive focus on achieving goals that lead to sustained revenue growth, innovation, and market expansion. 91% of Executives in Private Companies Cite LTIPs as Key to Retention: A survey by Korn Ferry found that 91% of executives in privately held companies consider LTIPs an essential factor in their decision to stay with the company. The statistics demonstrate the significant role LTIPs play in retaining key talent, ensuring that executives are motivated to stay with the company over the long term. By offering equity-based compensation, companies can reduce turnover and keep their leadership team focused on long-term objectives. Companies With LTIPs Are 50% More Likely to Meet Exit Targets: According to a report by Bain & Company, private companies that implement LTIPs are 50% more likely to meet or exceed their exit targets during mergers, acquisitions, or initial public offerings (IPOs). By aligning executives' interests with long-term value creation, LTIPs motivate leadership to work toward achieving the performance metrics that will maximize the company’s value at the time of sale or public offering. Transitioning Ownership and Succession Planning: For family-owned businesses or privately held companies with a significant ownership stake held by a small group, succession planning is another critical factor in the decision to adopt LTIPs. As the company grows and the leadership team evolves, there may be a need to transition ownership to new management. LTIPs can help retain key executives during this period of change, providing financial incentives that keep the team focused on the company’s long-term growth even during periods of uncertainty. As businesses strive to remain competitive and evolve in an increasingly dynamic marketplace, the adoption of LTIPs has evolved as a key driver for optimizing performance. No longer limited to public companies; private companies have increasingly recognized the benefit and need for these compensation structures. Perhaps adding these 4 simple letters (L-T-I-P) to a company’s compensation program could be the difference maker that they’ve been looking for.
By Greg Togni March 3, 2025
Assistant General Counsel With roots going back to the 1960’s, Forest City Trading Group (FCTG), may have started as a small lumber yard run by two immigrant brothers, but has since grown into North America’s largest wholesale lumber product distributor. FCTG facilitates the distribution of products across 6 continents through our network of 12 operating companies and over 800 employees. The company’s impact is far-reaching, especially when considering that one in every ten houses today is built using products sourced and sold by our operating companies. As proponents of forest sustainability, FCTG actively supports suppliers who use sustainable forest management practices that promote forest sustainability and result in long-term environmental, social, and economic benefits. Due to significant growth over the last decade, and expecting strong growth in years to come, FCTG is adding an Assistant General Counsel to their legal team to support growth and help scale the business. Position Overview Forest City Trading Group is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Assistant General Counsel to report directly to, and support, the General Counsel and assist in managing the company's legal operations. The ideal candidate will have strong legal expertise, excellent communication skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively across different business units. This position offers an exciting opportunity to be a part of a dynamic team while contributing to the growth and success of the company. Key Responsibilities Provide legal support to the General Counsel on a variety of corporate, commercial, regulatory, and operational matters. Assist in the company's legal department operations, including document management, contract review and negotiation, legal strategy, and corporate governance. Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, agreements, and other legal documents to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Assist with the management of corporate compliance and risk management programs, including conducting legal risk assessments and providing recommendations for mitigation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., finance, IT, human resources, marketing, trading operations) to provide legal guidance on operational and business issues. Advise on employment law matters, including policies, employee relations, and compliance with federal and state employment laws. Handle legal research and due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, and other corporate transactions as needed. Manage outside counsel and vendors, ensuring legal matters are handled efficiently and cost-effectively. Assist with litigation and dispute resolution matters, including managing internal investigations, handling settlement negotiations, and overseeing litigation strategy. Stay updated on legal developments and regulatory changes that may impact the company’s operations and provide proactive legal solutions. Qualifications and Skills Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school. Licensed to practice law in Oregon. Minimum of 5 years of legal experience, with preference for some experience within a corporate or in-house legal environment. Experience in corporate governance, commercial contracts, employment law, and regulatory compliance. Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify and solve complex legal problems. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and maintain a high level of professionalism under pressure. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective relationships with internal stakeholders at all levels of the organization. Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion. Preferred Experiences Experience supporting operational functions, such as HR, marketing, and compliance, in a corporate setting. Previous experience managing outside counsel and coordinating legal projects. Experience with construction and material supply contracts. Interested in Learning More? 180one is a retained search firm and has been engaged by Forest City Trading Group to manage this search. If interested in learning more about the opportunity, please contact Lisa Heffernan/ 971.256.3076/ lisa@180one.com
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