The Power of Networking and Leveraging AI in Job Hunting

Black Corporate Life

Summary
In this episode of the Black Corporate Life podcast, host James Frison welcomes David Edgerton Jr., founder of the DEJ Group, an executive search firm dedicated to connecting diverse talent with inclusive companies. David shares his extensive career journey from engineering and IT roles to becoming a leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion. He discusses the importance of networking and entrepreneurship, the role of AI in job searching, and how to transition between various domains within the corporate world. David also provides valuable insights into the executive recruiting process and underscores the significance of maintaining side hustles for personal and professional growth. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the necessity of mindset, skillset, and toolset for career success, offering practical advice for professionals at all stages of their career.
Takeaways
Networking is about being a resource to others and offering value before expecting anything in return.
Executive recruiting involves retained searches, where a firm is exclusively hired to handle a search, and contingent searches, where multiple firms compete to bring a candidate.
David's career journey showcases the importance of adaptability and seizing opportunities.
Transitioning from the corporate world to entrepreneurship requires resilience and leveraging one's network. Executive recruiters look for candidates with leadership experience and functional backgrounds relevant to the role.
Mindset, skillset, and toolset are important for career development.
Artificial intelligence can be used for content creation and research in job searches.
Networking is crucial for getting past resume bots and standing out in the job market.
Having side hustles can develop valuable skills and make a candidate more interesting.
Treating oneself as a personal business can lead to personal and professional growth.
Join our online community, the Black Corporate Life Alliance, where Black professionals come together to network learn and grow. Our platform offers expert coaching, interactive classes and a vibrant online community of like-minded individuals who understand the unique challenges faced by Black professionals in corporate America. Join us at https://bclalliance.com

Kapitel

1. Welcome to the Black Corporate Life Podcast (00:00:00)

2. Introducing Today's Guest: David Edgerton Jr. (00:00:38)

3. David's Career Journey (00:02:12)

4. Transitioning to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (00:06:02)

5. Starting the DEJ Group (00:10:18)

6. The Power of Networking (00:17:59)

7. Understanding Executive Recruiting (00:22:53)

8. Competitive Advantage in Recruitment Fees (00:25:30)

9. Understanding Executive Recruiter Expectations (00:26:31)

10. The Four-Step Recruitment Process (00:29:21)

11. The Importance of Side Hustles (00:31:48)

12. Mindset, Skillset, and Toolset for Success (00:35:09)

13. Leveraging AI in Job Search (00:40:20)

14. Networking Strategies to Bypass ATS (00:45:06)

15. Final Thoughts and Personal Business Model (00:48:14)