Phil McCollom, Senior Account Executive, Brokers Insurance Corporation
Former GO! Network member Phil McCollom announced that he has joined Brokers Insurance Corporation as a Senior Account Executive.
Previously, he was a salesperson for United Concordia of Missouri, and was laid off at the beginning of January 2009. His search for a new position lasted about 90 days. He has remained in the same field, but instead of focusing on dental insurance, Phil now brokers life and health coverage as well. He uses many of his previous contacts to sell the expanded line of products.
Phil found that the best use of his time was networking with members of GO! Network St. Louis and with other professionals within his industry. He still believes that networking is most likely to lead a job-seeker to his or her next opportunity. Phil did continue to use the Internet, but to research his target companies and form a clear picture of their operations and culture. Also, he learned to bypass companies’ Human Resources departments and call key people directly to discuss job openings in which he was interested.
In the meantime, Phil found that participation in the GO! Network helped him strengthen his networking skills and polish his résumé. It also encouraged him to believe that employers would recognize his talents and experience, and that one would eventually hire him.
“Keep pressing forward and stay positive,” Phil advises professionals in transition. “Surround yourself with people who encourage you and provide you with networking opportunities. Don’t rely on Internet job postings alone. Attend networking events to meet a variety of people who may be able to help you with your search. Keep your chin up and believe in yourself.”