Frequently Asked Questions

Job Seekers

What are the differences between The Wooden Group and an executive search firm, recruiter or personnel agency?

Unlike search firms, recruiters and personnel agencies who essentially find people to match positions, The Wooden Group works one-to-one with our clients to optimize their ability to find and secure high-paying jobs. Our relationship is with the job seeker. Therefore our investment is in your career development, finding and landing the right opportunity for you, rather than earning a fee for delivering a candidate that matches a specific job opening. That said, we do assist you with strategies, research, insights and preparation if you are pursuing a position through a recruiter or headhunter.

Do you provide job leads?

Our services focus your activities so you uncover and connect with good leads that are a fit for you. Since we practice the networking we preach, we may often have leads to share with you.

Are you able to connect me with a recruiter?

If the opportunities you're seeking are in the hands of a recruiter, we assist you in finding the right recruiters and building your strategy so you're a valuable candidate for them to consider.

What's the unadvertised job market?

Simply put, higher-level job opportunities are often quietly circulated through networks rather than through job seekers' web sites or the classifieds. Resourceful, networked people are able to connect with this information and develop relationships that lead to interviews.

How long do you usually work with your clients?

Since our services are custom-tailored for our clients, we are personally invested in your results and your happiness with your new opportunity. The relationship with The Wooden Group doesn't have a time limit, nor does it need to end when you've landed your new position. We'll work with you for whatever time it takes to get you to the opportunity that's right for you.

What kinds of people do you work with?

Our clients are career-oriented men and women who wish to move on to their next opportunity in an organized and purposeful way. They may be employed in the wrong job, thoroughly burned out, recently unemployed or discouraged with the lack of results they're experiencing by working on their own.

What is your success rate?

Our clients' testimonials are an excellent measure of the success they've had using our services. We gauge success by evaluating our clients' satisfaction.

I have a computer and Internet access at home so why would I need to work with you?

Having a computer and Internet access is a good start, but simply learning about an opening via the web hardly guarantees an interview, much less a good offer. We provide expertise to help you utilize these tools effectively - connecting with real openings, securing interviews and obtaining job offers.

How am I supposed to afford coaching when I have no income?

The investment in our coaching shortens your job-hunting process and gives you a much higher probability of finding a position with a good salary. Look at this as a wise investment in your future earnings rather than as an expense. If we help you shorten the process by even a few weeks, your new earnings will more than offset our fee. Imagine the benefit to you if you're able to shorten the process by three months!

"I have hit a glass ceiling," or "I am an older employee," or "I think I need more education." How can The Wooden Group help me?

We recognize these are issues for some of our clients. One of the important things our company addresses is assisting employed and unemployed people who feel they are "stuck." We work directly with you to make the most of your expertise and experience.

Extreme brainstorming is one of our strengths. We help our clients move beyond roadblocks to execute the plans we create together and to land in the position that's right for them.

So in a nutshell what does The Wooden Group address with its clients?

• Thorough evaluation of all options for your career based upon your experience, skills, education and desires
• Resumés and cover letters tailored to your career goals
• Effective networking to deliver relationships, leads and opportunities
• Elements to build your personal value with potential employers
• Sharpening your interviewing and negotiating skills

Why is one-to-one professional coaching important?

The market for good jobs will always be competitive and the best jobs are often unadvertised. Since fewer than 30% of the better jobs are advertised in newspapers and web-based job boards you'll need to penetrate the unadvertised job market.

Outplacement prepares you with strategies, tools and structure to better self-manage your transition.