“My last job search took 3 years – and then I met David Perry!“

I learned of Mark Haluska from the book “Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters;” Mark is the Senior Certified Guerrilla Job Search Coach for North America. After reading and implementing many of the techniques in the book, I felt having the extra support to push me outside my comfort zone was paramount to my success. After only being in my last position for 1 year, I was devastated to be back on the job market after a corporate downsizing.  My last job search lasted 3 years and, although I was able to support myself through IT consulting work, it was a difficult time. I was determined to get back to work within 6 months and I knew the investment of a Guerilla job-search coach would be priceless. I was right!

When I first joined the Guerrilla program, my friends and family had their doubts; my financial resources were tight and they did not see the coaching as a good use of money. However, after reading the book, I knew the Guerilla team had the know-how and experience to get things done – meaning my time on the job market would be considerably shortened. I had several legitimate offers while being in the program.

As for my actual experience in working with Mark in the job-seekers program, I have bulleted the highlights for easy review:

1) Mark always makes time for his clients. Even if he’s not immediately available, he will call you back.

2) VERY good listener.  As job searchers, we experience the highs along with the lows. It’s a stressful time and Mark is someone that understands this. Whenever I would feel especially down, he would remind me of the many things I can control– which, primarily, was to continuously take actions that build my job pipeline. His advice; when feeling down and out, send another “Trojan Horse” email. It works!

3) Motivates job-searchers to take action.  The way to find a job is to actively pursue the jobs or companies you want. He motivates his clients to keep busy, but not in useless job-search tactics that are basically a waste of time. He shows his clients how to work smart and make valuable use of their time.

4) Accountability. Mark takes a personal stake in each client he works with and holds them accountable to do what it takes to get a job. In fact, he takes such a personal interest that he often jokes that he takes his clients to bed with him as he’s ALWAYS thinking “How can I help this person find a job?” He does not fool around and, if he feels you’re not holding up to your end of the agreement, he calls you on it. Just get it done!

5) Creative Approach – Mark will blow your mind with his job-search tactics.  Employers will be so impressed with your creative approach to the job-search they will want to learn more about you. Even if your skill set is not an ideal match for what they may initially be looking for, they will still want to meet you.

6) Interview Coaching – Once you get the interview, Mark teaches you how to stand-out from the other candidates and how to effectively follow-up after the interview.

7) Written Communications – Mark teaches you how to say what you want to say in a clear concise manner. No flowery BS in cover letters or subsequent follow-ups after interviews. He makes sure you get to the point with as few words as possible.  Mark excels at keeping correspondence to the point; messaging is clear and impactful.

Utilizing the expertise of Mark was a definite game changer for me. My only contention is that I wish I had found him sooner.

I am grateful for both Dave Perry and Mark Haluska and the sincerity behind their Guerilla Job Search tactics; they truly want to help people. Thank you both.