Questions and answers about ITS and changingcareers.com

Formed in 1998, we consolidated talent who worked together for up to 20 years in the career field. This team attracted leading technology, creative and executive talent.

Who owns ITS... How strong are you financially?

The firm is privately owned and the employees are the shareholders. The firm has no debt and is in excellent financial condition. With over 300 associates, we serve several thousand professionals each year.

May I visit your regional centers or National Center?

Yes. Staff members are available to provide a tour of our facilities and spend time discussing your situation.

How many offices do you have?

At our world headquarters in Denver, we have a large staff who supports all clients. We also have regional centers throughout the country. Importantly, we serve clients worldwide, with or without a need to visit our offices.

What is the background of your staff?

Our staff includes hundreds of people from many disciplines... former CEOs, military officers, educators, nonprofit executives... attorneys, marketing, IT and HR executives and others.

What is so unique about your online resources?

Through JMAC, you can access 85% or more of your possibilities, not just the customary 2%. However, this is such a powerful set of resources in so many ways, that you should see our separate video.

What does your staff know about my local job market?

An extraordinary amount. Our website is the most extensive source for local job market information in the U.S. It gives you local openings, leads to openings, emerging jobs, potential contacts and more.

How close a relationship do you have with your clients?

Exceptionally close. In fact, through our Executive Advisory Group, many remain close throughout their careers.

How does your approach differ from traditional job hunting?

Most people take limited actions. We develop an aggressive marketing plan, write all resumes and letters, and supply continuous openings, leads and contacts. We also market you to thousands of firms and assist in all interviews and negotiations.

Why do you favor growth industries?

A fast-growing firm generally means higher pay, faster promotions and valuable stock options -- giving you a better chance of accumulating wealth and job satisfaction.

Why has demand for your service grown?

Job hunting is challenging. And, people can no longer rely on answering a few ads and contacting some recruiters and friends. Our resoucres enable people at all incomes to search the market with both greater speed and effectiveness.

Do I have to visit your offices to use the service?

No. Professionals and executives worldwide can utilize our services without visiting our offices. The level of excellence remains equal.

If I change jobs again, is further help available?

Yes. Your history forms remain on file, and JMAC is available if needed for up to 5 years. We are also happy to provide annual career assessments at no cost.

How do you differ from recruiters?

Traditional recruiters work for employers. We work for individuals seeking a new job.

How do you differ from career counselors?

Counseling firms only offer to advise you on how to do a job search. Our services go much further. We take on a major portion of your marketing effort, and do most of the hard work for you.

How do you differ from outplacement counseling firms?

Traditional outplacement counselors warehouse unemployed people in shared cubicles or offices, provide workshops and counseling. This concept is unchanged since the 1970s.

17. Do other firms do the same thing as you.

We know of no one in the U.S. who has anywhere near our capabilities. Wall Street analysts say we are a minimum of two years ahead of the field.

What is "full disclosure marketing"?

We disclose everything about our service through written materials, our client hand-book, this extremely high-content website and a series of online videos. Details on every aspect of the firm and its service are publicly available.

Why does the job market require new approaches?

The main reason is that it has become more complex and competitive. Thirty million resumes are now in circulation all the time.

When is the right time to search?

Whenever your situation dictates. During a recession, hiring declines sometimes by as much as 20%. However, our experience is that if you compensate by being more aggressive, you will be relatively unaffected by economic conditions.

I'm not highly marketable. Am I a candidate for your service?

Before we could provide an intelligent answer, we need you to fill out our marketability evaluation profile and then have a discussion with you.

I am highly marketable. Why would I need your service?

The more marketable you are, the more important it is to uncover the maximum number of opportunities available. If you run a "minimal" search and choose less than an exceptionally good offer, you run the risk of lowering your long-term success curve.

How can you expand my marketability?

We analyze your transferable skills and experiences. Then, we develop 10-20 key phrases for use in all written communications... and face-to-face meetings. This approach can expand your marketability beyond your factual cre-dentials.

Why are transferable skills so important?

Employers place a premium on versatile people with diverse skill sets. Those in highest demand can handle many assignments that draw upon these different skills. Properly communicated, they increase your credibility for new industries.

I am concerned about my age. What can I expect?

Age will eliminate many opportunities. But many people can lift their marketability by communicating all their skill sets, know-how and strengths. If you run an aggressive campaign, you can often compensate for age bias in the market. For more on this subject, review our book... our complete system, elsewhere on this website.

I am uncertain about my career goals. How do you help?

We offer every client our complete analysis and recommendations as to the specific job titles you should go after... and in what industries. We also address the income implications... both short and long term.

I need to relocate. How can you help me?

Our service can be targeted to anyone's geographic preferences. The depth of our information about local job markets and individual employers can be invaluable.

What is your experience with people in my industry?

There is virtually no major area of industry experience we have not dealt with before.

Does the firm maintain my confidentiality?

We will not release your name or personal information to any outside party without your permission. However, when it comes to your campaign, with the range of actions that most people take, total confidentiality can never be completely assured.

Can you tell me what is wrong with my resume?

Yes. Our staff will review your materials and offer our concrete suggestions for improvements. Our market tour also contains what we have learned about the design and styles of resumes that work best today.

Will all recruiters like the resumes you prepare?

Not always. We do not serve the interests of recruiters. Rather, we develop presentations that will produce the best results for each client. You should know, however, that our materials have been consistently praised by seasoned recruiters.

What response can I expect from your distributions?

Our role is to capture the best possible expression of you. If you are not happy with every word of our written materials, we make adjustments to ensure your satisfaction. After that, response is a function of the demand for your credentials. These professionals in major fields will experience greater demand and responses can come in for a long time.

Why is it necessary to go to so many recruiters?

The odds of a recruiter having an assignment for an opportunity that is right for you, at the moment you contact them, are slim. The more recruiters you contact, the more the odds are in your favor.

Who should consider board member mailings?

This is only recommended for senior executives. It involves our identification of board members of public firms that we approach on your behalf. Custom written communications of an extensive nature, are mailed under our letterhead every week.

Who should be in touch with venture capitalists?

Clients who generate the most interest are typically executives who are candidates for "C" level positions (COO, CTO, etc.) or who can fill a role as head of a line function (VP Sales, etc.). Most often, they are in their 30s or 40s, although there are exceptions.

Who should do aggressive direct marketing?

Extensive direct marketing is always recommended for the majority of professionals with an interest in a specific geographic area. It is also for those who want more speed and convenience, or who have chosen to target specific industries.

I am good at interviewing. Why would I need any help?

To succeed, you need to maximize chemistry. But, you also must be prepared with stories employers will remember. And, you must be able to overcome any objections. We make sure that each of our clients are equipped to handle these factors.

Why is communicating "stories" so important in interviews?

Without them, most people will forget what you say in a matter of minutes. We forget facts and concepts, but we all like good stories and remember them.

How do you help with negotiations?

We equip you with our system for negotiating and we work with you on every response and counter-response as you go through negotiations. Given today's complex financial packages, this assistance has become very important.

What quality control measures do you have?

Every phase of our service is monitored by the lead marketing director and a number of local and national staff members. Our system helps make sure that you are satisfied with every aspect of the service we perform for you.

What is your success rate?

We wish we could claim 100%, but we can't. Success varies by a client's background, income level and other criteria. Everyone gets activity. But, some choose to stay where they are when their situation improves, or leverage offers for a promotion. Others invest in or buy a firm, or discontinue their search for personal reasons.

How many of your clients change industries?

Over 60% take positions in new industries and many join growth companies.

Are there long-term benefits?

Many clients comment on the long-term benefits of investing in themselves. Others say their new marketing skills give them more confidence and will be invaluable in future searches. The close relationships we enjoy also benefit our clients for many years.

What financial considerations do your clients weigh?

Job search expenses are normally tax-deductible. So, the true net cost of our service is generally 25% to 35% less. And, many clients often accept positions at 10% to 30% more, and some receive a signing bonus.

My spouse is hesitant. What is your advice?

We would be happy to teleconference with you and your spouse to ensure your understanding of the benefits of what we do.

Can I see a copy of your agreement with clients?

Yes. We recommend you review it carefully.

I am in an outplacement program. Can I also use your service?

Yes. Many professionals retain our service privately as a supplement to the outplacement their employer has provided. Our assistance goes far beyond outplacement counseling.

My employer uses a counseling firm for outplacement. Could your services be used instead?

In many cases, yes. Executives being outplaced are usually allowed to choose their own service. We will be happy to contact your employer about what we can do for you.