How To Get Your Resume Ready For This Market

January 10th, 2012

It’s a fact. An average executive with a stronger resume gets more interviews and job offers than a talented candidate with a mediocre resume.  If you are looking for a job, you need to make certain that your message compels employers to hire you over other experienced applicants.

While a resume is sometimes seen as a formality, it is anything but.  In today’s impersonal job search world, you need a resume that goes beyond the ordinary. It can’t just be a dry compilation of facts and figures.  Now, most employers heavily rely on industry keywords and skill descriptions to see if a candidate is valuable to them.  So, if you want to be noticed and get better results, having a well-written resume that demonstrates your relevance is no longer an option.

The good news is that virtually any resume can be improved and made user-friendly.  The key is to forget conventional (and frankly overused) formats, and convey what makes you positively different from the rest. Let’s explore some of the ways you can do this.

Make ‘How’ More Important Than ‘What’

Your resume needs to communicate not only what you accomplished, but also how you accomplished it.  You need to be specific and describe the skills and knowledge that helped you achieve results.   Too many resumes provide a list of functions but never indicate how these functions were actually performed.

Useful tip: Describe your characteristic work methods and how you get things done.

Show That You Are Worthwhile

Don’t expect employers to guess how good you are.  Executives often don’t realize that employers don’t want to speculate what makes a candidate a potentially valuable catch.  In your resume, be specific about your ability to positively impact their business and help them become a more dynamic organization.

Useful tip: Explicitly communicate your potential executive value.

Speak Their Language

Make it easy for both technical and non-technical readers to understand your resume.  Don’t use so much technical jargon that it has little significance to anyone not familiar with it.   To be user-friendly, your resume needs to have an appealing message and demonstrate your competencies without overwhelming the readers.

Useful tip: Present your career details in a clear and easily understandable style.

In summary, the best way to prepare your executive resume is NOT to follow some format or make dated accomplishments the core focus of your presentation.  Make the content of your resume convincing by addressing the needs of new employers, not just highlighting what you achieved for someone else in the past.  When employers clearly see your relevance and the practical benefits you can offer, you increase your effectiveness and waste less time when looking for new opportunities.

Posted in Careers and employment, Executive career success, Executive careers, Executive job search, Executive resume, Resume Writing | Comments Off

3 New Executive Job Market Trends

July 14th, 2011

Major economic and industry shifts have forever transformed the executive job search.  Unlike previous downturns, this recession has challenged conventional thinking about what companies want when hiring executives.  By understanding these trends and their practical applications, you can protect your executive career and thrive in this job market.

Trend #1: Companies Need Fewer Employees

Challenge: The race for efficiency has forced companies to cut costs in their key operational areas.  Since salaries are a major investment for businesses, employers in many industries have been reducing their staffing levels, while striving to maintain or even increase productivity.  In essence, the majority of today’s employers aspire to do more with less (which explains why unemployment numbers have not kept up with increased business activities).

What this means to you: When you are looking for a new executive position, assertively promote how you can boost productivity.  This will give you a significant advantage in this market.  Make certain that your communications with employers (especially in your resume and interviews) effectively reflect how you are able to optimize efficiency and deliver better results with fewer resources.  Focus on your potential benefits and outcomes, not only on your past responsibilities.

Trend #2: Companies Seek Long-Term Commitment

Challenge: While the general market perception is that jobs are temporary, companies are paradoxically seeking ways to minimize turnovers.  As jobs get more specialized, the costs of replacing workers increase and employee retention becomes an important issue.  Therefore, many employers do what they can to hang on to their most valuable team members.  And, when they recruit new executives, they are ultimately looking for fewer but better people who are best able to learn, adapt and persevere.

What this means to you: Being seen as a long-term employee gives you authentic leverage in your executive job search.  Unless you are merely seeking a transitional position, aim to learn more about employers’ long-range goals and promote yourself as a stable and solid investment.  Employers are more willing to invest in you when they see that you are willing to invest in them.

Trend #3: Companies Want Visionary Leaders

Challenge: When looking for a job, many executives overemphasize what they accomplished years ago for someone else.  Past achievements are important, but executives risk ranking behind when they do not adequately promote their forward-thinking abilities.  Considering that employers are inundated with applications from executives who mostly brag about past accomplishments, not promoting a visionary outlook makes an otherwise unique executive appear common.

What this means to you: Look at your executive background and identify your specific strengths that can help employers move their companies in the right direction.  In your documents and personal meetings with employers, compellingly promote how you can build dedicated teams, see the big picture and ultimately help companies reach their goals. Convey your unique executive qualities that clearly show why you a visionary leader and you have what it takes.

Best of success in your job search!

Copyright (c) Resumes For Leaders .  All rights reserved

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Careers and employment, Executive career success, Executive careers, Executive job search, Executive resume, Resume Writing | No Comments »

Are YOU Underselling Yourself?

June 6th, 2011

Why do executives undersell themselves when looking for a new job? Many leaders can easily put together sophisticated business deals but effective self-promotion doesn’t come naturally to most. Fear of rejection and lack of objectivity are the main reasons.  Fortunately, the following 2 secrets will help you be more successful in promoting yourself and accelerate your executive job search:

1. LEVERAGE YOUR SPECIALITY

Bookstores are full of job search advice books. The trouble is, most of these offer contradictory opinions to the masses, with little or no consideration of your unique situation. While some advice may be valid, much of it doesn’t apply. It’s common in executive circles to brag about that latest book, only to secretly realize that the intellectual value of it is greater than practical street value. The truth is, if you use a typical approach in dealing with hiring decision makers, you are selling yourself short. To get ahead, it is crucial to decide that you are not like everybody else. Making yourself a ‘hot prospect’ is what it’s all about. Employers know well that the harder a candidate is to find, the more valuable they can potentially be to a hiring organization.

Practical Application: Recognize what makes you unique in your field. Make sure it’s not a vague description, but a distinctive area of expertise that is sure to capture the attention of employers. In essence, what do you know that others don’t? Make this the main theme of your search and translate it into your documents and interviews.

2. ENHANCE YOUR MESSAGE

When you are selling your candidacy on paper, remember that you are essentially advertising yourself. The best advertisers understand the impact they want to achieve and skillfully develop a message that is sure to stick. You can do the same. To avoid being seen as ‘one of many’, have a resume that has a compelling theme, not just descriptions of past functions. This is a must when looking for high-level positions. Think of your resume as an enticing executive proposal, not old news.

Practical Application: If you want to get better jobs, make your resume focused on the relevant benefits you can bring to employers. Enhance your message with a proposal-style resume that strategically transforms your past experience into a magnetic, value-driven presentation. This will help you be seen as a preferred candidate and improve your executive job search and overall career advancement.

Posted in Careers and employment, Executive career success, Executive careers, Executive job search, Executive resume, Resume Writing | No Comments »

Who Gets Hired?

June 6th, 2011

When similarly qualified executives apply for the same position, priority is given to those who demonstrate the most potential benefits to employers.  Ironically, perfectly qualified executive often don’t get much consideration.  The reason?  They don’t promote themselves as uniquely worthwhile.  Instead, highly talented executives frequently position themselves as mainstream.  The good news is, you don’t have to look like a second-rate applicant when applying for jobs.  In fact, by approaching your job search a bit differently, you can be seen as a preferred candidate.  Read on.

Executives starting their job search are faced with fierce competition and an unpredictable employment market.  Companies of all sizes are generally more cautious and slower to hire.  This is seen as an obstacle by many executive job seekers, but an opportunity by those who understand the dynamics of business.  If you are in the latter category, you have a clear advantage.  You don’t have to go with the flow and only hope to be noticed, like a contestant on a talent show.

So what can you do to position yourself as the type of candidate employers want to hire?  Improve your value proposition. Let’s take a look at how this is done.

1. Understand gaps in this economic market.  Problems create opportunities for those who are able to deliver better solutions.  By being keenly aware of what the current gaps are, a savvy executive can address employers’ real problems and, consequently increase his or her demand in a soft market.

2. Prepare a more distinctive resume. A typical mediocre resume is a sure way to invite rejection.  Don’t let this happen to you.  Savvy executives realize that when it comes to their career, it pays to do it properly. Get a resume that goes beyond typical job descriptions, and effectively promotes your uniqueness.

3. Make yourself a clearly better choice. Recruitment is risky.  A smart strategy for executives is to make every employer interaction solution-centric. This means offering uncommon benefits that are certain to help companies realize sustainable results. Conveying extraordinary proficiencies is a sure way to increase value.    

As you navigate your career in these uncertain times, remember this:  When you actively concentrate on bringing and effectively promoting your exclusive, high-yield value to employers, you automatically rank ahead in your executive job search.

Posted in Executive careers, Executive job search, Resume Writing | No Comments »

Does Your Executive Resume Do This?

March 16th, 2011

What is the proper way to update your resume?  With so much confusion about resume writing, where do you start?  Some sources recommend following a certain structure and number of pages.  Others suggest ‘borrowing’ phrases from resume examples.  The truth is, each executive career is different.  Trying to fit your background into a template makes your presentation weaker and dilutes the intended message.

The surefire strategy for a winning executive resume is this – prepare it for employers, not for yourself. While this seems obvious, many executives still compete with documents that merely overemphasize past accomplishments, largely underselling candidates’ genuine executive value.  Customization and well-articulated awareness of potential employers’ needs are paramount.  When it comes to promoting your career, it’s wise not to follow the masses.

The importance of a good resume for a $100,000+ job seeker is clear. Studies show that a genuinely powerful resume accelerates your executive search and can help you get a higher salary.  Since most employers have no prior history with you, to be a winner in this market your resume must do the following:

  • Avoid predictable, jargon-ridden formats typical of most resumes.
  • Promote your keen understanding of contemporary business issues.
  • Go beyond past achievements and convey your key practical benefits.
  • Be written as a proposal, not a dry summary of prior functions.
  • Help employers see that you are better than other candidates.

THE BOTTOM LINE:  To get better jobs, start with a better resume.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Executive career success, Executive careers, Executive job search, Executive resume, Resume Writing | No Comments »

Do You Have The 5 Qualities Employers Want?

October 20th, 2010

Some executive job seekers get multiple interviews, but many don’t.  For a large percentage of executives, looking for a job is a hit-and-miss experience, which takes more time and effort than it should.  Here are the five qualities sought after by today’s selective employers to help you minimize rejection and get faster and better results.

Immediate Value

Employers have little interest in your past successes – what they really want to know is the value you are offering right now.  Explain exactly how you can help them achieve their short-term and long-term business goals.

  • In a nutshell: Your expressly conveyed executive value ultimately leads to employer interest and more offers.

The Right Fit

No matter how good your skills are, you need to be seen as a compatible player within your new employer’s corporate culture.  Your emotional intelligence (also called EQ) is absolutely essential, and will usually be perceived as more significant than mere technical expertise.

  • In a nutshell: Aim to establish compatibility instead of simply promoting your qualifications.

Adaptability Companies are increasingly realizing that the best executive candidates are those who can quickly adapt to – and often initiate – corporate changes.   Flexibility is sought after more than ever in senior management ranks.  If you thrive in a changing business climate, assertively indicate this to prospective employers.

  • In a nutshell: Fixed and inflexible business thinking is out. Vision, flexibility and receptivity to change are in.

Distinction

If you are seen as a ‘common’ applicant, the odds are against you.  Always aim to emphasize your unique knowledge, explaining why it is not readily available in the marketplace.  Employers pay particular attention to candidates who will bring distinctive competitive advantages to their organization.

  • In a nutshell: Focus on what makes you unique and hard-to-get.  This will help you instantly stand out from the crowd of ‘average’ applicants.

Professional Message

If your candidacy is great but your presentation isn’t, you are wasting your time. Your documents play a major role in the hiring process — before and after your interviews.  If you plan to impress cautious companies (especially in this employer-driven market), you can’t afford to sell yourself short.

  • In a nutshell: Before you start your job search, make certain that your resume is top-notch.  Having a first-rate resume gives you the leverage you need to rank ahead in this market.

Posted in Careers and employment, Executive career success, Executive careers, Executive job search, Executive resume, Resume Writing | Comments Off

Increase Your Net Worth by Increasing Your Resume-Worth

June 21st, 2010

In speaking with executive job seekers on a daily basis, three of the phrases I most often hear are:

(1) “I haven’t needed a resume since my first job … I was always contacted by a recruiter, or I just relied on my professional network”,

(2) “I know I’m underselling myself on my resume, but I’m not good at bragging about myself”,

(3) “Once I’m in the door, I feel confident and can promote myself well, but somehow my resume doesn’t send out the right message.”

In response, I always make clear to executives that you don’t have to re-invent your career to have a more interview-generating resume, but that it’s simply a matter of “what you’re saying and how you’re saying it that truly affects the perception of your demand in the market.”

The Art of Intelligent Bragging:

It’s not surprising that many executives admit that they undersell themselves.  The reality is, many executives are Type A’s — talented, resourceful and good at getting things done, even in highly intensive and ever-changing environments.  In fact, the more pressure the better.  Somewhere along the way however, perhaps engrained in our upbringing, the thought that constructive deeds, not words is the safest way to boast, stuck in our heads.  Although I agree with that idea, it’s the content strategy (the words) within your resume that must communicate effectively on your behalf, and in a way that sells and differentiates your value-add.

As an old proverb says, the really tough thing about humility is you can’t brag about it. In other words, considering that the end reader doesn’t know you or your performance track, it’s critical that your resume is a balance between tooting your own horn, and not blowing your own horn.

It Is Not All About You:

What does surprise me though is how many executives still have the habit of using the word “I” in their resumes (you know who you are).  Sometimes this is so persistent within the resume, I wonder if there was ever a team involved, or any customers, or anyone else working at the company for that matter.  Not only is it assumed that in a resume you are talking about yourself, but more importantly, it sounds very self-centered and can get very repetitive.

One key point to remember is that your resume needs to focus on the employers needs, not yours. In essence, you are selling your future potential, and not a list of all the great things you’ve done in the past.  Consider your resume as an RFP (Request for Proposal), where you are making a promise of what you are GOING to do, and the potential impact you can make for your next employer.  They are always interested in W.I.I.F.M., “What’s in it for me?”  Therefore, you are building up anticipation for your performance, appealing to them directly, and engaging them to find out more.

It is not necessary to create a separate resume for each and every opportunity.  In fact, I highly recommend against it.  There are certain “universal” targets that any business is looking for, such as Revenue & Profit Increases, Market Share Gains, Productivity Improvements, Cost Reduction & Avoidance, Team Building Success, etc. that you can leverage in your value proposition.

From Reactive to Proactive:

One of my favorite discussions when working with clients is the one where the executive has an epiphany that although he is an expert in “X” field, he has limited skills in crafting a compelling marketing-style resume. What I adore even more is when these executives have this revelation BEFORE they engage in an active job search.  Too many times, I work with executives who are begging for a resume reconstruction out of desperation vs. inspiration.  They have been in the job hunt for many months, and have come to realize that their resume has not been effective.  Too much time has been lost, and those really great opportunities don’t come around too often.   Of course, all has not been lost, but isn’t it better to be ahead of the pack, rather than struggling to catch up?!

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Careers and employment, Executive career success, Executive careers, Executive job search, Executive resume, Resume Writing | Comments Off

June 21st, 2010

As an executive resume professional, I work with many talented, extremely qualified senior executives and one in particular, “Joe”, whom I recently worked with, stands out.  Joe is a CEO and was flustered that his resume, which very thoughtfully outlined his passion, enthusiasm, communication savvy and creativity, was not getting him any results.

Of course, a strategically designed resume will have a blend of both soft skills and hard skills.  However, the difference between many interviews and no interviews, and what Recruiters and Hiring Managers are looking for, is someone with the necessary skills, expertise and experience in the right areas – the hard skills.  When a recruiter is assessing your resume, they are not immediately looking for an “excellent communicator”.

Joe was surprised to hear that.

Hard skills are all about getting things done and are pivotal in a resume.  They define processes, procedures, key jargon, and are easily measurable.  A Grade A player resume needs to be robust with industry/position-specific keywords and phrases that demonstrate success in areas such as: business development, revenue increases, productivity and performance improvements, talent acquisition and development, cash flow optimization, etc. in order to create impact.

Soft skills (personality and people-oriented descriptors) centered on enthusiasm, respectfulness, creativity, passion, listening, verbal and written communication, motivation, etc., are not as paramount.  What is especially important is that soft skills need to be substantiated on your resume.  You can weave them into accomplishments that highlight your soft skills in action.  For example, problem solving, critical thinking, and the ability to lead and motivate others under challenging circumstances.

I do want to stress however, that soft skills play a crucial role in employability and ensure professional survival and success.  In fact, the higher position you are in, the more soft skills you will need — skills such as initiative, learning, self-management, communication, teamwork, problem solving, flexibility, planning and organizing.  Leaders create synergy and spark in others when they apply the value of “people matter”.  This can’t be faked.  When you walk into an organization where soft skills are practiced, you can sense it.  And we all know that “nothing happens until people are on board.”

Here’s the bottom line:  Properly promoted hard skills get you interviews, but your soft skills ultimately close the deal and get you hired.

If your resume is not comprised of the right keywords, phrases, and terminology, you are selling yourself short, which will have a negative impact on your job search.  By using the right content strategy in your resume, you will significantly increase your results.  And that is exactly what a well-written resume will do for you – get you in the door for the right kinds of opportunities.  Fortunately, Joe realized the importance of packaging his solid background correctly, and went on to land an excellent role.  His resume was transformed into a blend of distinctive qualifications, expertise, and content strategy robust with key words and phrases that positioned his resume much more effectively.

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Careers and employment, Executive career success, Executive careers, Executive job search, Executive resume, Resume Writing | Comments Off

What Type Of Executive Job Seeker Are You?

May 5th, 2010

Every executive realizes that job search is a competitive activity.  In a soft economy, truly exceptional positions attract hundreds of applications (a recent posting for a VP position with a major technology company generated over 5,000 resume submissions in less than a week).  Of these, only 3 candidates were invited for an interview.   Not surprisingly, many rejected candidates were qualified, but did not make the list.

While executive job seekers offer a wide range of credentials, there are essentially 2 types of applicants – ‘Employable’ and ‘Valuable’.   The difference is significant.

Employable applicants restate what they “accomplished”, “developed”, and “managed” for someone else in the past.  The focus is mainly on previous employment and achievements, not on transferable benefits.

Valuable candidates, on the other hand, go beyond dated descriptions.  They expressly translate their knowledge and experience into what they actually CAN do for new employers.  The emphasis is on their potential contributions and how they can deliver results.  The message is current and practical.

Also, in their job documents and interviews, Valuable candidates differentiate themselves from similarly qualified applicants.  They promote their distinguishing leadership strengths, thus making their presentation much more compelling to gatekeepers.

How to use this in your job search: When you are asking risk-averse employers to invest in you, present clear reasons why your candidacy is better than average.  As impressive as your prior career experience is, it is wise to translate it from old news into a magnetic proposal.  A proposal-style resume and interview strategy is the best way to transform your candidacy from ‘Employable’ to ‘Valuable’.   This is the intelligent shortcut that helps you increase your executive appeal, rank ahead, and get great job offers.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Careers and employment, Executive career success, Executive careers, Executive resume, Resume Writing, Uncategorized | Comments Off

The 3 Key Ingredients Employers Are Looking For

May 5th, 2010

After being laid off by a large telecom company, Tom secured an excellent position with a new employer in less than 6 weeks.  Yet, many of his former peers were still anxiously looking for jobs for many months and weren’t getting suitable offers.  Surprisingly, some of them were more qualified than Tom.  So why weren’t they as successful in securing the right jobs?  The answer is in these three ingredients that can help you generate more employer interest, accelerate your search and get better job offers:

1.  Employers want you to understand their needs

Having more years of experience or a degree from a prestigious school does not automatically put an executive applicant on a short list of most employers.  What employers really want is relevant experience that can be immediately applied within their organization.  Relevant experience and keen understanding of specific challenges will make you a more valuable contender than someone who merely has an impressive background.  If a shoe fits well, it’s practical; if it doesn’t fit, it doesn’t matter how famous the label is.

Practical Application: Make each contact with employers highly personal and focused on matching your expertise with their unique business requirements.  Promote yourself as the missing link by assertively indicating why and how you can effectively perform in your new role.

2.  Employers want to make sure that you will make them money

As obvious as this point may seem, many executives don’t clearly convey the financial benefits potential employers are likely gain from hiring them.  Instead, they spend more time describing benefits they brought to previous employers, expecting new employers to make a connection.

Practical Application: Let others congratulate themselves on their past victories and sound like a broken record. You will be way ahead of the rest if you strategically fast-forward the financial advantages of your experience (in your documents and interview sessions) by articulating how you can help new employers be more successful, in terms of expected savings and realistic revenue increases.   Help employers clearly see that you are a lucrative investment.

3.  Employers want you to make a great first impression

While a personal interview determines whether or not a candidate gets hired, few interviews result without a top-notch resume.  Since employers get swamped by thousands of applications, a resume becomes an important pre-screening device.  If it’s seen as canned, it generates little or no interest.  But when a candidate has a solid and uncommon presentation that reads like a professional proposal instead of old news, it saves employers a lot of guesswork and leads to a positive response (i.e. more interviews).

Practical Application: Start with the end in mind – to make yourself appear unquestionably professional.  Would you buy a $200,000 product that has a second-rate brochure?  Neither would employers.  Get a no-compromise professional resume that makes you look like a superior candidate.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Careers and employment, Executive careers, Resume Writing | Comments Off

« Older Entries