By Wayne Richardson, MBA – Executive Career Expert / 20+ Year Recruiter
The latest news from the financial markets may be unsettling, but your job search and career advancement doesn’t have to be. In fact, this can be your perfect time to offer companies what they really want – proactive leadership that focuses on the delivery of real results to help businesses thrive in hard economic times.
However, you need to approach your job search with caution. Specifically, it is important to differentiate yourself from mainstream job seekers who exuberantly tout past accomplishments instead of explicitly promoting practical and sustainable value they can bring to organizations.
And let’s get real here – the current economic uncertainty makes companies less interested in executives with impressive credentials (remember, some of the most spectacular corporate failures have been orchestrated by individuals with stellar qualifications!). What companies seek are no-nonsense leaders -- leaders who show genuine understanding of current challenges; leaders who show outstanding potential; leaders who can bring bona fide benefits that move companies forward. Are you positioning yourself as such a leader?
According to my colleagues in the recruitment field, most executive job seekers do not adequately convey their distinctive leadership potential (one of the key selling points in an adverse market). Instead, the majority of applicants under-promote their strengths and pigeonhole themselves - albeit unknowingly - as less valuable and dynamic than they actually are. The intended message gets diluted and makes many talented executives appear common. One of my recruiter friends uses this analogy: “It’s like a pilot wearing a t-shirt to work. He may be the best pilot but his image doesn’t reflect it.”
You can’t change market conditions. However, you can significantly increase your market demand and stay ahead of the rest. Here are 2 things you can do right now to boost the effectiveness of your executive message:
1. REVAMP YOUR RESUME: Do yourself a favor and get your resume done professionally. Cutting corners or trying to save a few bucks is counterproductive if you plan to be seen as a first-rate candidate for top jobs. A well-written resume gives you significant advantages and opens more doors. Use an experienced executive resume firm to translate your experience and strengths into a winning document. Recommended service: www.ResumesForLeaders.com (leading executive resume experts since 1984).
2. IMPROVE YOUR INTERVIEWS: Make your interviews employer-friendly. Keep in mind that all the tough questions they ask have one main purpose – to find out what’s in it for them. So make your achievements and prior experience specifically relevant to new employers. Fast-forward your message and confidently emphasize what companies can realistically gain from hiring you. Recommended resource: www.InstantSecrets.com (the insider guide to job interviews).
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