Old School Meets New Rules: Revamping Your Job Search Strategy

Job Search

 

In today’s fast-paced, AI-driven job market, traditional (outdated) executive job search techniques like online posting of resumes are no longer as effective. The reasons why these techniques no longer function (um, hello… people are mass-applying!) and how you can shift your strategy for job search success are discussed here. This is why old school meets new rules: revamping your job search strategy is crucial today.

 

  1. Increased Competition through Conventional Means

 

Traditional job search strategies typically involve submitting an executive resume through a company’s career website or job site. The channels are swamped with applicants. For instance, a corporate job posting is estimated to get 250 resumes, and 4-6 candidates are shortlisted for interview. Now, with AI making it very easy for people to mass apply, the high level of competition makes it extremely difficult for the most talented applicants to get attention.

 

  1. Dependance upon Automated Screening Systems

 

Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to sort through this influx. ATS excludes 75% or more of the resumes from ever coming before a person based solely upon keyword matching. The software prefers certain words and phrases and ignores the context of the candidate’s qualifications and experience. That is why executive resume writers stress the importance of studying the job description, like a menu, for keywords you see over and over again that need to be in your resume.

 

  1. Access Restricted to the Hidden Job Market

 

70-80% of jobs are not advertised. So, where are they? They are acquired through internal referrals or through networking. The individuals who are simply looking at the advertised jobs are missing the bulk of the job marketplace.

The hidden job market isn’t hidden, it’s just not as easily accessible. 

 

What To Do Instead

 

  1. Leverage the Power of Networking

 

Networking can be your superpower. It’s a more effective job search strategy than simply blind applying. Referrals are the most valuable source of hires, with statistics showing that referred candidates are four times more likely to be hired. Start with contacting professional networks, industry conferences, alumni groups, or past colleagues. Don’t forget to ask within your inner circle. The intention is to make connections that can open doors to job opportunities not available through traditional sources.

 

  1. Tailoring Your Resume for ATS

 

Since ATSs are not disappearing anytime soon, the most crucial step is figuring out how to format your resume to get through the bots. Use job-related terms and words found within the job posting. Keep the format simple and do not add headings, footers, or graphics the ATS will mistake for content. Use resources like Jobscan to check how closely your resume matches a particular job posting.

 

  1. Utilize Social Media and Personal Branding

 

Social media platforms, including LinkedIn, are the most prominent job-hunting resources these days. They allow you to promote your credentials, share industry-related content, and communicate with the industry’s decision-makers. Update your profile and keep it refreshed with frequent postings, comment on industry leaders’ content, and utilize the site to establish your credentials and ability.

 

  1. Research Flexible and Remote Jobs

 

As the number of remote job opportunities grows, the job marketplace now reaches further geographically and adds flexibility into job roles. Websites like Remote.co and FlexJobs are remote job websites and reveal a larger pool of opportunities than are available within your immediate geographic location. Opening yourself up to these opportunities may actually expand your job search horizon.

 

  1. Ongoing Skill Development

 

With the industry evolving with new innovations coming into the picture, new skills are also needed. It is necessary to update your skill set with continuous learning. Learn through online courses, get certified, and attend workshops. There are platforms like Coursera and Udemy with a diverse set of courses through which you can acquire the needed skills for your profession.

 

  1. Investigate the Contract-to-Hire Option 

 

Increasing numbers of businesses are now employing employees on a contract-hire basis. The process is a means by which the employee and the employer can test the compatibility without committing permanently. It is a good way for the job seeker to get their foot in the door, particularly where the job markets are highly competitive.

 

The old job search strategies aren’t dead, but they aren’t going to serve you well as they are no longer adequate alone in the new job marketplace. With the addition of networking, ATS optimization, social media use, and continuous professional development, you can maximize your job search and increase your chances of landing your dream job. The most successful executive job hunters are the ones who are attuned to the needs of the job marketplace and are the solution to the issues a company is facing.

Good luck with the search!

Unveiling the Power of Informational Interviews in Your Job Search

InterviewingJob Search
Informational Interviews Can Help You Get Your Foot in the Door

Informational Interviews Can Help You Get Your Foot in the Door

The employment landscape is changing at breakneck speed, and if you are serious about keeping up, let’s talk informational interviews. They are a great way to see what’s happening at the companies you are interested in.

Informational interviews (as opposed to conventional job interviews where the objective is to get hired) are a lot more like professional coffee conversations☕—a chance to gain knowledge from a person who is already employed in an industry, job, or firm. Informational interviews can provide insider information, enhance your professional network, and even create opportunities you were not aware of.

So, let’s get down to it: the good, the not-so-good, and how to set up an informational interview.

 

Why Informational Interviews Are a Game-Changer

 

🎯 1. You Get Insider Intel
Of course, you can Google job descriptions or browse company websites—but there’s no substitute for straight talk from someone who’s actually doing the work. Informational interviews provide a first-hand glimpse into what a job is really like, the challenges professionals are up against, and where the field is going.

🤝 2. You Build a Stronger Network
We’ve all heard the phrase, “It’s not what you know, but who you know.” Well, this is your chance to grow your professional circle! When you connect with industry professionals, you’re not just learning from them—you’re also making an impression. And who knows? Down the road, they might think of you when an opportunity opens up.

🔍 3. You Discover New Career Paths
Have you ever had that ah-ha moment when you learn there’s a job out there that’s ideal for you—but you didn’t even know it was out there? Informational interviews reveal various career options, making you aware of what’s available beyond the job titles you’ve already thought of.

🗣 4. You Get Better at Interviewing
Think of this as a low-risk opportunity to practice your professional conversation skills. The more you practice these conversations, the more articulate and confident you will be—so when you actually do have an interview, you’ll be prepared and polished.

🎟 5. You May Learn About Unadvertised Job Vacancies
Here’s a secret: All jobs are not advertised online. Certain positions are filled through networking before they are ever listed on a job board. If you are having quality conversations with professionals, you may be alerted to an opportunity before it is publicly announced.

 

The Flip Side: Informational Interview Challenges

 

⏳ 1. They Can Be Time-Consuming
I get it—identifying the right individuals, then contacting them, and getting up the courage to schedule them does take work (and some mental coercion 😂. You will require patience and persistence, but believe me, the reward is worth it.

🚫 2. Don’t Plan On Instant Job Offers
This doesn’t mean that you are being interviewed, so don’t treat it like one where an offer will be made at the end. The goal is to learn and build relationships and network—not ask for a job. That being said, if you think long-term, these conversations can lead to opportunities down the line.

🤷 3. Not Every Opinion is *Fact*
One individual’s experience does not represent a whole industry. Remember that people have personal biases, so take everything with a grain of salt and try to get several opinions.

🎟 4. You Might Not Get To See Everyone You Want
A few of these professionals are extremely busy and might not have time for an informational conversation. That’s fine—don’t take it personally. If a person doesn’t get back to you, approach the next.

 

How to Get an Informational Interview (Without Being Awkward About It)

 

🔗 1. Leverage Your Current Network

Start with people you know—reach out to friends, family members, former colleagues, and alumni connections. A warm introduction is always preferable to a cold contact.

📩  2. Utilize LinkedIn (–and do it the Right Way)

LinkedIn is a goldmine for networking, but here’s the trick: Don’t send generic connection requests. Instead, craft a short, thoughtful message explaining why you’d love to chat. Keep it authentic and professional. Mention something you’ve read that they’ve written or posted about. 

💡 Example:

“Hi [Name], I came across your profile while researching [industry/role] and was really impressed by your experience at [Company]. I saw your recent post about [topic], and it really resonated with me, especially the [certain part]. I’d love to learn more about your journey—would you be open to a quick chat? I know you’re busy, so even 15-20 minutes would mean a lot!”

🎟 3. Attend Industry Events

Conferences, networking sessions, and even webinars online are excellent venues to meet professionals. Engage in conversations, be genuinely interested, and follow through later to maintain the connection.

👏 4. Follow Up & Say Thank You- Manners for the Win

If someone takes time out of their day to talk to you, write a thank-you note.

A simple email or LinkedIn message thanking them goes a long way–and it also keeps the relationship warm for down-the-line opportunities.

📌5. Come Prepared

Prepare thoughtful and insightful questions! Rather than asking general questions like “What do you do?”, dig a little deeper:

✅ “What’s the most exciting part of your job?”
✅ “What skills have been the most valuable in your career?”
✅ “If you were beginning in this field today, what would you do differently?” They demonstrate you’ve done your research and make the discussion more interesting.

 

Final Thoughts

Informational interviews aren’t just about information gathering—though that’s part of it—they’re about relationship building, clarity around your career direction, and tapping into hidden opportunities. If you go about them with curiosity, respect, and strategy, they can be one of the most helpful tools in your professional toolkit. So, who’s on your list to reach out to? Let’s make those connections happen! 🚀

Hello 2025! Employment outlook as we start out the new year

Job Search

This year has started with a dramatic bang. I can only imagine how the rest of the year will unfold!

So, beginning with some positive news: The US economy is showing extraordinary staying power as it heads into January 2025, with persistent growth and a lively job market. The best executive resume writers are ready to help you manage these changes. We have our team in place, ready to do just that.

Here is a look at the current economic trends and employment growth patterns that define this period, heavy on stats and at-a-glance readability.
(Sources/Credit: Reuters, APNews, Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Retail Federation) 

Economic Growth and Stability
The U.S. economy has maintained its growth trajectory at a reasonable clip. The economy expanded at an annual rate of 3% in the third quarter of 2024, driven by strong consumer spending and increased business investments.
This uptick is expected to continue in 2025, with estimates of 2% and 2.5% growth. However, this might be influenced by upcoming trade policies, changes in immigration, and fiscal regulations. Hold on tight!

Labor Market Performance
The labor market remains a cornerstone of our economic strength.
For December 2024, the economy added 256,000 jobs, more than the consensus forecast, and brings the total for this year to about 2.2 million. This reflects an average of 186,000 jobs added per month which is slightly below the 2023 average of 251,000. The unemployment rate stayed steady at 4.1%, reinforcing the healthy landscape of employment.

Industry-Specific Job Growth
Several key sectors have driven the gains in employment:
• Health Care: Payrolls rose by 46,000 in December, with gains in home healthcare, nursing and residential care facilities, and hospitals. The healthcare sector has averaged 57,000 jobs per month thus far in 2024, the same as the average monthly gain in 2023.
• Retail Trade: Retail added 43,000 jobs in December, after a decline in November. Gains occurred in clothing and accessories, general merchandise, and health and personal care stores. For the year, retail employment was unchanged.

Government Sector Growth
The public sector continued to chug along upwards with 33,000 jobs added in December. In 2024, government employment has added an average of 37,000 per month – (though down from a 59,000-average monthly gain posted in 2023).

Monetary Policy by Federal Reserve
The Federal Reserve has been playing an important role in shaping economic conditions. After many interest rate hikes aimed at containing inflation, the Fed started slashing rates from late 2024 onward.

However, it has been cutting at a gradual pace, a sign of how officials have acted cautiously in response to elevated inflation and a strong labor market. This is intended to keep economic growth going while sustaining price stability.

Challenges and Key Considerations
Looks good, but a few challenges persist:

  • Labor Force Participation: An aging population and lower immigration rates will result in a decreasing labor supply, which might dampen job growth in the future. The ratio of job openings to unemployed persons remains above 1:1, reflecting tight labor market conditions.
    • Sectoral Imbalances: Although a few sectors of the economy, such as health and retail, have posted strong performances in employment growth over the years, other industries within the economy have contributed negligible job creation-growth rates in areas related to information and financial services among others.

    Outlook for the Economy in 2025

    Most forecasters are very optimistic about the outlook of the US economy in 2025.

While there are challenges, the general outlook remains positive for ongoing job creation and economic growth in the months ahead. So, get your resume and LinkedIn in order and create a strong and strategic job search plan. If you need help, let me know.  

Ghost Jobs: A Deep Dive into the World of Fake Job Openings

Job Search
professional resumes services

 

WHAT ARE GHOST JOBS?
Ghost jobs are job postings that are not real, meaning they were posted with the intention of NOT filling an opening. In some cases, they may represent positions already filled long ago or openings that never were supposed to have been filled in the first place. This is frustrating for those candidates who invest so much time and effort applying for positions that are not current.

Ghost jobs manifest themselves in different ways:

Expired postings: Jobs that have already been filled or closed but still appear online due to poor posting management.
Placeholder Listings: Jobs posted to measure market interest or talent availability, as opposed to filling an immediate need. The company is feeling out potential candidates to see who might be applying.
Opening Ploys: Used to make it appear that a company is in growth mode and needs to bulk up its staff.
Compliance Listings: Some companies are required by law to post job openings, even when the outcome of such posting is largely an inside deal. They already have someone in mind… and they already work at the company.

WHY DO COMPANIES LIST FAKE JOB OPENINGS?

The motivations for ghost jobs are varied, and not all of them are malicious in nature.

Some key reasons as to why companies create such postings are:

1. Talent Pipeline Building
Companies often post jobs to build a pipeline of qualified candidates should something open. They might be able to move candidates quickly when a real need does arise. While this practice benefits the company in highly competitive industries or difficult-to-fill unfamiliar positions, it can be misleading to candidates who may actually believe the role is immediately available.

2. Testing The Market
Some employers post just to understand the talent pool in the market that possesses certain skills or experience. True for niche or technical roles primarily, this allows companies, through pool analysis, to make strategic compensation decisions, timelines of hire, or even decisions on expansions into new areas of business. They want to see who is out there.

3. Maintaining a Perception of Growth
In the case of startups or firms in question, posting numerous job openings may give an impression of success and growth to the investors, customers, or the best talent who would want to be part of a successful company. But the moment the truth comes out, trust will wear off.

4. Employment Law Compliance
For instance, some regions or industries require companies to post a job opening publicly, even when an internal candidate has already been identified. Technically, this is a real posting, but it is very misleading to external applicants.

5. Ineffective Recruitment Methods
Poor hiring processes are to blame in some ghost jobs. Recruiters or hiring managers forget to close the posting for roles already filled, allowing postings to stay up indefinitely.

EFFECTS OF GHOST JOBS ON APPLICANTS
The impact of ghost jobs on job seekers can be profound and demoralizing:

1. Wasting Time and Resources
The entire process of applying for a job is time-consuming and stressful. A candidate applying for a ghost job wastes time and resources that could be used on real opportunities.

2. Emotional and Mental Stress
What happens is that continuous applications without responses create feelings of rejection, frustration, and self-doubt; ghost jobs just compound this problem since we may never know if the job was valid in the first place.

3. Distrust in Companies
When applicants find out they have applied for ghost jobs, the company does not look good to them. This kind of distrust keeps talented people away from applying to the company at some point in their lives.

4. Distorted Job Market Figures
Ghost jobs give a false signal to job seekers about the demand for certain roles, which is why some of them invest time in upskilling in positions that may, in reality, not exist.

IMPACT ON COMPANIES

While ghost jobs might appear harmless or even strategic to companies, they usually boomerang in several ways.

1. Reputation Damage
Workers and candidates share experiences through Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and even sites like Reddit. The reputation of posting ghost jobs will affect the employer’s brand, making it difficult to attract top talent later on.

2. Lower Candidate Engagement
Candidates will be less likely to apply with companies that have a history of ghost postings, meaning it reduces the talent pool for actual openings and increases recruitment costs.

3. Resource Mismanagement
Application management of fake jobs burdens the company’s HR and recruitment teams. The time to review these irrelevant applications could be used to fill actual vacancies.

4. Legal and Ethical Risks
Ghost jobs in some jurisdictions may result in legal considerations, especially when postings mislead candidates or violate equal employment opportunities laws.

BROADER IMPLICATIONS FOR THE CAREER INDUSTRY

1. Data on Labor Market is Skewed.

Ghost jobs distort labor market statistics and make the actual demand for a job difficult to trace by policymakers, researchers, or economists. This misrepresentation leads to inappropriate labor policies or funding relating to workforce development programs.

2. Mistrust in Employment Platforms

The credence of such job boards or recruitment websites could be lost grudgingly in terms of both the job seekers and the employers if ghost jobs are on them, which may undermine the effectiveness of those services in linking potential job seekers with job opportunities.

3. Career Services Challenges

Career coaches and services depend on valid job market data as a basis for coaching their clients. Ghost jobs make this difficult since the picture is distorted on the number of jobs available. It makes it hard for us to offer accurate information since we really don’t know how many jobs are real and how many are fake.

4. Frustration of Recruiters

Working with such companies, some recruiters and staffing agencies may be inadvertently damaging their reputation. Candidates who feel lied to are less likely to engage with the agency in question again.

How to Mitigate the Effects of Ghost Jobs

For Job Seekers…

Research Companies:  Go through reviews and forums for patterns of ghost postings.
Network Strategically:  Connect with employees or recruiters at your target companies to confirm the validity of roles.
Set Realistic Expectations:  Not all job postings may be immediate opportunities.

For Companies…

Be transparent about your role:  State if it’s an immediate opening or if it is part of future hiring plans.
Audit Postings on a Regular Basis: Remove outdated or filled roles to maintain credibility.
Engage Applicants: Respond to applicants in a timely manner with feedback and updates.

Ghost jobs reflect the complexity and inefficiency of contemporary methods of recruitment. While these jobs might serve short-term objectives for companies, their effect is, above all, negative on job seekers, corporate reputations, and the career industry.

7 Changes to Improve Your Executive Resume Today

Executive Resumes

Your executive resume is one of the most critical vehicles for conveying your leadership qualities, achievements, and strategic vision. It may be tempting to treat it as a sort of laundry list, touting job titles and their tasks, but really, it’s about showing impact, leadership potential, and success.

Executive resume writers (like my team) follow a set of guidelines to create an executive resume that demands attention.

The following are seven simple things you can do to turn your resume into a powerful personal marketing tool:

1) Highlight Achievements in Relationship to Return on Investment – ROI

Why It Matters: You are the driver of growth and profitability as an executive. Quite often, one of the key measures of your success will be your ability to improve ROI. Start thinking of what you can add to that and show how you offer it. Backing it up with accomplishments will help prove that.

How to Implement: Instead of listing responsibilities, show added value to the companies you have led. Use hard metrics, such as percentages and dollar amounts, to demonstrate impact. People love numbers. Make sure you have them listed on your resume.

Example: Instead of saying, “Oversaw sales department”, say, “Grew sales revenue 45% over three years to drive an incremental $5M in revenue.”

Pro Tip: Be specific. What exactly was improved-cutting costs, increasing efficiencies, launching new products? Quantifying your achievements gives the recruiter an idea of what you bring to the table.

2) Exude Executive Presence

Why It Matters:  My friend, Gina Riley, explained it perfectly at the NRWA conference recently.
Executive presence isn’t about looking the part; it’s about actually developing into leader-permeated confidence, authority, and strategic thinking. It also helps eliminate doubt about the job seeker’s candidacy.

How to Implement: Include language that emphasizes your role in setting strategic direction, making high-stakes decisions, and leading initiatives. Don’t forget to add soft skills and how you impact others.

Example:  “Led the strategy vision and execution of a $50M company transformation while securing stakeholder buy-in across five departments.”

Pro Tip:  If applying for a more executive-level position, use words like “executive strategy”, “visionary leadership”, and “transformational change”. This should be reflected on your presence in your LinkedIn profile.

3) Demonstrate Team Leadership and Development

Why It Matters: Being able to build and lead successful teams is, for many roles, a key component of being an effective executive. How you lead is just as important as the results you showcase.

How to Deliver: Emphasize how you impact team performance- through the development of better leaders, improved engagement, or greater retention.

Example: “Led a team of 100+, across three regions, to realize a 30% increase in employee engagement and a 15% reduction in turnover within two years.”

Pro Tip: If you’ve ever mentored future leaders or built leadership programs, be sure to include that here. It shows that you’re all about talent development and making sure that the organizations within which you work are going to grow and thrive.

4) Add Board Experience

Why It Matters: Board experience indicates a high level of trust, capability in governance, and strategic acumen. There needs to be a mix of hard skills, soft skills, operational expertise, financial skills, and vision.

How to Execute: Mention formal board roles held in a corporate, non-profit, or advisory capacity. Include specific contributions such as policy development, financial oversight, or strategic guidance.

Example: “Board Member, XYZ Corporation-led governance reforms that reduced compliance risks 20% and accelerated decision-making 25%.”

Pro Tip: Even if you haven’t had formal board experience, highlight your interactions with boards or advisory roles you have played. That could show that you are ready for board-level responsibility.

5) Use Executive Keywords Strategically

Why It Matters:  Keywords are important to pass through ATS systems and to the eyes of a recruiter or hiring manager. Your resume will have a higher ranking with the use of proper keywords at the executive level.

How to Implement:  Research job descriptions for the roles to which you’re applying and incorporate high-impact terms such as “P&L responsibility,” “strategic planning,” “mergers and acquisitions,” “growth strategy,” and “stakeholder management.”

Example:  If the job posting asks for experience with “organizational change,” make sure that your experience includes the precise phrase, such as: “.led organizational change initiatives that resulted in a 35% efficiency increase.”

Pro Tip: Tailor your resume to each opportunity with keywords specific to that role. You can also check out the most-used terms in similar roles’ LinkedIn profiles for ideas.

6) Include a Potent Executive Summary

Why It Matters: Your executive summary sets the tone for the rest of the resume. It has to, in capsule form, provide an overview of career achievements, core competencies, and your leadership philosophy.

How to Do This:  Stick to 3-4 sentences; highlight your most valuable accomplishments and strategic skills. It should reflect your career goals and value you will bring into an organization.

Example:  “Transformational executive leader with 15+ years of experience driving growth in Fortune 500 companies. Proven track record of increasing profitability by up to 50% through innovative product development and operational efficiencies.”

Pro Tip:  Do not use generic phrases and try to keep the fluffy adjectives to a minimum. Make the summary personalized, at the same time that it is compelling and relevant to what the company is seeking.

7) Emphasize Cross-Functional Collaboration

Why it’s a must: It’s quite common for modern business leaders to work across multiple company teams: finance, marketing, human resources, operations—the list goes on and on. By highlighting cross-functional collaboration and functioning, you’re demonstrating adaptability and an all-round appreciation of the enterprise in question.

How to achieve it: While trying to work out how to describe your experience, reflect on where you have been able to help others get something done. This may involve projects such as the development and launch of a new product with marketing and R&D teams or working with finance on budget development.

Example: “Partnered with marketing, sales, and finance teams in the launch of a new product, delivering first-year sales of $10M and a 20% increase in market share.”

Pro Tip: Action verbs include, but are not limited to, the words “collaborated,” “partnered,” and “coordinated,” which drive home the point of your contribution to teamwork.

Wrapping It Up

Improving your executive resume does not have to be an overhaul of sorts. Minor modifications can work wonders:
– Quantify the achievements of the job
– Create commanding executive presence
– Use keywords appropriately

You will come across as sturdy leadership material. Take these seven steps today, and watch your resume get a complete makeover, propelling your career upward.

How To Avoid Ageism On Your Executive Resume

Resume Writing
How To Avoid Ageism On Your Executive Resume

 

Getting older is a part of life.

In some countries and cultures, aging is revered, and the wisdom gleaned from it is anticipated. Elders are looked upon as having answers to life’s questions and experiences that will benefit the next generation.

In the Western part of the world, not so much.

Ageism in the job market is something we all may encounter at some point in our careers.  Creating an executive resume that counteracts that bias and showcases your vast experience is critical to continuing to be seen as a leader despite your age.  

Let’s talk about that.

LOOKS MATTER

For starters, look at the format of your resume. Is it something that you created back in the 1990’s? An old resume format makes you look… outdated, not keeping up, ancient.

There are hundreds of websites with executive resume samples available to use.  We also have done-for-you executive resume templates that you can use to instantly create a modern, stylized resume (shameless plug).

People do judge by looks and if your resume looks old and stale, they may make assumptions that your experience is old and stale as well.

DUMPING GROUND

Have you been adding your job responsibilities to your resume as you went along, with a laundry list of bullet points copied and pasted from job descriptions for the last 30-40 years?

Keep what serves you now and get rid of what doesn’t. If it’s a skill you haven’t used in the last 10-15 years, it doesn’t need to be in your Core Competencies list.

Focus on what you want the reader to know about you now.

EARLY CAREER SUMMARY

If you worked for a well-known company 25 years ago whose name alone will add to your experience, add it to your Early Career Summary.

An Early Career Summary is a great way to leave your information on the resume without it being an actual job, taking up space and looking like a long list of jobs in between. You would add this at the end of your Professional Experience section.

Example:

“Early Career Summary

Began career with Dell Technologies tasked with accountability for new business development and customer relations for direct and channel sales into enterprise accounts. Managed 5 of the top 10 revenue-generating customers in Israel. Consistently exceeded performance targets by an average of 30% annually. Earned 85%+ win rate in a market space dominated by NetApp.”

This is a clever way to keep some of your early experience on the resume without cluttering it with job after job. It is also a great way to minimize ageism (and boredom) on a resume.

LEAD WITH ACCOMPLISHMENTS

When doing a deep dive into an executive resume, I am usually surprised by the accomplishments that are hiding in plain sight.

If you don’t differentiate your daily responsibilities from your accomplishments, you are setting your resume up for failure. If a recruiter doesn’t see your highlights and impact immediately, they may decide not to read any further, especially if they have hundreds to go through.

Separate your accomplishments with a bullet so they stand out and grab the reader.

Example:

  • Rebuilt the HR team from the ground up, recruiting diverse talent from within and outside healthcare to help reimagine the partnership/service delivery model, establish credibility/trust with stakeholders, and solidify its value. Aligned HR priorities and initiatives with Giant Health’s overarching business strategy.

Or this:

  • Curated a roster of premium manufacturers, cultivating a robust portfolio of solutions to take to market. Primed SG&T for long-term success and sustainability by building deep, strategic relationships with the manufacturers’ C-level executives, establishing credibility and longevity in a sector reputed for high churn/turnover.

Showcasing your most recent high-level accomplishments on the first page will keep the reader’s attention to the present.

How to Put a Positive Spin on Your Employment Gaps

TECHNOLOGY & COMMUNICATION

A common misconception is that the older people get, the less they understand technology

Stay ahead of this by staying up-to-date with the technology used in your field. When in doubt, ask a colleague or younger person to teach you. They are always willing to step in and assist.

Use your executive LinkedIn profile as a place to enhance your thought leadership. Comment, like, post, and engage weekly. Recruiters look at your “activity” section to see what you are talking about.
Make sure to stretch your voice there. Comment on the company page and add to the conversation. Seek recommendations and endorsements that highlight your skills, experience, and adaptability.

Today’s workplace is more relaxed and less formal than it was 20-30 years ago. Be sure to adapt your language and communication as well.

ADDRESS AGEISM HEAD-ON (When Appropriate):

Frame your experience as an asset. Discuss proactively with them during interviews how your experience can add value. Stress that you have the potential to mentor younger teams, lead through transitions, and provide strategic insights from long careers.

Describe a time you adapted. Highlight examples where you’ve successfully adapted to change, whether it’s in technology, market shifts, or organizational restructuring.

By taking these steps and embracing your wealth of experience, you’ll minimize the potential for ageism to impact your job search.

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Tired of trying to DIY your resume? Reach out. We’re happy to help!

Why Your Executive Resume Needs To Step Up Its Game This Year

Executive Resumes
Why Your Executive Resume Needs To Step Up It's Game This Year

It’s no secret the job market is a tough one for executives this year.

Strangely, in the U.S., our unemployment level is the lowest it’s been in decades, and there are more job openings (8.5 mm) than unemployed people (6.5 mm). The economy is doing well, and the risk of inflation is down. People are spending more, personal income has increased, and overall, our finances look favorable. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Americans are earning 22% more than before the pandemic.

You’d think we’d be high-fiving each other. So, why does it feel so much harder to get a job? 

Turnover is decreasing

For one thing, employees are quitting less. Unlike the atmosphere after the pandemic when employees could have their job pick of the litter and quit at will, today’s employees are putting roots down and their focus is more on longevity. Job turnover is decreasing, and the number of open roles is decreasing as well. This makes the competition extra fierce.

Employers are more selective

There is also a longer hold time on hiring. According to Josh Bersin Research, the average time it took to hire someone rose from 40 days in 2019 to 44.5 in 2023. With cost-cutting measures in place, companies are more selective about who they hire. This means candidates go through many rounds of interviews before they are brought on board. I talked to one client who was on interview number 21—with the same company.

So, what should an executive job seeker do to set themselves apart from every other executive candidate looking at the same job?

Elevate your job search plan

The old way you searched for a job just won’t cut it anymore. Telling a few colleagues and then walking into the corner office or, at the very least, a larger-than-last-time cubicle isn’t as easy as it may have been in years past.

Now, you should have a strategic job search mapped out and should include:

  • A list of 10-15 companies you are interested in
  • A list of 20+ employees who work at those companies
  • An updated LinkedIn profile to reach out to the above employees from
  • At the ready content and intros to send to said new contacts
  • Allotted time to warm up those relationships until you are at the point where asking about open positions doesn’t seem spammy.

Why Your Executive Resume Needs To Step Up It's Game This Year

Take a good, hard look at your resume

When was the last time you looked at your resume with a critical eye? It’s not enough to just keep adding your newest role to the resume. Does your resume weave your career story throughout its content? Does it help the reader know where you started and how you got to where you are now?

Consider your steady progress through the years. Do you have your wins clearly listed, or are they buried in a list of non-important bullets?

Branding matters

When you look at your resume, specifically at the top, does your brand show up? Does it say what you do, or does it say something like “Executive Profile”?

The best executive resumes clearly state what you want to do at the top of your resume. Don’t make employers search the resume for your focus—because they won’t.

Strong strategic leaders should start their resumes with a branded headline.

Consider the following:

Human Resources Officer

Or

CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER … CHIEF HUMAN CAPITAL OFFICER

Leadership Capability | Transformation & Change Management | Culture Development | Value Creation | Inclusion & Equity | Data Analytics & Insights | M&A/Integration | Executive & Leadership Coaching

Not only will the second one grab the reader’s attention, but it also explains what they specialize in, what they’ve done, and what they are capable of doing.

Identify your value and showcase it at the top. You are a thought leader. Show what your expertise is in.

Metrics and numbers for the win

As a strategic leader, your executive resume needs to be rich with metrics and results. Think of the projects you worked on, the sales you generated, the growth you gained, etc. –and always have numbers ready.

  • What project did you work on? What were the results?
  • How many people did you lead? What were their successes?
  • How did you and your team cut costs and/or save money?
  • How did you increase sales, even during turbulent times? (Think metrics AND the background story if there is one. Those are the most interesting)

Examples of resume metrics may include:

  • Raised gross profit by 4%, directing increased services demand across a broad range of verticals, with the healthcare, commerce, and residential markets each posting double-digit same-location YOY growth.
  • Expanded locations while maintaining a 94% location retention rate.
  • Drove $456 million in sales annually and built a pipeline of long-term recurring business with high-profile customers, enhancing company’s value such that it captured the attention of Johnson Technologies, which merged with Jones in a multibillion-dollar take-private transaction in May 2024.

However, many of our clients worry that their stories might not contain the metrics and numbers they need. If that is the case, we recommend leading with contributions that drove change within the company.

Examples of non-metric accomplishments may include:

  • Played an integral role alongside the CRO in transforming the enterprise risk management function into a highly valued strategic partner, embedding risk management into the organizational culture and positioning it at the forefront of TMX’s strategic planning and decision-making
  • Assisted in rebuilding ABC from the ground up; analyzed existing operations and risk frameworks/practices to gauge organizational perception and identify opportunities to elevate and enhance ABC’s value to the enterprise.
  • Improved the board’s capacity for effective risk management decision-making by establishing the board risk committee, governance, and reporting model. 

 

Why Your Executive Resume Needs To Step Up It's Game This Year

Stepping Up Your Executive Resume This Year

In order for a company or recruiter to see the ROI they will get when they hire you, they have to see what you can do for them. That starts on your resume. Most won’t take the time to dig into your story if it isn’t compelling. This is why your executive resume needs to step up its game this year. The more enticing your resume looks, the better chance you have to win over the reader. 

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Tired of trying to DIY your resume or LI profile? Reach out. We’re happy to help!

How to Put a Positive Spin on Your Employment Gaps

Job Search
How to Put a Positive Spin on Your Employment Gaps

Job gaps are a chapter of life that nearly all employed workers will experience at some time. For personal reasons, economic reasons, or other reasons, occasionally job gaps can be stigmatized by prospective hiring executives. In the proper light, however, you can turn those job gaps into effective, positive differentiators that prove your endurance, flexibility, and skills acquired. Here’s how to put a positive spin on your employment gaps into a powerful component of your professional story, complete with examples.

Embrace Your Employment Gaps

The primary and foremost step to making an employment gap work in your favor is to accept it.

Whether it be that you were at home raising a child, had taken a break to nurse a family member, were traveling, undertook other studies, or even utilized the time to address health concerns, an acceptance of these facts can actually make your resume more human and make you more relatable to potential employers.

Example: Sarah, a marketing professional, had, in fact, stayed at home for two years to care for aging parents.

Rather than try to disguise this break in her work history, she put it on her resume and explained skills she had gained as a care provider, like patience, time management, and empathy (all great “soft skills”).

These attributes translate into just about any career situation, and Sarah was using them to demonstrate her well-rounded abilities.

Emphasize Skill Development

Employment gaps can also be an opportunity to gain by way of experience, both personal and professional.

If you utilized that time to undertake some courses, learn a new skill, volunteer, or get involved in something that can contribute to your growth as an individual, mention those in your resume and cover letter.

Example: John, who worked as an information technology specialist, got laid off and experienced one year of unemployment.

During his unemployed year, John took online courses on cybersecurity, volunteered at a local non-profit by doing installations of secure networks for that non-profit, and attended seminars in his profession.

When he applied for new jobs, John was able to add to his resume his proactive measures to keep up with industry trends and his demonstration of lifelong learning.

Use Freelance and Independent Contract Work

Freelance and contract employment that is done in between jobs can demonstrate a lot of initiative and commitment on your part. 

You can also get diverse clients and projects which will be added to your resume as well as your professional portfolio. Highlighting this type of work can be a simple yet effective way to put a positive spin on your employment gaps. 

Example: Maria was a graphic designer who had freelanced for the past 18 months after she had moved to a new city.

She had been working with several small businesses in the city during that time, which allowed her to do website design and branding.

She also used these in her portfolio, which showcased her versatility and ability to meet the needs of several different clients.

It also showcased that she had worked actively in the past 18 months of her career, even if she was not in a traditional full-time job.

How to Put a Positive Spin on Your Employment Gaps

Emphasize Transferable Skills

Acknowledge that sometimes, the gaps in employment can translate into having diverse experiences in other areas or types of work.

Actually, demonstrate the skills you learned during your time off that may get transferred and be applied in the position you want to occupy at your disposal.

Example:  For instance, there was Alex, a former teacher who had taken three years out of the field to try to start a small business of his own.

Despite his business’s eventual failure, while it was in operation, Alex learned valuable life skills in project management, marketing, budgeting, and customer service.

When he returned to the field of education, Alex was able to use these skills as a foundation on which to show how they would work as a means to help augment his administrative and teaching skills.

Put A Positive Spin On The Gaps

When speaking of these gaps in interviews or in cover letters, frame the gaps positively. Talk instead of where you were able to travel during that time, not of the gap itself.

Example: Emily, a project manager, had been away for a year traveling and experiencing new and different cultures.

Rather than stating her travel experience, she stated how her year out helped her enhance her cultural learning , develop her problem-solving skills, and diversity in her capacity to work with all types of work teams.

Such a positive connotation said that her experience away from work was a learning experience and added to her professional value.

 

Network and Seek Recommendations

Networking can also work as a effective means of describing and justifying your employment gaps with a positive spin.

Ask for recommendations from those with whom you worked during the period of employment gap, which may include your freelance clients, volunteer coordinators, and even your course instructors.

Example: Raj, an engineer, took a leave of two years to complete his Master in Environmental Engineering.

In the interim, he volunteered with a few environmental organizations and managed to get a few projects completed.

He sought recommendations from his professors and volunteers’ coordinators, who could vouch for his hard work and skills.

Such recommendations helped cover up the gap in his work experience and added a good endorsement of his capability.

Demonstrate Resilience within the Gap

Sometimes, employment gaps can be due to trying times. Instead, make them a time of showcasing your strength and ability to thrive over hard times.

Most employers are looking for this characteristic since it lets them know that you can handle challenging times, can adjust, and respond even stronger.

Example:  Lisa, as a sales manager, had a debilitating health condition that left her with a large gap in employment.

She detailed, in her job applications what work she had undertaken to stay up-to-date with industry changes while she was unemployed.  She was then able to market her resilience, focus, and commitment to her career, taking what might be a detrimental gap and turning it into a tale of personal resilience and career determination.

 

Add the Context in Your CV

Having a small mention about the employment gaps in your resume itself can, in some way, provide some context for the prospective employers to work upon.

It can help in preventing some misunderstanding and in making you look as transparent with nothing to hide. Put it out there. Let them know there was a gap.

Example: Mark, a software engineer, had a layoff that led to a nine-month employment gap.

He wrote a brief note in his cover letter detailing the layoff and what he had been doing during the gap period, like making contributions to open-source projects and completing a cloud computing certification.

The honesty made the prospective employers visualize the gap and what he did to remain relevant in his field of career.

 

How to Put a Positive Spin on Your Employment Gaps

 

Reframe The Narrative

Reframing your story means shifting the emphasis from the gap to the growth and accomplishments during the gap period.

This can help you draft an engaging story concurrent with your career objective.

Example: Laura had a two-year break from a position as a financial analyst to start a family.

She did so by highlighting the financial planning and budgeting skills she acquired during this time and the online financial modeling courses she enrolled in during that time.

By highlighting the personal and professional development she was engaging in during this time, Laura was able to construct a positive and forward-looking narrative.

 

Get ready for Questions in the Interview

Being able to provide answers to questions relating to any gaps in your employment is very important.

Practice your responses to ensure they are concise, honest, and put a positive spin on the experience.

Example: Responding in an interview to being asked about the two-year hole in his resume, software engineer James spoke about how he had spent those two years indulging his love of travel, as well as freelancing on coding projects he was interested in.

He spoke of the varied range of projects that he was exposed to, the range of programming languages he had to learn, and how, as a result, he became a more rounded developer.

In plotting that information in a well-prepared response, he took what might have been a red flag and made it so that he was still keeping engaged as a professional.

 

Landing the Job

Gaps in employment need not dissuade you from your career.

On the other hand, you must derive the maximum benefit from the same

By recognizing the gap, concentrating on skill acquisition, using freelance to your advantage, carving out transferable skills, positioning the gap positively, building networks, demonstrating resilience, providing the context in the resume, recasting your story, and preparing for the interview questions, you will be in a position to make the employment gaps a very potent tool and be able to put a positive spin on your situation.

Not only do the strategies minimize the visibility of the gaps, they can also make the gap very attractive and beneficial to the overall professional development.

Once again, please remember that everybody has a unique career and the employment gaps are nothing but mere chapters in the professional story.

If properly handled, the gaps can be a good story to illustrate your adaptability, never-ending learning, and resilience in any situation, making you a very attractive option to the prospective employer.

Are you ready to elevate your career? Learn more about our professional resume packages here.