Some Important Things to Consider When Changing Careers

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Most people have considered changing jobs or careers at least one time during their life, no matter how many years of experience they have. There are a wide variety of reasons why you may be looking for a career change. Money, time, stress and overall happiness are some of the main reasons people look for a change. But before you plunge into a different executive role at another company, consider these points.

1. Weigh the Long-Term vs. Short-Term Benefits

Sometimes you have to sit down and look at your executive experiences to see what you’ve accomplished in your current role. Look at where you started and where you are now. If you think you’ve reached the top at your current company, but want more, then another company could offer a better long-term solution. However, some of the short-term requirements may not be as attractive in a new role, such as increased travel or longer hours.

2. Look at the Pros and Cons of Each Career

Breaking out the pen and paper for creating your pros and cons on whether or not you want to change. You can do this before or after having your executive resume written, but most people do it afterward so they can generate more ideas. If you’re strongly considering a change, then the pros of a new career will likely be longer by default. However, focus more on the cons when you look at your current job and really think about how bad those cons really are. Sometimes you may overcook them just because of the frustrations of other aspects of the job as a whole.

3. Understand the Value of Your Network

It takes a good amount of time and effort to build a large executive LinkedIn profile with a lot of connections. Depending on how much work experience you have, it’s best not to drift too far away from your connections when choosing a new career. If you choose to do so, then you should always keep in touch with them in case the grass isn’t greener with your new chosen career.

4. Your Personal Feelings and Happiness

A career change is a huge decision. When you look at your executive resume bio and you aren’t happy with what you’ve done, it may be time for a change. Not even money can cover up unhappiness and negative feelings toward your job most of the time. If that unhappiness comes home with you at the end of the day, it’s time to seriously consider moving on from your current job.
We know how difficult it is to even consider a career change. We are here to help you at any point in the process, so don’t hesitate to contact us.

Don’t Blow Your Cover!: How to Juggle Your Current Job While Searching for a New One

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You can really put yourself in a good position by searching for a new job while you’re still employed—if you play your cards right. If you don’t handle the situation properly, though, you could be headed for an employment disaster leading to you being jobless. Many professional executive resume writers say your resume looks more attractive to recruiters if another company currently employs you. But there are some important things to keep in mind to execute your job search in your favor.

Don’t Talk About it – Unless You’re Asked

There’s no need to tell people around your office you’re looking for another job. What happens if the news gets back to your boss and he decides to just let you go on the spot? Then you’re put in a situation where you have to ramp up your job search and maybe even hire some of the top resume writing services to land a job quickly.
But if your boss sniffs something out and approaches you about the topic, then you shouldn’t lie to him. Tell him about some of your concerns and that you’re just looking at other options with no intention of leaving at the moment.

Be Positive About Your Current Job

If you work at your current job with a negative attitude, it will raise some red flags about something not being right with you. How your colleagues perceive you is critical when it comes to keeping your job search a secret from your current company.

Don’t Use Company Information

When you’re writing an executive resume, refrain from using a company phone number or email address. If you don’t have a professional email address, you need to create one. If your boss has a hint you may be looking for another job, he can see what calls you’ve made and what emails have been sent. You don’t want to have that awkward conversation.

Keep a “Business as Usual” Attitude

Most of all, don’t do anything to tip off anyone at your current job about your job search. Speak to professional executive resume writers on your own time, not company time. Also, don’t let your productivity slip during your job search. It can be easy to have the mentality of not having to be productive since you already have one foot out the door, but you don’t want to burn any bridges.
Juggling your current job may be the most difficult part of searching for a new job. Be sure to contact us if you need any more tips about how to pull it off.

Our Top Four Picks for the Best New Year’s Resolutions for Executive Job Hunters

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Did you know that more than 100 million people in America make New Year’s resolutions each year? If one of your top resolutions is to find a job that fits your skills and abilities, then you need to take steps to improve your chances of being hired.
Finding a job is no small feat, especially in the executive sector where the process to get hired is more cutthroat than ever before. While your initial thought may be to hire the best executive resume writing services, there are a few other tips that can help along the way, as well.

1. Clearly define the job you want

It isn’t good enough to just state you want a new job. The more specific you get, the better results you are going to see. If you know what company you want to work for, write that down, too. Make sure you are realistic. Not everyone can move into the top executive position at a Fortune 500 company straight from the job market. The more specific and realistic you are, the better chance you have of achieving your resolution.

2. Create actionable steps

There are many reasons why resolutions fail. A common theme, however, is you don’t take the necessary actions to accomplish the goals you have set. You have to make it happen. Do you want a position as a Vice President of Sales at a large retail chain? If so, outline the steps you can take to achieve this goal.
For example:

    • List the business options you are interested in.
    • Use LinkedIn to post your resume after using executive resume services.
    • Attend networking events where these companies are present.
    • Learn who the decision makers are at the organizations.
  • Tailor your actionable skills to meet your specific job hunt goals.

3. Revamp your resume

A resume is the first impression an HR manager receives of a candidate. If yours isn’t up to the company’s standards, then it may be time to revamp it. If you don’t have the time or ability to do this yourself, consider using the services of the best executive resume writing services. Not only can these services help you update your resume, but they provide other services, as well. For example, many resume companies also offer a cover letter writing service.

4. Consider using a recruiter

Being noticed in a saturated job market is getting more and more difficult. Regardless of your degree, experience and ability, there is always someone else out there who may be a bit more impressive. With the help of a recruiter, you can find the jobs suiting the goals you outlined as part of your New Year’s resolution.
Getting a job isn’t hard. Landing the job you really want, especially at the executive level, can be a challenge. With the tips here, you are on your way to getting a job that challenges you, while letting you show off your abilities and skills. If you would like more information about resume writing services, or getting the job you want this year, contact us today.

Five Big Job Hunting Mistakes You’ll Want to Fix This New Year

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Avoid these costly mistakes with the help of executive resume writing services.

If you take the time to speak with any executive level job-seeker, you are likely going to hear a few words of wisdom about how to find the perfect executive position. However, many of these individuals are full of misguided tips that are going to hinder, rather than help, your job hunt.
To avoid falling for these common job hunting mistakes, use the information here.

Not Knowing What Your Personal Market Value Is

Prior to attending even one interview, take some time to assess your value in the open market. If you don’t know your professional worth, there is a good chance you will undersell your experience and knowledge, which will hurt your negotiating power.
There are tools to help with this. For example, compensation benchmarking can help you determine what your market value is based on your geographic location, experience, skills, etc.

Your Resume Gives All the Details of Your Past Work Experience

It is important to remember, the purpose of a resume is to help you receive a call for an interview. You don’t have to create an extremely detailed autobiography of your entire professional history. If you are having a difficult time consolidating the information on your resume, consider using executive resume writing services.

Trying to Match Your Resume to the Keywords in the Job Posting

HR managers and personnel have to review hundreds of resumes for every position. If they are all full of keywords from the job posting, they are going to have a difficult time finding someone who stands out. Instead of “stuffing” the resume with keywords, fill it with information that describes you, as well as the unique expertise you have. Professional executive resume writers can help capture all the characteristics that help you stand out as a great candidate.

Assuming You Need More Certifications or Schooling to Get the Job You Want

You don’t have to acquire an MBA or a large selection of certifications to find the right executive role. Remember, two of the wealthiest executives that ever lived, Carlos Slim and Bill Gates, don’t have these credentials. The important thing is to utilize your skills and abilities to demonstrate your professional experience and expertise.

Ruling Out Opportunities Carelessly

Don’t overthink the job description you read. Treat the ad as an ideal. In many cases, the description is a wish list of what businesses want in a new executive, but there are only a few requirements that are absolutely essential. Don’t take yourself out of the running without evaluating the situation carefully. Once you know the specifics, you can begin writing a professional resume that targets these desired traits.
Executive resume writing services can help you create a resume to highlight your unique skills and abilities. Using these professional services can help you stand out from other candidates seeking the same executive level position.

Five Ways You Can Nail Your Winter Job Hunt

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It can be very tempting to shut down, or slow down, your job search during the winter months. When you get caught up in the holiday season, it can seem like you just don’t have enough time to put the effort you need into searching for your perfect job. However, companies generally do not stop hiring just because it’s the holidays, so now is not the time for you to stop creating perfect resumes that get you hired. Here are five things to keep in mind while you are on your job hunt.

1. Use Social Events to Your Advantage

You don’t have to rely solely on professional networking events in order to make business connections. Any conversation could lead to work-related topics, so you always need to have a professional mindset to be ready if the opportunity arises. Don’t discount the people you know, from casual friends to industry colleagues. You never know where a conversation could lead, and who your associates might know.

2. Reacquaint Yourself With Contacts

Go through your list of contacts and get in touch with people you may not have spoken to in a while. This could include friends, family and former co-workers. Catch up with them and let them know you are looking for a job. They might be able to help put you in touch with someone they know. Again, the power of networking is phenomenal. While it’s easy to underestimate the people you know on a less-than-professional basis, you never want to brush them off completely.

3. Commit to Your Job Search

The winter months can make it difficult to get motivated. The gray, gloomy days can take the drive out of networking or job searching. To stay committed and motivated, try visiting one of the top rated resume writing services. You just might find the motivation you need to keep moving if you’re able to craft a few quality resumes that get you hired. At the very least, you may receive some important advice toward your resume or other qualifying documents that will aid you as you continue your job search later on.

4. Get Direct

As you’ve navigated your job search, you’ve likely often wondered, “How do I create the most effective executive resume?” However, the key to landing a great new job involves far more than just drawing up an excellent resume! You’ve spent so long in your industry that you undoubtedly have quite a few powerful connections under your belt. Use them to get directly in touch with the people in charge of the companies you’re hoping to work for! Getting in touch with an executive for the company is a great way of proving your initiative, which employers like to see. This may very well work in your favor in other ways, as most people slow down their job hunting during holiday months and research shows nearly half of people who’ve reached out to hiring managers and other executives managed to get the job.

5. Broaden Your Perspectives

Don’t limit yourself to only certain jobs when you’re on your search. At the same time, you also don’t want to apply to just any job. While the vast majority of executive positions are highly specialized, the skills involved can easily carry over into other positions that could fit you just as well. Finding a good balance is key when you’re on your winter job search. You could visit some top rated resume services to help tailor your resume to your different skill sets. That way it will be more targeted to the particular position you’re applying for.
Your winter job hunt shouldn’t slow down around the holidays. If you’re stuck in a rut and are having a hard time getting motivated, feel free to reach out to us at any time.

Which Skills Are the Most Optimal for Any Job Search?

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As an executive professional, you’ve undoubtedly picked up several skills throughout your career—so many, in fact, that you may not know where to start in listing them on your resume! However, if you’re looking for a new executive position, some skills are more beneficial to your hiring prospects than others. Here are a few skills that can help you with any job search.

1. Writing

You’re going to have to do some form of writing at just about any job you get. As a result, strong writing skills will benefit you no matter what job search route you take. If writing is your strong suit, you can showcase it on your executive LinkedIn profile by attaching some of your best reports to your page. Be sure to check that you aren’t bound by an NDAs before you do this, however; while you want to show off your strengths, you don’t want to divulge sensitive information in the process. To get around this, you can always draw up a mock report instead.

2. Project Management

If you’ve shown the ability to manage both large and small projects in the workforce, you’ll be putting yourself ahead of the game. The best resume writing services will ask you about your project management experience first because it’s a skill employers look at very seriously. Project management takes multitasking, the ability to rein others in and encourage teamwork to complete a task and much more. Listing this ability will prove you’re worth your salt as an executive.

3. Leadership

You will have a hard time finding an executive-level job if you don’t have any leadership experience. Employers want to hire someone who is independent and can help guide others on the team. If you’re able to display some examples on your executive LinkedIn profile, you’ll look impressive to hiring executives.

4. Advanced Office Management

A competent expert can ultimately help workflow improve the office by streamlining how the staff carries out their day-to-day activities. This skill ties in closely to leadership and project management, mentioned above. When you talk to a cover letter writing service, be sure and tell them what type of office skills you have so they can help you paint the best picture on your cover letter and resume. Anyone can say they have office skills, but giving concrete examples will make your experience stand out among the rest.

5. Multilingual

Speaking multiple languages fluently is great for business today. You may not have learned different languages in order to land your dream job, but it will definitely help you out in the long run. Companies looking to expand globally need multilingual employees and executives. Be sure to provide examples on your resume or cover letter.
These are just some of the most optimal general skills to help with any job search. If you’re having a hard time coming up with your best skills, feel free to reach out to us and we can help you find your strengths.

Six of the Most Common Errors Made by Networking Event Attendees

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As an executive, you have been in the workforce for many years. Therefore, you know the importance of  make the most out of networking events as you search for new opportunities. Networking events present people with amazing opportunities to get to know recruiters and learn more about different companies. However, it can be easy to botch a networking event if you make any of these common errors.

1. Going in Unprepared

The first thing you need to do is ask yourself, “How do I create the most effective executive resume?” Even if you have a plethora of experience to add, you may find yourself struggling with knowing where to start and what’s most important to include. Once you find the answer to that question, you can take that initial step into being prepared for your networking event. If you try to use your old resume, you likely won’t find much success and will just be wasting your time. If you find you need help updating and organizing your resume properly, you can always get in touch with a resume writing service.

2. Not Treating Networking Events as Interviews

Colleagues will ask you questions when you’re at a networking event. This is by design, because a networking event is essentially an initial interview and a chance to make a great first impression. Just like you, businesses are trying to find a good match. Now would be the time to brush up on your LinkedIn profile development, because recruiters could (and will) check out your profile right after speaking with you. It never hurts to cover all of your bases. Linkedin is also a great way to do a little digital networking in your spare time.

3. You Don’t Accurately Represent Your Skills

You know all the most important elements to include on a resume. The hard part is figuring out how it all ties into the position you’re seeking with a company. Tailoring your resume for specific positions is a vital aspect of c-level personal branding. It’s not enough to simply list out all of your accomplishments, but to do so with the goals of the company in mind. Think about how you could benefit them and how your skills match their objectives, and you’ll go that much farther come the day of the networking event.

4. Not Visiting With Other Employers

Don’t be laser focused on one or two company employees at a networking event. You may be passing up a great opportunity that was right in front of you! At least shake hands with other executives and strike up conversations with them. They may not have an opening for your position now, but that could change at any time.

5. Not Doing Homework

This may go without saying, but people in the industry talk to each other. It’s likely that your colleagues already know about you, so you need to return the favor. This could start with getting to know the company’s executives on  LinkedIn, but you also need to research information about the specifics of the company. Don’t hesitate to really dig in and learn as much about the companies you’re interested in as you can. The more you know about them and their mission and values, the more productive your meetings and small talk will be at these networking events.

6. Expecting Immediate Results and Accommodation

As an executive, there’s no doubt you’re extremely experienced and qualified for the positions at this networking event. However, you’re not the only one. Yes, you’ve accomplished a lot over the course of your career, but you should never let your achievements go to your head in the middle of a professional event! Remember: you’re up against some stiff competition. Going into the networking event expecting a job right off the bat because of your credentials is a recipe for major self-sabotage. Be humble, be gracious and be open. Try to meet as many new contacts as possible, and stay in touch with them. Even if you don’t get a job right off the bat, going to this event could lead to a new and satisfying position down the road.
Networking events are great resources to find job opportunities you may not have known were even out there. When you’re ready to attend a networking event, feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions or need help preparing so you don’t make these mistakes or others.

Customize the best executive resume for the job.

As a Resume Writer and Career Coach, one of the questions I get asked the most is “Why can’t I find a job?” So many job seekers become frustrated during their search because they expect instant results-and that rarely happens in a job search.  Hunting for a new job is tough, it just is. However, there are things you can do to help you to understand “why” you aren’t finding a job, and even more importantly, understand “what” you should be doing differently to land the job of your dreams.

Your Resume

If your resume has not been updated in the past five years, then you have a problem. Even if you’ve been in the same job for longer than five years, surely you are learning new skills and achieving new goals that should be documented on your resume. A resume is a living document that needs to be revisited and updated on an annual basis. If you’re not doing this, then your resume could be the “dead” document that is thwarting your job search.

If you aren’t sure where to start, have your resume critiqued by a certified professional resume writer. Make the recommended changes yourself, or, hire the service to ensure that you’re getting the best documents you can to market your skills. Yes…this is an investment, but you’re investing in your future.

Social Media Activity

Today’s job seekers must have a presence on social media. As soon as someone hears your name, the curiosity sets in and a search will commence. Will you be found? Google yourself. What shows up? Clean up your social media profiles-both professional and personal. Be sure that your professional profiles clearly communicate your skill, experience, education, and value you can offer potential employers.  If you’re on Facebook, beef up your privacy settings. Don’t let strangers see your activity or allow your friends to tag you in photos or post onto your page. For other sites like Instagram and Twitter, keep your settings on private so that you have to approve any new followers.

Create a profile on LinkedIn. This is the most popular professional networking site and a great place for recruiters and potential employers to find you. Be sure your profile is complete, brands you appropriately, is free of typos, and is filled with industry-specific keywords and keyword phrases that will get you found during SEO searches. Your profile photos should not be from your college fraternity days. A clear headshot with a clean background works best. Join groups and network within those groups. NOTE: Don’t comment on posts or in chats where you have no clue what you’re talking about.

Job Search 101

Before you go down the “why me” path, you need to take a long look in the mirror and ask these questions…

  • What am I doing to find a job?
  • How much time and effort am I devoting to my job search?
  • What types of networking opportunities am I taking advantage of?

Asking these questions will help you to determine what you aren’t doing well, and how you can do things better. Are you only searching for job posts on one or two sites? Are you targeting individual companies, and if so, are you applying for jobs directly on their site? What about networking? Are you engaging in conversations on social media sites, or even attending job fairs? In today’s competitive job market, you need to be diligent in exploring as many paths as possible to find your next job.

The Interview

Your resume and networking strategies paid off- you scored an interview! How you look, speak, and act during the interview can and probably will, make the difference between getting an offer, or a “we went with another candidate” letter.

To prepare, study the company culture, including the position you’re interviewing for. Understand what the company does, who they deal with, and what expectations they have for your position. If you have a contact in the company, seek him out and ask a few questions so that you can dress appropriately, as well as can speak the company language during your interview.

Get your marketing tools ready. Have multiple copies of your resume ready to present to the interview committee, as well as copies of any credentials you may need for the job.  Practice answers to common interview questions, and be sure you have solid details to back your answers.

Before your interview date, map out your drive and ensure that you allow for rush hour traffic, trains, construction, etc.  Being late for an interview is never acceptable and shows irresponsibility and lack of potential right from the get-go.  When you arrive, greet the receptionist with a smile and a firm handshake.

During the interview, listen carefully to all questions before you answer. If you get a “stumper” (and you will), don’t get flustered! Take a deep breath and think before you answer. Be able to have concrete details of why you are the best candidate for the job, and speak to the credentials on your resume to reiterate your most important qualifications and achievements.

Follow up with a thank you note addressed directly to the person(s) you interviewed with. Even if you feel the interview didn’t go as well as you had hoped, you’re always leaving a good final impression when you send a thank you.

Searching for a job isn’t easy, but it doesn’t have to be hard, either. Listen to colleagues, career coaches, and HR friends-find out what did/did not work for them and see what you can incorporate into your job search strategy. Having a solid job search strategy, putting in time and effort, and networking within your industry will set you right on your way to that new job, and hopefully a great new career.