The Executive Job Search Burnout Guide: How to Recover

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Searching for a new job is a full-time job on its own. But if you spend 30-40 hours each week on your job search, burnout is going to happen quicker than you think. Once you’ve experienced burnout, you may think it’s impossible to get back to the same productivity level of your job search. However, there are some things you can do to recover and come back stronger than ever. Consider these tips if you find yourself struggling with burnout from your executive job search.

Reflect on Your Efforts

One of the best ways to reflect on your job search efforts is to visit with the best executive resume writing service. These professionals can help you write resumes that get you hired and point out minor flaws in your process that could lead to better results. Talking to other professionals about your efforts can help you do some self-identification and might lead to better results in the long run.

Take Breaks and Disconnect

Instead of rewriting your executive bio for the 20th time, take a break and step away from the computer or phone. You have to allow yourself at least an hour each day to not think about your job search at all. Do whatever it is you like to do, whether it’s going for a walk, doing yard work, watching television or anything else.

Attend Networking Events

If burnout has set in, you may find yourself not wanting to do anything besides stay at home and distance yourself from everyone. This is the worst thing you can do, because all you have is your negative thoughts. Brush up your executive bio and hit the road to different networking events in your area. Don’t go in with the pressure of thinking you have to make a solid business connection at every event. Just talk and make friends with new people and see what happens.

Appreciate the Process

You won’t be unemployed forever. When you come to the realization that the right job will come your way eventually, you will appreciate the challenging times you went through. The appreciation may be completely non-existent right now, but just have faith that things will work out in your favor.
Professional Resume Services is the best executive resume writing service whether you need help tweaking your executive bio, creating a resume from scratch or for getting tips on recovering from job search burnout. Feel free to contact us at any stage of your executive job search and we will be happy to help you.

Five Goal Suggestions That Will Advance Your Executive Job Search

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Professional Resume Services resumes that get you hired

Any executive knows you can’t reach a goal you don’t set. This is  why most of the successful executives have clear goals and paths to reach those goals. You can spend hours trying to write resumes that get you hired, but if your goals don’t align with your experience, then it’s time to re-evaluate your circumstances.
An executive job search can take a toll on you after a while, but when you take these five goal suggestions to heart, you may find you’re able to expedite the process a little more.

1. Become More Diversified

Companies today want to hire executives who can wear many hats and wear them all well. You may have extensive experience in one particular area, but consider diversifying your knowledge and experiences to get recognized more easily. The best resume writing service always suggests diversifying your skills as much as possible to help you land the job you desire.

2. Increase Your Networking Efforts

There’s never a bad time to expand your network. You can network with people online or in person at different events, so there’s no excuse not to grow your network this year. Networking is also one of the best ways to improve your c-level personal branding, since potential employers can put a face to a name on a resume.

3. Provide Mentorship

If you have many years of experience as an executive, you should consider mentoring an up-and-coming executive. Not only will this looking impressive when writing resumes that get you hired, but you also may learn a thing or two by teaching someone else. Helping others is one of the best ways to advance in a career, and it’s also one of the best ways to land an executive position.

4. Enroll in a Continuing Education Program

Some executives think they know everything about their industry, but there are always new things you can learn. The best resume writing service sometimes suggests continuing your education to fill in gaps between employment. Not only will you learn some new things, but you’ll also show your ambition when submitting your resume to potential employers.

5. Re-evaluate Your Goals

One of your goals should also be to re-evaluate your existing goals. Circumstances may change, or you may have set goals too aggressively or conservatively. Whatever the situation is, it’s always a positive to re-evaluate your goals to ensure you stay on the right path in your executive job search.
Professional Resume Services wants to help you find the executive job you desire as quickly as possible. Writing resumes that get you hired is only one part of the equation. Feel free to contact us to inquire about other goals you could set for yourself.

Could an Executive Search Company Bring Unforeseen Benefits to Your Job Hunt?

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Professional Resume Services resumes that get you hired

As an executive, you have many options available to you when it comes to searching for a new job. If you have many years of experience, you may choose to use networking as your primary job search strategy. Other people may opt for different strategies. One thing professional resume writing services always say is to keep your options open with your job hunt. This could mean incorporating and utilizing an executive search company to help you land the perfect job. Some people shy away from these companies, but they actually could bring you some unforeseen benefits.

You May Learn How High Your Value Is

Sometimes you don’t know what your value is until someone tells you. The best professional executive resume writers can compare your experience level to others, but they can’t tell you what the demand is in any particular industry. An executive search company may be able to tell you exactly what salary you should be receiving based on your experience. You may be surprised at what the number is.

Executive Search Companies Know More

When you get in touch with an executive search company, they will know more about the ins-and-outs of the different potential employers than you’ll be able to find online or anywhere else. It is their job to do thorough research on a company, so they will be able to answer any questions you have. When writing your resumes that get you hired, you can tailor the knowledge based on the information provided. This will help your resume get recognized more easily since it will appear you have a greater knowledge base than other candidates.

Find The Right Fit With an Executive Search Company

Outside of knowledge within the business, an executive search company may be able to tell you what the culture is, what the work-life balance is and other information that may be important to you. This is information you can’t usually find online or by asking anyone unless you truly know someone closely that works at a particular place. When you have this information available, professional executive resume writers can word your resume to make it fit the culture and incorporate specific keywords to help get your resume recognized.
Professional Resume Services has some of the top professional executive resume writers to help you make the most of your job hunt. If you would like more information about executive search companies, or how our resume writing services can help, feel free to contact us anytime.

Crafting an Action Plan for Your Executive Job Search

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An executive job search is often an arduous journey, which can take up to several months to complete. However, like any journey, you’ll reach your destination when you have a clear plan for how you’re going to get there. Crafting an action plan for your executive job search may seem tedious, but it’s necessary in order to expedite the process. If you don’t know where to begin, professional resume writing services can help get you on the right track. You can also check out our four tips below for developing your action plan.

1. Know Your Target

If you don’t have a specific target, you have nothing to shoot for. Identify not only the industries you’re interested in, but also the companies or people involved in those industries. The key to writing resumes that get you hired is targeting them toward certain people or companies. Be specific, but realistic, when it comes to identifying your target. Consider the industry, the company, the culture, location and even the salary you desire to help you narrow down your options.

2. Make Your Message Consistent

Some people tend to forget that they’re selling themselves when they’re on an executive job search. Your message about yourself and what you want to accomplish should be consistent across the board. If it’s not, you will eventually be exposed and could damage your reputation. Any of the best professional resume writing services can help you create a consistent message for your professional brand.

3. Determine Your Search Strategy

In general, there are search strategies that work and some that don’t. Of course, everyone can be successful in their own way, but it may not be the easiest way. Networking is the best way to search for an executive job, even if it’s not one of your strong suits. You could also call or visit different companies in person, search for recruiters on LinkedIn or other websites, or post your executive resume on different job boards. Networking and targeting individuals or companies usually yield the best results, but you may have to find your perfect mix through trial and error.

4. Track Your Progress

Whether you’re creating your action plan or putting it into place, tracking your progress is helpful. Checking off different boxes from your plan will give you some added self-confidence to help you continue pushing forward. Just remember the target you identified earlier so you can know what you’re aiming for.
At Professional Resume Services, we take pride in our ability to help executives with their job search, even if it just means putting together the best executive resume format. If you need assistance with your action plan for your executive job search, feel free to contact us at any time.

How to Handle an Executive Layoff

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Going through a layoff is never easy. However, depending on how you handle it, you could end up in a better position in the long run. The main thing to remember is you never want to burn any bridges with your past employer. Layoffs happen for a variety of reasons, so there could be a chance for you to return in the future. Once you get laid off, however, the top resume writing services should be used to help get your resume brushed up. Here are some other things to keep in mind when dealing with an executive layoff.

Accept it With Dignity

Accepting the fact that you’ve been laid off can be difficult. In order to bounce back better than ever at your next venture, you have to be able to accept the layoff for what it is. Working with professional resume writing services can help with the process, since you’ll be forced to think about your achievements. Once you’ve come to accept what’s happened, you’ll be better equipped to move forward.

Figure Out Your Next Steps

Take some time and figure out exactly what you want to do. Did you already have a plan B just in case a layoff happened? Or did the layoff completely catch you by surprise with no backup plan? In either scenario, you have to really think about what you want to do next and don’t rush into a decision you may regret later.

Don’t Feel Sorry For Yourself

A layoff can damage your self-confidence. However, feeling sorry for yourself won’t do any good and it definitely won’t help your chances of landing a new job. You need to craft specific resumes that get you hired, so get back in the game as quickly as possible to restore your confidence level.

Network to Get Back in The Game

Networking can work wonders after a layoff. You would be surprised at how many people can relate to your situation, so talking with other executives can help you handle your layoff much better. Just be sure to visit the top resume writing services before you get deep into networking, so you can pass along a resume while you’re there.
A layoff can be a difficult and life-changing event. Feel free to reach out to us for professional resume services to help you feel better about your layoff.

Should Your Linkedin Be the Same as Your Executive Resume?

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The short answer to this question is no! You definitely don’t want to make your executive resume and your LinkedIn profile the same for a variety of reasons. Most professional executive resume writers can help you distinguish the differences between each and why the differences are important. We’ve also given you some more details on the differences below.

LinkedIn Should be More Informal

Recruiters and HR managers will go to your LinkedIn profile to learn more about you as a person. This is generally evident in your writing style, so be sure to make it more informal to give it some voice. There are big differences between resumes that get you hired and your LinkedIn profile, and it’s important to distinguish the two.
Also, don’t mistake an informal voice for being unprofessional. There are creative ways to make your LinkedIn profile professional and informal. If you struggle with that aspect, executive resume services can help.

Executive Resume Summaries Should Be Short and Targeted

Executives tend to make their summaries extensive, because who doesn’t like talking about themselves? However, your executive resume summary should be short and to the point. LinkedIn is the place to talk more in detail on your summary. Summarize your entire career, your accomplishments, strengths and anything else to make you stand out. Most professional executive resume writers will tell you to put just enough information in your executive resume summary to make a recruiter or potential employer want more information about you.

Recruiters Want to See Different Information

Your chances of landing your next executive job will take a big hit if your executive resume and LinkedIn profile are identical. It could signal to a recruiter that you’re lazy, not creative, or just don’t understand what LinkedIn is used for.
Generally, an executive resume should talk about business details, while LinkedIn should be more conversational about how you accomplished certain things. In a nutshell, your executive resume and LinkedIn profile should combine together to give an employer a clear picture of who you are both professionally and personally.
There’s a fine line between crafting the perfect executive resume and writing a solid LinkedIn profile. Many executives use executive resume services to help distinguish the two. If you’re struggling with finding the right balance, feel free to contact us at any time for help.

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.

Our Guide to Creating a Better Targeted Resume for Executives

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Finding a job in the 21st century requires both the ability to self-promote and a bit of marketing savvy. With the invention of sites like LinkedIn, it is now easier than ever to show prospective employers what you can offer them. Having top-notch resumes and cover letters is vital when trying to get taken seriously by business professionals.
Targeting your resume for a particular job is a great way to show an employer how well you’re suited to that company and position. When trying to create targeted resumes that get you hired, be sure to consider the following factors.

You Don’t Have to Start From Scratch

The biggest mistake you can make when trying to create targeted resumes and cover letters is starting from scratch. Your existing resume will have a lot of useful information in it and can be altered to make it more targeted. Ideally, you will want to have a “summary of qualifications” section on your existing resume.
Each time you apply for a new job and want to target the resume, you can edit this section to make it specific to a particular company. By not throwing the baby out with the bathwater when it comes to your resume, you will be able to save a lot of time and energy.

Make Your Cover Letter Shine

One of the first things an employer will look at is your cover letter. Droning on about things unrelated to the job you are applying for will usually end in your resume getting tossed aside. You’ll want to make sure your cover letter is written as concisely as possible. Carefully read over the job listing and see what type of qualifications the company has outlined.
Baiting the hook with a great cover letter is an important part of landing the right job. Working in the relevant experience you have may make your cover letter more appealing. However, many executives flounder when it comes to crafting their cover letter simply because they have so much experience, it can be hard to know what’s worth including. You have to learn where to trim the fat—which the top rated resume writing services can help you with!

Show The Reader of the Resume You Have Done Your Homework

Your main objective when trying to create targeted resumes that get you hired is standing out from the other applicants. Doing your homework when it comes to the company you are seeking employment with is wise. A great way to catch the reader’s eye is to include something in your cover letter regarding the company’s history.
Don’t be afraid to delve deep with your research and learn as much about the company as you can. Merely mentioning a company’s Fortune 500 status will not garner as much attention as a lesser known factoid about their achievements or their work in the community. An easy way to get a feel for their brand and their proudest achievements is through their website. Pick out facts that align closely with your own qualifications and try to relate the two.
Once you get started, you will probably realize creating a targeted resume is not an easy process. Letting top rated resume services, like Professional Resume Services, handle the targeting process could mean better job search results. Be sure to contact us to discuss how we can help you in the pursuit of resume excellence.