Category: Resume Tips

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Track Your Metrics For an Effective Job Search:

For the past 6 years, I have been working very closely with a number of Private Equity Groups, (PEG).  Many of my assignments for these clients have been for Chief Financial Officers.  In every case they want a CFO who can help the business by establishing a set of relevant performance indicators which can be tracked and monitored on a routine basis.  They know that by tracking the right metrics and keeping the management team focused on that data improves the likelihood of achieving their goals.  I am confident that while employed, your supervisor required you to make periodic reports on certain metrics.  If it works while on the job, it will surely work to help you land that next job.

Doubtless, we all agree on the importance of planning.  We all know the planning cycle.  Set your goals and objectives; formulate strategies; develop tactics; track your results; reassess; make adjustments.     How will you know where you stand if you don’t have a scorecard?  Will you know if your plan is on track, or even if it is viable?  What adjustments should you make?  Are you comfortable making important decisions about your career without important data?  Probably not!

So, as you are developing your job search plan for 2015 consider the key metrics, performance indicators, that you believe are vital to success.  Your prime objective is to land a new job.  Key to landing that new job is to gain the interest of hiring managers who will invite you to interview.  The metrics you will want to track are the activities you complete that move you closer to the goal, getting that interview.   Some jobs are posted, so it would make sense to track resumes sent to posted jobs.  As we all know, however, up to 80% of people land their new jobs via networking.  If that is the case, as I believe it to be, then you will want to develop a set of metrics that track you networking efforts.  Those efforts include phones calls, information interviews completed,  networking meetings attended, and follow up with your network.  Since social media is an important platform for job search you may well develop metrics to track your efforts on LinkedIn.  Contributions to Interest Group discussions and additions to your list of connections may be appropriate.

I have also recommended that you start a blog, if you have not already, with a goal of posting once a week.  This is a great strategy to promote yourself  at LinkedIn or Google+ Groups.  Additionally there are a vast array of Professional Associations and Groups who encourage members to post to their websites.  Everyone is looking for relevant content! 

You should also set goals for personal and professional development.   A diet or exercise metric may be appropriate.

Tracking a handful of key metrics related to your search activities will keep you on track.  Keep it simple.  Pick six to eight of the activities prioritized by those you deem most important.   If you need more than a 3 by 5 index card to track your metrics you probably have too many.

The best of plans are useless without accountability.   There can be no accountability without measurement.   So, if you want to ensure the success of your job search plans, identify the key metrics to track and do so regularly.

 

Thank you for visiting my blog.

Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read.  Your input is very important to me so please leave a comment.

 Jim Weber, President

New Century Dynamics Executive Search

www.newcenturydynamics.com

 

 

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Jump Start Your Job Search in 2015: Reflect – Recharge – Regroup

The New Year is upon us.  This is the season to take a break; enjoy time with friends and family, and prepare for the New Year.  One can easily lose themselves in the hustle and bustle of shopping and celebrating.  It is also a time to assess our progress for the year; to express our gratitude to family, friends, and clients; and to make resolutions for the New Year.   So, why wouldn’t you want to align your job search with the cultural expectations of the season?  You may be new to the job market, or you may have been in search for many months.  Whatever your situation, this is a great time to reflect, recharge, and regroup.

 

Reflect

Evaluate your Job Search Strategy for its relevance.  Is your target Job/Industry Sector still viable?  What about Plan B and Plan C?  Are your plans still viable?  This is a good time to validate your job search strategy.  What activities were most helpful?  Which were not?  Who has been helpful to you?  Have you been spending your time wisely?  Make a point to do more of those activities that seem to be getting you closer to your goals, and less of those that aren’t.

Re-charge

Take a break, enjoy the season.  Don’t quit all job search activities, but dial it back a bit to have time to gain perspective.  Managers don’t stop their recruiting during the holiday season, but they do slow down their activity.  Likewise you should change your priorities a bit.  Make time for friends and family.  Re-charge your batteries so to speak.

I know many people, employed and unemployed, who use this season to reach out to people who have had an impact on their lives.  Sending Greeting Cards is an obvious way to say thank you to people who have been important to you.  If you want to really make an impact try a phone call or a face to face meeting.  I have been a bystander to one such call when I was doing a market tour with a subordinate.  I can honestly say that the impact on my subordinate was profound!   Reach out to your network to thank them for their support and to update them as to your plans.

Regroup

Ensure that your resume and cover letter is still relevant and pithy.  Make sure that your Internet presence is current.  Are you a participating member in relevant Industry/Career Interest Groups?  Is your LinkedIn profile complete?  Have you checked your Face Book account to ensure that it is aligned with your goals?  God forbid that your Face Book account is counter-productive.  You should consider starting a blog, even if it is just a chronicle of your job search.  Set new goals and objectives for the completion of daily, weekly, and monthly activities.  Have a system to track activities and measure progress toward your goals.

 In summary, use the waning weeks of 2014 to reflect on your efforts;  recharge your emotional account;  and regroup by developing a revised plan for 2015.  Express your gratitude to those who have been helpful, especially friends and family.  Take stock of your efforts of 2014.  Do more of those activities that took you closer to your goals, and less of those that did not.  Develop revisions to your plan to include a system to track your efforts and your effectiveness.  Align your job search to the traditions of the season to ensure a successful job search.

 

Thank you for visiting my blog.

Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read.  Your input is very important to me so please leave a comment.

 Jim Weber, President

New Century Dynamics Executive Search

www.newcenturydynamics.com

 

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Manage Job Stress: Build a Support Group

In my blog I often speak to the importance of networking.  It is how people actually find jobs.  My seminal point about networking is that your goal is to build a team that will help you land your next job.  Networking helps you spread your message, and capture opportunities that match your goals.  Your network provides many other benefits, none the least of which is the human contact which helps mitigate the stress associated with job search.  Within that team, I recommend that you have a subgroup, a core team, who you confer with more frequently.  Call it a support group for now.

Being in job search can be a lonely, frustrating place.  There is a certain amount of isolation created when you are without a regular place to go to work with other people. It is a time when dark thought can grip you, causing you to sink into a period of despair.  The best way to avoid that situation is to have an effective support group.  There are many models for support groups, but ultimately you want to assemble a group of people who have been in your situation, who have successfully navigated through job search, and who have an understanding of your particular career track.  Another way to describe these people is “peers.”

The support group that I recommend is one that will help you brainstorm options; assist in key elements of your search; provide emotional support and help mitigate the isolation factor.   A good job search support group will help you with problem solving, and motivation.   They will inspire you to meet all challenges put in your path.  Of the utmost importance, these people must hold you accountable for your actions.  In fact, this is the model for a Master Mind Group. 

The Master Mind concept is hardly new.  In fact, it is ancient.  However, it was the 20th century self-improvement guru Napoleon Hill who coined the phrase “Mastermind Alliance” in his book, “Think and Grow Rich,” published in 1937. Hill’s work, inspired by Andrew Carnegie, was the result of interviews he conducted with highly successful people.  One common thread he uncovered was that successful people relied on a core group of like-minded individuals who were helpful in goal-setting, coaching, and encouragement.  Hill spoke of a mastermind group as “The coordination of knowledge and effort of two or more people, who work toward a definite purpose, in the spirit of harmony.”  Using a Master Mind Group in your job search is another powerful source of leverage.

So, who should you include in your Master Mind Group?  I already made the point that your Master Mind group must be experienced in job search and familiar with your field.  They should be people who you would consider mentors. People you hold in high regard, whose opinion you will respect even when their counsel is difficult to hear.  Above all, they must be committed to play a prominent role in helping you with your search.

Employing the Master Mind Group concept in your job search is another powerful source of leverage.  Your group will help you become more effective in your search, while minimizing the isolation factor and mitigating stress.  You will likely want to keep this group working with you after you land that next job, ensuring your career success.

Thank you for visiting my blog.  Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read. Your input is very important to me so please leave a comment.

Jim Weber, President
New Century Dynamics Executive Search
www.newcenturydynamics.com

In my blog I often speak to the importance of networking.  It is how people actually find jobs.  My seminal point about networking is that your goal is to build a team that will help you land your next job.  Networking helps you spread your message, and capture opportunities that match your goals.  Your network provides many other benefits, none the least of which is the human contact which helps mitigate the stress associated with job search.  Within that team, I recommend that you have a subgroup, a core team, who you confer with more frequently.  Call it a support group for now.

Being in job search can be a lonely, frustrating place.  There is a certain amount of isolation created when you are without a regular place to go to work with other people. It is a time when dark thought can grip you, causing you to sink into a period of despair.  The best way to avoid that situation is to have an effective support group.  There are many models for support groups, but ultimately you want to assemble a group of people who have been in your situation, who have successfully navigated through job search, and who have an understanding of your particular career track.  Another way to describe these people is “peers.”

The support group that I recommend is one that will help you brainstorm options; assist in key elements of your search; provide emotional support and help mitigate the isolation factor.   A good job search support group will help you with problem solving, and motivation.   They will inspire you to meet all challenges put in your path.  Of the utmost importance, these people must hold you accountable for your actions.  In fact, this is the model for a Master Mind Group. 

The Master Mind conceptdster Mind Group.  bute for these people is that they hold you accountable for your actions.  If fact, this is  is hardly new.  In fact, it is ancient.  However, it was the 20th century self-improvement guru Napoleon Hill who coined the phrase “Mastermind Alliance” in his book, “Think and Grow Rich,” published in 1937. Hill’s work, inspired by Andrew Carnegie, was the result of interviews he conducted with highly successful people.  One common thread he uncovered was that successful people relied on a core group of like-minded individuals who were helpful in goal-setting, coaching, and encouragement.  Hill spoke of a mastermind group as “The coordination of knowledge and effort of two or more people, who work toward a definite purpose, in the spirit of harmony.”  Using a Master Mind Group in your job search is another powerful source of leverage.

So, who should you include in your Master Mind Group?  I already made the point that your Master Mind group must be experienced in job search and familiar with your field.  They should be people who you would consider mentors. People you hold in high regard, whose opinion you will respect even when their counsel is difficult to hear.  Above all, they must be committed to play a prominent role in helping you with your search.

Employing the Master Mind Group concept in your job search is another powerful source of leverage.  Your group will help you become more effective in your search, while minimizing the isolation factor and mitigating stress.  You will likely want to keep this group working with you after you land that next job, ensuring your career success.

Thank you for visiting my blog.  Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read. Your input is very important to me so please leave a comment.

Jim Weber, President
New Century Dynamics Executive Search
www.newcenturydynamics.com

 

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Coping Strategies for Job Search: Leverage

 

You have often heard that it is unwise to “put all of your eggs in one basket.”  I guess that would be part of a farmer’s risk management strategy.  Or you may have heard someone ask, “what is plan B, in case plan A doesn’t work out?”  Or, “what is your exit strategy if everything goes to hell?”  Understanding the risks associated with any endeavor and developing a mitigation plan is always a good practice.  Knowing that you have covered your risk can be comforting, lowering one’s stress level.  

I advise my candidates and coaching/mentoring clients to take a multi-pronged approach to find new employment.  Looking for a new job, in the same industry segment, performing the same function is the obvious place to begin.  Expanding one’s search into other industry segments and with emerging companies is highly recommended.  I also advise my candidates to explore other options such as consulting or taking on short term projects; and to consider starting their own business, including the purchase of a franchise.   An important point to consider is that the multiple prong approach is complimentary.  In other words, you exercise the same activities in each prong of attack; networking, sending out resumes, talking to prospective business associates, and analyzing opportunities.   Another term for this approach is leverage.

Pursuing multiple career paths has benefits one might not expect.  The analysis of a franchise opportunity or buying/starting an independent business is stimulating and broadens one’s thinking beyond their comfort zone.  It will lead to an expanded network which will reveal other opportunities.  Taking on consulting projects keeps one in the game and helps to maintain cash flow.  It is an excellent way to stay relevant and to prove one’s value to an employer, often leading to an offer of full time employment.  Multiple avenues of attack for the job seeker keeps the search interesting, will generate immediate cash flow, and mitigate stress.

Why You Should Pursue Multiple Search Strategies

  • Will make your search more interesting; reduces boredom and anxiety: 
  • Increases your options, shortens your search time.
  • Complimentary activities.
  • Not for Profit/Volunteering.
  • Giving back improves one’s sense of well being
  • Project work or short term .
  • Sharpens the saw.

 

Working with a “Not for Profit,” or doing volunteer work is another consideration.  The very nature of giving back to the community is fulfilling for most people.  These activities will place you in contact with other philanthropic people, broadening your network and potentially leading to new opportunities. 

Pursuing multiple employment strategies is particularly viable for the over 50 job seeker.  The world has changed.  In all likelihood, the job you just left has been eliminated, outsourced, or filled by a younger, less expensive manager.  All industries are restructuring, so your job may not exist at other companies in the same segment.  You must adapt to this new environment.  You have the benefit of experience and valuable skills.  Your goal is to find new opportunities to employ your skills and experience.  Coming to grips with this new reality will improve your prospects, shorten your search, and mitigate your stress.  A complete but manageable strategy with multiple lines of attack is the answer.

 

Thank you for visiting my blog.  Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read. Your input is very important to me so please leave a comment.

Jim Weber, President
New Century Dynamics Executive Search
www.newcenturydynamics.com

 

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A Thank You Note to Separate You From the Field

“Wow, that was a great letter!  I just had to call you back.”  That was the beginning of a phone conversation in 1994. The caller was a CEO I had recently met about a job.  My thank you note had really made an impact!  The CEO called to say that he wanted to move me forward in the process.    I must say, the job opportunity was a long-shot for me as the job was in a segment where I had less experience, and on the wrong coast.  My letter made an impact because of my enthusiasm for the opportunity;  my recap of the CEO’s goals for the position; and that my key selling proposition dovetailed with his needs.  I also personalized the letter in a way that strengthened our connection.  The result was that I earned a second look and was invited to meet with the Headhunter working the search.  I did not get the job, but I had expanded my network and learned a valuable lesson.

In my work I see a lot of thank you letters and coach a lot of people through the process.  It is important to remember that thank you letters are not just good manners or proper business etiquette.  Done well, they can make a difference in the hiring manager’s selection process.  A thank you letter will not help the unqualified candidate, but it can tip the scales in a close situation.  At the very least it will help you stand apart from the crowd.  A good thank you letter presents your case for the job and demonstrates your communication skills.   One page or less is ideal.  It is another opportunity to sell yourself for the job in question.  As a result, you must take this task seriously.

A proper thank you letter shows your appreciation to be considered for the job; recaps the key objectives for the position; and presents your unique selling proposition.  The latter had better support the objectives for the position.  The last point is to personalize the letter to include something you learned about the interviewer’s personal interests or background.  This will help solidify a connection with the interviewer.  By recapping the key objectives for the job you tell the interviewer that you understand exactly what is required of the position.   By understanding the requirements of the job you ensure that you are on the same page with management which will make them more comfortable with your candidacy.   Recapping your unique selling proposition as it supports the objectives of the job reinforces your potential for success in the job.

The role of correspondence between professionals seeking to do business together cannot be underestimated.  Even as snail mail has given way to email, there is still a high value for well written correspondence that gets to the point.  Your mastery of business letters, especially the thank you note, helps the hiring manager gauge your professional skills.  Sending a timely thank you note demonstrates you appreciation for business protocol.  Crafting an effective letter demonstrates your ability to communicate, an executive skill paramount to one’s success.   So, make a serious effort to write a thank you note that positions you as a viable candidate.  Let the interviewer know that you understand the job, that you can do the job, and that you want the job. 

Thank you for visiting my blog.  Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read. Your input is very important to me so please leave a comment.

Jim Weber, President
New Century Dynamics Executive Search
www.newcenturydynamics.com

 

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On Cover Letters: Are You Trying to Get My Attention?

“Are you kidding me? Are you trying to get my attention? Well you did, but not the way you had hoped!” That was my reaction to the most recent cover letter I received with resume attached. The only positive thing I can say was that the sender’s timing was perfect as I was beginning to draft this series of blog posts on job-search correspondence. I did read the letter and then scanned his resume, which I would not have done save for this article. This cover letter, with a subject line reading “Senior Executive: Consumer Packaged Goods Industry” was 367 words long, yet never spoke to the candidate’s career goals or parameters for his ideal job. So much for helping me help you.

From the opening paragraph of his email introduction, I would have never guessed that he was accomplished CEO with experience in mid-cap and small cap food and beverage focused consumer packaged goods. Following his intro paragraph he offered five bullet points, actually sentences with bullet points, demonstrating his value proposition. Only two of those points spoke to objective performance metrics. This whole section came across as very tactical. Was I being introduced to a CEO or a Manager. The third paragraph said that he was doing consulting/project work for small to medium sized companies, followed by an attempt to reinforce his value proposition. This section was heavily laden with buzz-words and trite cliché’s that stepped on his message. To close, he told me that he had received a BS in Accounting and would welcome an opportunity to meet for further discussion. I never learned what he was looking to do now. I would have expected far better from a viable CEO candidate.

His email introduction was clearly a mass mail effort, probably sent to a large number of Executive Recruiters. The football analogy would be a “Hail Mary” pass. For all I know, he may have sent this same intro letter to a large number of potential employers and Private Equity Groups. If so, he really tarnished his personal brand. When writing a cover letter, remember, you are making an introduction seeking help in your job-search efforts. You may be interested in a networking relationship; applying for a specific job; seeking to be placed in a recruiter’s data-base; or looking for a referral to one of the preceding. Viewed in this way, would you send the same letter to all of these people? Of course not! Mass mailing is not the issue as you can personalize mail merge to a large degree. The point is to customize your intro letter to fit the audience. Mass mailing is not appropriate for one-off introductions for networking assistance, or when asking for a referral. Those introductions must be highly targeted and personalized.

When sending a resume to an executive recruiter, a short three to five sentence paragraph will suffice. We are looking to know the parameters around the position you seek, the industry segment, your compensation requirements, and any limitations you may have to relocation. Your resume should provide the details I need to initiate further conversation.


In following blog posts I will offer advice on the various types of job-search correspondence. In the meantime remember to stay focused on the needs of your audience, and keep your correspondence short and to the point.

Thank you for visiting my blog.
Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read. Your input is very important to me so please leave a comment.

Jim Weber, President
New Century Dynamics Executive Search
www.newcenturydynamics.com

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Your Resume is Not Getting Traction: It Is Not Easy to Contact You!

Isn’t cell phone technology fabulous!  And what about those apps!  Awesome!  My little iPhone has dramatically improved my efficiency, allowing me to spend more time out of the office, building relationships.  The GolfLogix app has been especially helpful with club selection and tracking my golf stats.  I will likely develop that thought further if I ever set up a Blog about golf.  The point is that I probably spend more time using my iPhone on the job than I do at my computer.  It is great to be able to respond promptly to an email message from a client or a text message from a candidate via my iPhone.  I never miss a call to my desk as I instantly receive a message from my Voip Service. This feature provides the caller’s phone number and a text version of their message.  The ability to touch a phone number or email address to respond is vital.  It would be an understatement to say that my iPhone is fast becoming my preferred business tool.  In fact, it is very fair to say that the apps I have on my iPhone create a virtual office wherever I happen to be, so long as I have my iPhone with me.  I am certainly not unique in this regard.  

I become irritated when my candidates or prospective candidates fail to appreciate the importance of my iPhone in my work.  I am certain this will come as no surprise to anyone reading this post.  The first thing I tell my candidates is “help me help you.”  The first rule is to make it easy to find you.  Make it easy to find your resume and make it easy to contact you.  By contact, I mean via text, email, or voice.  My correspondence includes my complete contact information including my website, blog, and LinkedIn profile.  All of my correspondence!  A savvy candidate will add that information into their electronic address book across all of their devices.  Likewise they should provide a complete signature section to make it easy to respond to them;  wherever I am and on my schedule.

Help me help you.

  • Label your resume file as follows:  last name_first name_year
  • Provide complete contact information in all of your correspondence.
  • If using MS WORD for your resume complete the ‘file properties’ menu.
  • Put my complete contact information in all of your address books.
  • Become very familiar with my website content and blog posts.

If a candidate can follow these rules it is a signal to me that I am dealing with a savvy professional.  Savvy, at least as it concerns the effective use of technology.  But that is a good start!  Reviewing their resume and talking with them on an introductory call will confirm that opinion.  I am confident that any hiring manager or internal recruiter will think the same.  So, put yourself in the place of your audience; a recruiter or a hiring manager.  Let them help you, by helping them.  Embrace the technology!

Thank you for visiting my blog.

Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read.  Your input is very important to me so please leave a comment.

Jim Weber, President

New Century Dynamics Executive Search

www.newcenturydynamics.com

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Your Resume is Not Getting Traction: Not Enough Focus on Accomplishments

“Just the facts, ma’am.”  For those of us old enough to remember the television series “Dragnet,” that phrase was made famous by Detective Joe Friday.   Detective Friday stayed at peak productivity by focusing his interviews on the facts.  The facts speak for themselves, or at least they should.  Irrelevant, or superfluous information is a waste of precious time.   Detective Friday maximized his productivity and effectiveness by sticking to the facts.

 

During my corporate career, I learned many principles of effective communications.  Two of those points stand out above the rest, at least to me.  The first principle is:  Tell them what you are going to tell them; tell them, and then tell them what you told them.  Every presentation has a beginning, a middle, and an ending.  The beginning states the objective of the presentation;  “tell them what you are going to tell them.”  The middle presents your case; “tell them.”  The ending, or summary, “tells them what you told them.”  Your resume format follows the same principle to a point.  Your Career  Summary sets the stage.  It reveals what you plan to tell them in the body of your resume.  Your job history is the meat of your resume.  It speaks to the relevant details of your career, which are the key accomplishments.  Your Career Summary is your personal positioning statement.  Your job history is supporting evidence.  One must support the other.

 

Focus On Your Accomplishments:

 

  • Career Summary positions your general contributions.
  • Skill Sets provide definition to your strengths
  • Employment Summary: bullet-point significant accomplishments, “the facts.”

 

 

The second principle is to know your audience.  Who are they?  What is their background?  What are they looking for?  What do they want to hear?  What code words are they looking to hear?  How much time do you have to make your point?  Knowing your audience is fundamental to delivering a successful speech.  This principle is equally important to crafting an effective resume.  When you consider the audience for your resume, understand that they are looking to maximize their productivity as well.  “Just the facts, ma’am.”

 

 

As with any communications vehicle your resume must make an impact on the reader.  When the reader puts your resume down, she should be able to recall your top three attributes; your unique selling proposition. Yeah, I get it!   So, your resume must be highly focused and to some extent repetitive.  Repetitive in the sense that key themes are reinforced throughout the document.  All too often I see resumes where facts have been obscured by superfluous adjectives which render the message trite and meaningless.  “Just the facts, ma’am.”

 

Think back to successful networking events you have attended.  Who did you meet that stood out from the pack, someone you remembered?  You can probably still tick off two or three key points about that person.  He must have impressed you enough to remember him.  His message was likely to have been clear, concise, and to the point.  Your resume should be no different, except that it lacks the full dimension of a face-to-face meeting.  A resume is consumed by only one of the reader’s senses, her vision.  Coupled with the fact that resumes are briefly scanned for content, the burden is on you to get your message across, understood, and remembered.  The content must necessarily leap off the page to be absorbed by the reader.  The best way to make an impact to be remembered is to present key information in short bursts.  To be remembered, focus on the facts of your accomplishments and reinforce your theme throughout your resume.

Thank you for visiting my blog.

Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read.  Your input is very important to me so please leave a comment.

Jim Weber, President

New Century Dynamics Executive Search

www.newcenturydynamics.com

 

 

 

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Your Resume is Not Getting Traction: It Does not Present you as a Savvy Professional

I have long been fascinated by Corporate Cultures, especially those of successful organizations.  What is it that sets those cultures apart?   All companies have a culture.  In fact, all groups have a culture even though it may not be recognized.  Formal groups have a shared history, code of conduct, set of values, and language which defines the group.  Some cultures are more obvious as with the uniformed services.  Or, as with Fraternities and Sororities, who have a secret handshake.  Many religions are identifiable by their manner of dress.  Other cultures may be more difficult to discern, but, insiders will recognize other members.  Small details taken together can be very revealing.

Cultures even have sub-cultures.  Elite military units have a culture that is different from the Army as a whole.  C-level corporate executives can be distinguished from middle management.  Marketing, Finance, and Operational personnel have their own sub-cultures with their own nuanced code.

Your resume presents your cultural affiliation.   You must actively manage your resume to ensure that you are sending the right signals.  Are you the real deal, or a poser.  If you are the real deal, but, using the wrong code words, you may not be recognized as a part of the group.

A Resume for a Savvy Professional:

  • Leave off Personal interests and “references available upon request.”
  • Use industry/position specific terminology.
  • Significant accomplishments should be predominant
  • Executive/Career summary must address your functional discipline, level of accomplishment; and industry/segment expertise.
  • Give a short, one line explanation for employer changes.
  • Label your resume file: “last name _ first name_ position_ date.”
  • Your email address should incorporate your last name to be professional
  • Use File/Properties menu option to list key words and other data.
  • Use appropriate key words in the body of the resume.
  • Avoid trite phrases and meaningless buzz-words.

 

 

You will be judged from the moment your email arrives in the recruiter’s mailbox.  Your email address and your resume file name speak volumes.   Your executive summary will reveal your cultural orientation by the language you use, or don’t use.  Do you use concise plain-speak, or buzzword-riddled gobbledygook?    Is your language familiar to other professionals at your level and from your professional discipline?  If not, you will not be taken seriously.

All too often I see resume attachments with “resume” as the file name.  A very common mistake for a rookie, and a cost to my productivity as it requires extra time to catalogue and file.  Even worse is a highly personal, even ironic email address.  Not a professional introduction by any standard.  The ideal email address will consist of your last name and first name or initial.  Better still is to have a personalized email with your surname as the domain name.   Likewise, your resume attachment file name should be formatted as:  lastname_first name_position_year; or something very similar.   Violating these two syntax basics will cast doubt as to your authenticity.

The ability to present your credentials and capabilities in a clear and concise manner is crucial.  The greater your rank the greater the expectation of your ability to communicate.  Avoid run-on sentences ripe with meaningless buzz words and phrases that would only impress a junior level manager.  Don’t waste my time, get to the point.  Pay attention to these details and the economic value of your verbiage to be viewed as a savvy professional.

Thank you for visiting my blog.

Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read.  Your input is very important to me so please leave a comment.

Jim Weber, President

New Century Dynamics Executive Search

www.newcenturydynamics.com