Don’t Wait for a Recruiter’s Call (or a Layoff) to Start Your Job Search!

Don’t Wait for a Recruiter’s Call (or a Layoff) to Start Your Job Search!

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Thinking about an executive job search? Don’t wait.

With month after month of layoffs, it’s best to build your strategy NOW.

To break yourself out of job search inertia, start with these 5 steps:

 

Polish LinkedIn with New Facts About Your Current Job.

Start by updating LinkedIn to show how your current leadership role aligns with a new executive position.

In Why Waiting to Update LinkedIn Isn’t a Good Idea, you’ll see reasons why keeping your digital brand up-to-date can make THE difference in an executive job search. Here are tips for a fast update:

  • First, include all your promotions, including your current job title. Your LinkedIn Experience section will actually show your progression up the career ladder by displaying your employer name, then indenting all related roles. Use this to your advantage!
  • Next, add new areas of skills (M&A, digital transformation, cybersecurity, ERP, healthcare administration, AI, value-based care, etc.), especially if they’re in-demand in your field.
  • Take a look at your executive competitors or some job postings to generate more ideas. You might pick up on industry trends or keywords you hadn’t thought to mention.

 

Contact People Who Can Support Your Job Search – Especially if You’ve Lost Touch.

career networkingSpark some new energy and career ideas by meeting with past colleagues or industry contacts for a quick chat.

Sophie Deering shares tips for rebuilding a networking relationship on The Undercover Recruiter, describing how regular online updates can keep you top of mind and identifying some ways you can ask about current happenings in your field.

Many successful executive job searches are the result of strong and consistent networking!

Staying on the radar of past connections can lead to lucrative opportunities; you’ll never know if they’re hiring or their employers are seeking your expertise, unless you get in touch.

 

Brush Up Your Resume (Remind Yourself How Much You’ve Accomplished!).

Letting your resume stagnate isn’t a good idea, especially if there are ominous rumblings in the economy or your industry.

Getting your resume ready when you’re NOT in a rush will always pay off. There’s a reason September is Update Your Resume Month at global careers association Career Directors International – reminding you to tackle this task regularly.

To ensure your resume is in top shape, add successes including:

  • New strategic initiatives, along with figures such as revenue, percentages of improvement, and overall impact on the company.
  • New hires, training, or other changes in talent important to your employer’s success.
  • Recent product launches, go-to-market strategies, and other accomplishments tied to growth.
  • Additional responsibilities, such as taking over a new division, leading an IT project, or steering a post-M&A integration.

All of these wins will make a positive impression when added to your outdated resume – and don’t forget to update LinkedIn, too.

 

Snag a Spot on a Board or Professional Association.

board positionsYour visibility as a leader could be a core reason why you’re recruited for a new opportunity. Don’t wait for someone to tap you on the shoulder; seek out memberships or positions that elevate your brand.

Get started by researching nonprofit or volunteer associations, such as your HOA or a community organization. These roles are often a great steppingstone to a paid board position or new executive role.

Even a quick search on a Google Jobs tab or an online query for “professional association board positions” can turn up some surprising results. BoardSource also offers tips for finding open board positions or programs, along with ideas for making yourself a candidate for board openings.

 

Get Your Interview Skills Ready for In-Person and Virtual Meetings.

You might need to prep faster than anticipated – so put yourself in the BEST position to ace an interview.

A virtual interview often requires more work and preparation than a traditional interview. In Executives, Here’s How to Prepare for a Virtual Interview, you’ll see steps to put your best foot forward so you’re ready for the camera.

You can also leverage traditional interviewing tips to refresh your memory (and approach) prior to meeting your next employer. In What to Watch Out for When Interviewing in 2023, Jack Kelly covers some ways to predict what could take place in your interview – and how to navigate situations where your job search takes longer than planned.

 

Too many leaders wait to build an executive job search plan until they’re faced with a layoff or recruited!

Outshine them with strategies that can help you claim the top spot at a new employer.

 

Recruiter-Endorsed, Premium Executive Resume & LinkedIn Writing Services

Laura Smith-Proulx Board and Executive Resume Writer

Become the TOP candidate by working one-on-one with a multiple award-winning executive resume writer and former recruiter skilled in positioning 3,700+ leaders for success at Amazon, Eli Lilly, GE, Disney, Google, EY, Kaiser, Oracle, Ericsson, UHC, Intel, Pfizer, and others.

Your new, personally branded Resume and LinkedIn Profile will gain attention from Fortune-ranked, niche, PE, multinational, startup, and boutique companies - even in a competitive job market.

See why my expert resume writing and LinkedIn skills open doors to C-Suite, EVP, Board, VP, and Director roles by viewing interview-winning resumes that show a clear competitive advantage.

- Laura Smith-Proulx, CCMC, CPRW, CPBA, TCCS, COPNS, CIC, CTTCC, NCOPE

Get the results your leadership career deserves

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How to Negotiate a Raise in Salary

How to Negotiate a Raise in Salary

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Love your job? You might still hate to negotiate a raise in salary.

Too often, executives and senior professionals leave to gain better pay elsewhere (career planning site Zippia says 50%+ of professionals would quit their current position for a raise).

But quitting is hardly your only option for winning a significant bump in compensation! Instead, use these steps to negotiate a raise – using an effective business case and compelling bargaining points.

 

1 – First, document your worth for a raise in salary.

Make a list of your recent contributions, including projects delivered, suggestions raised in meetings, or initiatives you’ve volunteer to take on, or revenue you’ve produced. Then, put figures to these successes, either by estimating hard dollar amounts or percentages of improvement.

Also, review your bottom-line additions. Do you negotiate vendor agreements or evaluate them to get the most cost-effective service? You are saving money that can be documented as justification for your raise. Glassdoor even offers a preparation guide to help you identify key points.

Next, pull out commendations you’ve received for your work. These comments can be in any form, such as a great email from your boss, or from a client who has praised your ability to handle tough situations.

 

2 – Conduct salary research for your role – and don’t forget perks in your request.

salary research for raiseAfter you’ve documented your value, use research to bolster your case.

Maybe you already know the next-level compensation rate in your office, but you can also use salary data from Glassdoor or Payscale for an estimate.

  • Consider whether perks, such as additional remote work days, would be worth it to you (either with or in lieu of a higher salary).
  • You can ask for a mileage allowance, transportation expenses, or the use of a company car if you’re traveling to client sites.
  • Some workers also successfully negotiate compensation for child care expenses, according to ALM Benefits Pro.
  • If you’re required to don a suit for the office, consider asking for a wardrobe allowance, which is common in higher-end consulting firms.

Anything required by your employer in order to perform your work can be up for negotiation.

 

3 – Select the best time to meet with your boss (and expect questions).

Request a salary meeting with your immediate boss, bringing in your fully documented request for a raise. Don’t just spring your demands on them!

Ideally, your salary request would describe how you win new clients, lead projects that generate revenue, or save millions in new efficiencies, as described above.

Remember – you’re NOT preparing for battle, but aiming for a mutually satisfying conversation – so expect input and some questions thrown your way.

Then, get ready for the negotiation. You might need to have a few additional strategies in your back pocket, such as descriptions of new responsibilities you’ve shouldered or how you’ve retained valuable team members, to bolster your justification.

 

4 – Be ready for pushback on your request for a raise in salary.

salary negotiation pushbackSome bosses may be caught off guard when you bring up your salary, in which case you can ask for some time to meet with them again.

You might also be told the salary is “set” and there’s no room for negotiation.

In that case, use ideas like these to show how you create long-term value (or even work outside your original job parameters, if that applies):

  • Do you publish or speak at conferences on a hot industry topic? Run a quick online search for earned media value calculators to show how your contribution burnishes your employer’s brand (and likely leads to more business).
  • Even better, look for clients who were drawn to your company after listening to your speaking engagements or finding your content, as this translates DIRECTLY to revenue.
  • Have you developed and trained other team members – who then contributed bottom-line value in savings, new sales, or other ways?
  • Did you coach consultants who produce revenue in paid engagements? Calculate the metrics associated with THEIR work to show you influenced the bottom line – especially if this is outside your job parameters. You could make the case that you’re actually working in sales or training as well as your “day job.”

As noted by Salary.com, it’s in your best interest to remain calm and focused on your strategy (even if your request for a raise is denied), as shown in the next step.

 

5 – Further refine your request for a raise, including salary terms.

In either your next meeting (or while addressing pushback), reinforce your promise of FUTURE value!

  • negotiate raise in salaryFor example, you could negotiate more remote work days by mentioning a high productivity rate… allowing you to confidently predict that you can get MORE work done than your in-office peers.
  • Also, point out how you could impact the bottom line in coming months or years, perhaps by setting cost-saving vendor terms or retaining high-dollar accounts.
  • Planning to earn a coveted industry credential? You could also ask for more compensation upon completion, especially if this will make your employer look good (and earn more business).
  • A future raise can also be requested if you’ll hit a new target, such as bringing in a specified amount of new accounts in a specific time period.
  • If your boss is especially reluctant, consider requesting an early salary review. This means you could get a raise SOONER, rather than waiting until your annual review.

No matter what you negotiate, get it IN WRITING. You’ll be glad you did!

Of course, if your request is denied, you can then consider next steps, which might mean some combination of waiting it out at your present job, continuing to demonstrate your value, or updating your resume (with those achievements you just documented!) for a new opportunity.

 

Making your case for a raise in salary can be a valuable exercise in summarizing your ROI to your manager.

Follow these clearly defined steps to frame your request for a raise, from documenting your value to approaching your manager, conducting salary negotiations, and sealing the deal.

You’ll be able to clearly lay out your successes and discuss what the future holds for you as a valued leader and contributor.

Recruiter-Endorsed, Premium Executive Resume & LinkedIn Writing Services

Laura Smith-Proulx Board and Executive Resume Writer

Become the TOP candidate by working one-on-one with a multiple award-winning executive resume writer and former recruiter skilled in positioning 3,700+ leaders for success at Amazon, Eli Lilly, GE, Disney, Google, EY, Kaiser, Oracle, Ericsson, UHC, Intel, Pfizer, and others.

Your new, personally branded Resume and LinkedIn Profile will gain attention from Fortune-ranked, niche, PE, multinational, startup, and boutique companies - even in a competitive job market.

See why my expert resume writing and LinkedIn skills open doors to C-Suite, EVP, Board, VP, and Director roles by viewing interview-winning resumes that show a clear competitive advantage.

- Laura Smith-Proulx, CCMC, CPRW, CPBA, TCCS, COPNS, CIC, CTTCC, NCOPE

Get the results your leadership career deserves

Book a no-obligation consultation call with me
22 LinkedIn Tips & Actions You Need to Take Now

22 LinkedIn Tips & Actions You Need to Take Now

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Is your LinkedIn Profile ready to support your goals?

An engaging, personally branded LinkedIn Profile is no longer optional; it’s CRUCIAL to your professional success.

job search in 2022No matter if you’re seeking the perfect job or just keeping your options open, it’s important to present a strong and compelling story that attracts employers.

Here’s what you need to do NOW in order to get your LinkedIn Profile to work harder for your job search:

1 – Develop (and stick to) a LinkedIn engagement strategy.

Ever wonder why you see some LinkedIn users in your feed ALL the time?

It’s because LinkedIn rewards users who comment on and share content! That’s why they’re popping up in your feed with a highly visible presence.

Interaction and engagement (such as comments, posts, polls, and articles) can raise your visibility – enabling employers to become more aware of you and colleagues to start featuring you on their posts.

It’s easy to create an engagement strategy like this for yourself by committing to spending a few minutes on the site each day: first, note activity related to your professional interests, then post a comment.

Are You Making the Top LinkedIn Mistakes in Your Job Search? points out how you can use engagement to stand out among competing job hunters and become more widely known as a thought leader.

 

2 – Follow ideal employers on LinkedIn.

follow employers on LinkedInWhen you follow companies on LinkedIn, you get a front-row seat to their announcements, including information on new divisions, company updates, and job openings.

As an added bonus, the company will notice you are among their followers if you decide to apply to their LinkedIn Job postings – which quickly indicates your interest in what they do and could signal your intent to become a top employee.

 

3 – Fill in your Experience section – PLEASE.

Employers overwhelmingly prefer to read this part of your Profile, so don’t neglect it. Listing only your job titles, employer names, and dates WON’T cut it.

In The majority of recruiters read the LinkedIn Profile experience section first, so make it shine, career coach and LinkedIn trainer Bob McIntosh of Things Career Related has compiled some eye-opening recruiter and career expert insights you’ll want to read.

Start updating your Experience by adding accomplishments, keywords, and context that aligns with desirable skills in your field (as described by Korn Ferry in 5 End-of-Year Moves to Boost Your Career). Describe the top successes of your career (don’t save them for the resume!). You might see a strong uptick in LinkedIn viewers and employer interest as a result.

 

4 – Swap out your Cover Image (behind your headshot).

Instead of the default, bland cover image provided by LinkedIn, add some color to your Profile by adding a photo or illustration aligned with your industry and personal brand. Take a look at the difference between the original cover image (left) and how you could alter it (right).

For example, a technology leader could find an image representing the speed of technical connections or a city with apparent Wifi hotspots shown on it. A creative professional could either build a new graphic image showing their interests, or find an illustration showing the phases of creative work.

You can find new images for your Cover Photo that fit the horizontal image requirements at sites like Canva.com, Big Stock Photo, Dreamstime, or Pexels – most of which offer free or reduced-price downloads.

Job search strategist Hannah Morgan of Career Sherpa has also compiled a list of Free Tools for a Better Online Presence, where you’ll see these resources and more.

 

5 – Pick up a valuable new skill using LinkedIn Learning.

Just like other professional training programs, you can complete LinkedIn Learning courses (free to Premium users) and show this knowledge on your Profile.

LinkedIn LearningThe only problem you might have? Selecting the courses you want from the more than 5,000 LinkedIn Learning entries in categories such as Leadership and Management, Professional Development, Human Resources, Sales, and much more.

LinkedIn Learning courses will be shown on your Profile after completion, with an entry in Licenses and Certifications. So not only can you pick up more valuable skills, you can also “advertise” them to employers as part of your qualifications.

 

6 – Adjust your LinkedIn Settings – frequently.

There are now 200+ Settings for your Profile! Take the time to ensure you’re using them wisely; most are located under your avatar, where you can choose Settings & Privacy.

linkedin settingsFor example, you can choose to openly show your Profile updates or activity, display your email address, let others know when you’re active on LinkedIn, or hide your last name. MANY of these Settings can make finding your Profile difficult.

Tune important Settings such as those for creating a public Profile (visible by search engines), showing your activity (important if you’re engaging in industry discussions), and other elements key to your job search. Don’t forget to click on your LinkedIn headshot to verify that others can see it.

If employers can’t find information on your background, they might pass you up. For more insights, see Serious LinkedIn Mistakes Making You Harder to Find.

 

7 – Actively comment and customize your feed on LinkedIn.

linkedin commentAs mentioned in #1, a commenting strategy will benefit you as a job seeker, especially when  you provide feedback on topics relevant to your profession.

Not only will others notice your activity, but your comments will also serve as a history of your actions whenever someone views your LinkedIn Profile.

You can also “tune” your feed to ensure LinkedIn shows you content of value to your career, as described by LinkedIn in Best Practices to Customize What You See on Your LinkedIn Feed. In turn, this will give you even MORE relevant posts on which to comment.

 

8 – Consider running a Poll.

While you can easily issue a post, share an article, or comment on others’ posts, LinkedIn Polls tend to garner a significant amount of attention – and when done right, this attention can benefit your job search.

linkedin pollFirst, decide what professional message you want to send with a Poll – and what you want to learn about your audience in doing so. You may want to ask a question related to your field of expertise, or post additional information that helps others consider their Poll answers.

Get familiar with Polls by taking a look at How to Use LinkedIn Polls for Better Engagement. Better yet, look around at some of the Polls you see on LinkedIn to see which Polls generate the most thoughtful responses.

Then, get started by initiating a Poll of your own, noting the reactions you’ve generated and the traffic it produces. You may just want to continue realizing the benefits of a Poll and the discussion it generates!

 

9 – Remove your current job title from your LinkedIn Headline.

Your LinkedIn Headline allows 220 characters – so why waste them advertising your employer and job title? Expand it to show who you are and why you’re a valued candidate in your field.

In The Surprising Problem With Your LinkedIn Headline, I cover reasons to carefully construct this field and leverage all the available space, along with examples.

Remember – your Headline introduces you before you’ll even have a chance to post content or connect with others. Make sure it’s compelling, intriguing, and keyword-rich.

 

10 – Publish or share content on LinkedIn.

linkedin publishingNo matter your professional interests, there’s always an audience on LinkedIn.

By publishing articles on LinkedIn (or sharing white papers, blog posts, and other professional information), you can demonstrate an area of skill, discuss trends in your industry, or consistently promote your knowledge as a thought leader.

In How to Create LinkedIn Articles People Will Read and Share, Social Media Examiner points out simple ideas for choosing a topic of professional interest, inserting images, and sharing a new article.

Articles will show in your Activity feed when other users click on your Profile. If you’re creating content related to your career skills and leadership strengths, employers can quickly see why you’re qualified for a new role.

 

11 – Get and use a branded LinkedIn headshot.

Your LinkedIn photo is one of the first items others see when they look at your Profile or see your comments. Ensure it represents you as a leader and sought-after expert in your field – putting your best foot forward.

While a professional headshot is still an advantage as a job seeker, you can also enlist a friend or family member to take an array of photos – enabling you to choose one that suits your personality and reflects your energy and enthusiasm.

After you’ve selected a new headshot photo for LinkedIn, you can also turn to Photofeeler.com, a unique tool that lets viewers rate your headshot for likability and trustworthiness.

 

12 – Earn (and display) a LinkedIn Skills badge.

linkedin skills badgeNow, there are even more opportunities to show what you know by placing a Skills badge on your Profile. Rolled out a while back, Skills Assessments are used to verify specialized knowledge in software development, Microsoft Power BI, Adobe XD, and other areas.

To earn a badge, look for Skills Assessments in LinkedIn Help to see the type of proficiencies listed in Technical, Business, or Design categories. Select and complete the desired exam; if you score in the top 30%, you’ll be able to place the badge on your Profile.

 

13 – Visit and capitalize on your LinkedIn alumni section.

Don’t miss out on the valuable networking and referrals you can gain from leveraging your alumni connections! LinkedIn even provides a free tool called Alumni to help you learn all about other users and their networks.

Here, you can search for your alma mater (or any other university, for that matter), then click on Alumni to access a wealth of networking information on where these former students work, live, and their areas of study.

This research can give you solid ideas on the companies that hire graduates of your university, and of course, provide you with an opening conversation point to network with them.

14 – Remove negative content from your LinkedIn posts.

LinkedIn negative contentDon’t forget – volatile subjects can take center stage, especially on social media, and eclipse your personal brand. Don’t let this happen with your professional identity!

Many employers and recruiters will do a thorough search of your social media to find out more about you as a leader and candidate.

It’s easy for other users to view your LinkedIn Activity (which shows MONTHS of history when someone clicks “See all activity” on your Profile).

Therefore, it’s best to keep your actions free of volatile topics, political sentiments, and other potential landmines that can make employers wary.

 

15 – Write a better LinkedIn About section.

linkedin achievements summaryThink of your About section as a summary of achievements – and use it to tout them!

The About section is one of the best tools to introduce yourself on LinkedIn. You can mention your success stories, talk about your passion for your field, and incorporate keywords that will help others discover your Profile.

In How to Write a Knockout LinkedIn Summary, I describe different ways to format a powerful message and content that you can be proud to display. Don’t stop there; tune your About section on a regular basis to find out which content produces the best results.

 

16 – Pay attention to (and leverage) Who Viewed Your Profile statistics.

LinkedIn offers the ability to see visitors to your Profile (on a free account, you must also enable others to see YOUR browsing history, so check your Settings to enable this function).

After you start looking at who your visitors are, decide on a strategy for using this data. Will you reach out to others? If so, you can share a quick note indicating you’d like to connect or chat.

Don’t just look – interpret this data! It’s a sign of who you are attracting. Therefore, make adjustments to your Headline, About, Skills, Experience, and activity based on these findings.

 

17 – Swap outdated entries in your Skills & Expertise section.

Linkedin Skills Perhaps you’ve only given minimal thought to the Skills listed on your Profile – or you haven’t populated them at all.

Now that LinkedIn allows you to add 100 Skills (new in 2024), you’ll want to quickly put new data in this section! It’s used by LinkedIn’s Recruiter subscribers to hunt for candidates with the right qualifications.

If you’ve already populated Skills, review your entries to ensure they still fit the best jobs for you. If you find redundancies, such as Product Management and Product Management Strategy, delete one of these entries  so you can add a stronger keyword.

Use job postings to find common skills, then add these to your Skills section; you can even pin your most valuable competencies to the top, where they’ll be featured prominently.

 

18 – Give a LinkedIn Recommendation – or ask for one.

If you’re wondering how you can help a colleague knee-deep in a job search, here’s an easy answer: write them a LinkedIn Recommendation. Employers often look at this section for clues to a candidate’s strengths.

Not sure what to write? Reference a project or the skills you’ve witnessed in your colleague’s work. You can also mention this person’s reputation as a problem-solver, leader, or highly motivated employee.

On the same note, consider asking for a Recommendation from others who’ve witnessed your skills in action. How to Ask for a LinkedIn Recommendation That Works for You covers the best ways to approach and request a testimonial from your network.

 

19 – Add sufficient keyword content to your Profile.

keywords on LinkedInResumes aren’t the only place you need keywords!

Strengthening your keyword density will help your Profile rank higher in employer searches, so add your areas of specialty to your Headline, About, Job Titles, and Skills sections.

To find the right keywords, use job descriptions from postings in your industry, then paste the text into a tag cloud tool such as TagCrowd or WordClouds. You’ll quickly see the most prominent words to incorporate in your Profile (assuming you have these skills).

By adding these terms in the above fields and sections, you’ll stand a better chance of being sought for ideal jobs.

 

20 – Add content to your Featured section (for a prominent display on your Profile!).

Another benefit to posting on LinkedIn or publishing Articles? You can showcase this content in the Featured section on your Profile.

To get started, view your Profile and click on Add Profile Section, where you’ll see Featured as an option. You can use the prompts to add any of your Posts, Articles, Links, or Media related to your work – including the URL where you’ve published your content.

LinkedIn also allows you to rotate or rearrange the entries in your Featured section, so continue to add and shuffle these items according to the attention they draw from others in your network. LinkedIn and TEDx speaker Sandra Long has describes important changes to Featured in LinkedIn Profile Redesign: 5 Key Takeaways.

 

21 – Endorse others for Skills you’ve witnessed in use.

linkedin endorsementsEndorsing another user on LinkedIn is simpler than you think – and there’s a host of reasons to do it. For one, you could be featured on their Profile just for doing so.

However, the main reason is that you’ve seen their expertise up close and want to commend them for these skills.

LinkedIn will occasionally prompt others to endorse you for your Skills. You can, of course, hasten the process by asking colleagues for Endorsements or endorsing them for their strengths.

In How to Endorse Someone on LinkedIn and Should You Do So?, you’ll find tips on best practices for issuing a quality endorsement to other users.

 

22 – Browse (and apply) for LinkedIn Jobs.

Finding a job on LinkedIn – and throwing your hat in the ring – has never been easier than it is now. However, it’s a good idea to be aware of best practices when using the LinkedIn Jobs function.

For example, there’s an Easy Apply button on LinkedIn that lets employers see your Profile. However, you may want to hold off using it, unless you’ve expertly tuned your Profile to represent your value proposition.

As stated on The Muse in Here’s When You can Use the “Easy Apply” Option on LinkedIn (and When You Can’t), it’s a good idea to ensure your Profile clearly aligns with the target job and is easy for employers to recognize as a great fit.

Most career experts recommend submitting both a branded resume and LinkedIn Profile when applying via LinkedIn to ensure you’ve covered all the bases.

 

This list of LinkedIn tips is just the beginning!

To conduct an effective job search, get comfortable with LinkedIn.

Make this the year you learn how to navigate it, find valuable contacts, issue comments and recommendations, notice changes,  converse with others, and apply using LinkedIn Jobs.

You’ll see a corresponding increase in the ROI from LinkedIn by doing so… and set yourself up for more success in the future.

Recruiter-Endorsed, Premium Executive Resume & LinkedIn Writing Services

Laura Smith-Proulx Board and Executive Resume Writer

Become the TOP candidate by working one-on-one with a multiple award-winning executive resume writer and former recruiter skilled in positioning 3,700+ leaders for success at Amazon, Eli Lilly, GE, Disney, Google, EY, Kaiser, Oracle, Ericsson, UHC, Intel, Pfizer, and others.

Your new, personally branded Resume and LinkedIn Profile will gain attention from Fortune-ranked, niche, PE, multinational, startup, and boutique companies - even in a competitive job market.

See why my expert resume writing and LinkedIn skills open doors to C-Suite, EVP, Board, VP, and Director roles by viewing interview-winning resumes that show a clear competitive advantage.

- Laura Smith-Proulx, CCMC, CPRW, CPBA, TCCS, COPNS, CIC, CTTCC, NCOPE

Get the results your leadership career deserves

Book a no-obligation consultation call with me
Executives, Here’s How to Prepare for a Virtual Interview

Executives, Here’s How to Prepare for a Virtual Interview

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Targeting your next executive job? Get ready to impress in front of the camera.

According to SHRM, Forbes, and other business media, virtual interviews are here to stay, due to ease of scheduling and the opportunity to meet candidates from far-flung geographies.

Talent acquisition, Boards, executive teams, and other hiring authorities will expect to interview you using these methods.

Follow these steps to prepare for a virtual executive interview that clearly proves your fitness to lead, influence, and execute on strategic priorities:

 

Leverage your own virtual interviewing and hiring insights.

Perhaps you’ve staffed new leadership, technology, or finance teams in offshore or other locations. Now you can put YOUR remote hiring practices to good use – while envisioning yourself on the other side of the hiring table!

  • virtual interview candidateWhat qualities did you seek in candidates during the video or remote hiring experience?
  • What were common “fails” you noticed among competing applicants?
  • Make note of any limitations you observed during interviews and spend time brainstorming ways to avoid them.
  • For example, your communications style will need to be more enthusiastic to come across properly on Zoom or other video platforms.

Employers often seek leaders who can convey strategic goals to their (also remote) teams, likely using the same communication medium. It’s best to record yourself to note how clearly your personality and drive come through on video.

You may also have noticed some candidates continually shift their attention between looking at the camera and at their notes. Practice your success stories to ensure this information is top-of-mind and to ensure you’re giving the camera your undivided attention.

 

Prepare your virtual interview space.

Lighting, background, and appearance are key to a successful remote interview. You’ll find these elements help boost your confidence.

virtual interview backgroundPosition your laptop near a light source to help illuminate your surroundings. You can also purchase a ring light for a more flattering look.

Choose a non-cluttered, quiet area of your home to ensure the best background for your interview – or choose a background that evokes your professional image, according to Harvard Business Review. Of course, you’ll fare best when setting up these elements well ahead of time.

According to Kim Brettschneider of executive recruiting firm WittKeifer in How to Ace the Virtual Interview, a few minutes of physical preparation, some interview notes, and practice can make the difference in handling a virtual interview with ease.

Last of all, dress as you would for an in-person meeting, with the business attire expected at your level – displaying the same leadership presence as if you were in the Boardroom.

 

Build your virtual interview talking points.

Not only will you need to anticipate “typical” interview questions, you’ll want to be aware of the unique value you offer as a candidate.

  • interview talking pointsSet aside time to look for patterns and themes in your background, including achievements that demonstrate leadership, agility, and a record of results.
  • You might have earned a reputation for new strategic projects, technology improvements, employee motivation, or consistent growth.
  • To elicit more talking points for yourself, scrutinize your resume for key points on your career trajectory.
  • If you’ve previously been recruited to turn around a challenged organization, negotiated vendor cost savings, or played a key role in M&A strategy, make note of why you were asked to head these initiatives and the ROI you delivered.

For example, a COO in technology operations tasked with managing digital product development teams, project management organizations, and international operations could note “global team management, virtual talent hiring and management strategy, and strong data science” as key areas of strength.

As mentioned in Harvard Business Review, recruiters are looking for your storytelling abilities, rather than a recitation of the facts on your resume. Carefully construct several career success stories of less than 3-4 minutes for the best impact.

 

In summary, don’t fear the video interview for your next executive job – embrace it!

Get ready with a camera-worthy presence and memorable data that distinguishes you as a well-qualified leadership candidate.

Recruiter-Endorsed, Premium Executive Resume & LinkedIn Writing Services

Laura Smith-Proulx Board and Executive Resume Writer

Become the TOP candidate by working one-on-one with a multiple award-winning executive resume writer and former recruiter skilled in positioning 3,700+ leaders for success at Amazon, Eli Lilly, GE, Disney, Google, EY, Kaiser, Oracle, Ericsson, UHC, Intel, Pfizer, and others.

Your new, personally branded Resume and LinkedIn Profile will gain attention from Fortune-ranked, niche, PE, multinational, startup, and boutique companies - even in a competitive job market.

See why my expert resume writing and LinkedIn skills open doors to C-Suite, EVP, Board, VP, and Director roles by viewing interview-winning resumes that show a clear competitive advantage.

- Laura Smith-Proulx, CCMC, CPRW, CPBA, TCCS, COPNS, CIC, CTTCC, NCOPE

Get the results your leadership career deserves

Book a no-obligation consultation call with me
5 Pandemic-Related Achievements to Add to Your Resume Now

5 Pandemic-Related Achievements to Add to Your Resume Now

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If you’re ready to stand out, consider taking steps to update your resume with COVID-19 experience.

After all, the pandemic spawned HUGE changes in business and your resume can show your skill in navigating them.

Shutdowns to prevent the spread of Covid, remote work for nearly 46% of US employees, and industry changes resulted in new business challenges. If you demonstrated leadership under pressure during these times, employers can perceive you as a high-value candidate.

Update your resume with these 5 key skills to show how you managed Covid-era requirements:

1 – Newly remote teams established across time zones.

Offshore teams are not a new concept, but the skill needed to set up and manage remote employees took on more significance when face-to-face office environments shut down.

Perhaps you offloaded work to teams in a different time zone, adapted to a different work culture in another continent, or adjusted your leadership style to convey requirements to remote workers.

Add details to your resume to showcase the headcount, operating policies, budget, and cost-saving metrics achieved when managing teams in a far-flung location, as shown in these examples:

Established WFH policies enabling 32% additional support to ecommerce customers during surge in online business.

Built business case for 50 additional remote employees in software development factory, enabling $30M in products delivered at 34% lower cost.

 

2 – Virtual hiring and interviewing.

One lasting post-pandemic effect? More employers have switched to remote interviews, recorded interview queries, and other tactics to vet applicants.

By showcasing your influence in sourcing or interviewing candidates remotely, you can make the case for why an employer in Fresno could trust your leadership from Boston.

You can mention, for example, how you’ve hired top performers using video interviews during COVID-19 or assembled a panel interview team to screen candidates on a group Zoom call, framed by metrics (as shown below):

Interviewed and hired employees across 6 states, representing 45% of total reports.

Hired CFO and VP of IT using virtual Board of Directors interviews.

You can also note onboarding procedures you’ve built to help employees feel welcome, even when they haven’t met your team in person.

 

3 – Team meetings and collaboration over video.

If you’re accustomed to meeting deadlines from home or need to conduct group meetings via Zoom, your ability to be productive away from a brick-and-mortar office is HIGHLY relevant.

Brainstorm a list of achievements that show your adaptability to different work situations, such as the number of projects you’ve completed or new procedures now adopted across other regions or continents also grappling with a remote workforce.

Make a list of the top wins that show how you deal with online interactions, particularly where you negotiated or led deals of substantial value. Add details on the players involved, impact to the company, or even the careers of the others involved, similar to these examples:

Coached 3 Senior Sales leaders promoted to VP positions after leading global negotiations for #1 UK deal worth $US43M.

Built real-time project status updates enabling on-time development for a $45M software initiative.

4 – Solid results from remote management practices.

Executives and teams spread across different time zones require new methods of communication to get results. This resume achievement shows how one executive increased company productivity from multiple locations:

Designed operational improvements enabling 43% additional work from teams in first hybrid roles (US and India).

In addition, you can mention the technologies or tools used for improvement, such as:

Instituted one-click Zoom screen-sharing process used by trainers to educate 400+ new product users worldwide.

5 – Strong employee support for pandemic stress.

Your teams probably underwent changes (new ways to handle B2B sales, customer support, project delivery, and technical issues), while also managing their OWN STRESS from social isolation, home-based work requirements, or childcare needs during the pandemic.

Did you manage and mentor employees during these challenging times? Frame this as a new leadership skill on  your resume.

You may have conducted additional training or coaching with team members to help them through the new world of work, or helped adjust project schedules to account for employees juggling family needs. This approach to leadership is likely to last; The Workforce Institute’s Annual Workplace Predictions says “compassionate and inclusive management that emphasizes empathy, wellness, and belonging” will be a future mainstay.

Add achievements that make employers aware of your resourcefulness in managing the new world of work, as in these examples:

Chaired COVID-19 Response Committee tasked with updating telecommuting policy.

Retained 4 managers with weekly mentoring to avoid pandemic burnout, averting potential $15K in additional hiring costs.

Built tiered, rotating technical support strategy for $20M in project deliverables across 3 global teams.

These resume updates reflect robust change management skills – and show how you’re equipped to deal with the unexpected throughout your career.

Remote / hybrid work and virtual communications forever changed the way we work – so outline your readiness to operate a division, manage remote teams, and maintain top productivity despite the pressures of change.

 

Your ability to adapt to new situations, reach across time zones and geographies to work with others, and influence change is more valuable than ever.

Showcase these wins on your resume to demonstrate sought-after servant leadership and change management skills.

 

Recruiter-Endorsed, Premium Executive Resume & LinkedIn Writing Services

Laura Smith-Proulx Board and Executive Resume Writer

Become the TOP candidate by working one-on-one with a multiple award-winning executive resume writer and former recruiter skilled in positioning 3,700+ leaders for success at Amazon, Eli Lilly, GE, Disney, Google, EY, Kaiser, Oracle, Ericsson, UHC, Intel, Pfizer, and others.

Your new, personally branded Resume and LinkedIn Profile will gain attention from Fortune-ranked, niche, PE, multinational, startup, and boutique companies - even in a competitive job market.

See why my expert resume writing and LinkedIn skills open doors to C-Suite, EVP, Board, VP, and Director roles by viewing interview-winning resumes that show a clear competitive advantage.

- Laura Smith-Proulx, CCMC, CPRW, CPBA, TCCS, COPNS, CIC, CTTCC, NCOPE

Get the results your leadership career deserves

Book a no-obligation consultation call with me
Are You Making The Top LinkedIn Mistakes in Your Executive Job Search?

Are You Making The Top LinkedIn Mistakes in Your Executive Job Search?

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Executives, you might NOT be maximizing LinkedIn in a way that will help get you hired.

If you’re rarely approached by recruiters on LinkedIn, or you apply to LinkedIn jobs and don’t receive a response, or you wonder why you even need a LinkedIn Profile… these mistakes might apply to YOU.

Read on for common pitfalls to avoid when using LinkedIn as a tool in your executive job search:

 

Mistaking a resume summary for a LinkedIn summary.

executive resume summaryYour LinkedIn About section (formerly called Summary) is a great tool for presenting a snapshot of your brand and value proposition. However, many people mistake this for the resume summary of qualifications, and insert a long, dull paragraph.

I can’t say this enough as a LinkedIn Profile writer! Online copywriting is much different than writing for printed or emailed documents. You’ll need to create your profile so that it can easily be read online, using FIRST-PERSON language to create engagement.

Rather than use your resume summary, instead write a more personalized account of your background and qualifications, breaking up the text visually so that employers can quickly scan through for key words.

See Job-Hunt.org’s tips on adding eye candy such as bullet symbols to make your About section more interesting.

 

Failing to engage others online.

LinkedIn engagementIf you only lurk to read posts, rarely comment, and have yet to post any articles or information of your own, this applies to YOU.

LinkedIn has beefed up engagement algorithm “rankings” heavily over the past months, making it clear that direct interaction is a major factor in how often others will see your Profile.

Just like websites that continually show you the same ad after you’ve visited the company website, LinkedIn wants to reward users who fully embrace the concept of online networking (see point #3 in How the LinkedIn Algorithm Works) by showing these Profiles more often to recruiters.

You’ll still need to tune your Profile for strong content, but after you start commenting on posts of professional interest (or putting your own posts up regularly), don’t be surprised if more employers come calling.

 

Conveying a message inconsistent with your executive resume.

There’s no way around it – employers will be trolling LinkedIn for information about you, even if you’ve already sent your resume to them to review. The problem comes in when your job history, core competencies, or achievements appear different online than on paper. (Lest you think this is rare, I can assure you it’s very common among executives with decades of experience.)

After writing both your LinkedIn Profile and your resume, I recommend printing them out, and reviewing information such as job dates, dollar figures, education, achievements, job titles, and employer names SIDE-BY-SIDE. You’ll be able to spot any discrepancies quickly.

In addition, reviewing the profile this way allows you to see if it delivers the same value proposition message as your resume.

If you missed highlights of your career (such as metrics on revenue generated or cost savings), it’s best to add this data into your LinkedIn Profile so that it aligns with your brand.

 

Failing to use all the space provided on LinkedIn.

executive resume using LinkedInYou’re guilty of this if your About / Summary contains just a few sentences, you didn’t even realize your Headline can be 220 characters, your Work Experience only includes titles (and no description of your achievements), or you skipped sections like Skills & Expertise.

Employers and recruiters search LinkedIn for candidates with specific skills or career experience. By adding information that contains key search terms, your odds of being found by recruiters can rise dramatically. (See How to Optimize Your Executive LinkedIn Profile for SEO.)

Here are the current character limits for popular LinkedIn sections:

  • Headline – 220 Characters
  • Summary – 2,600 Characters
  • Skills & Expertise – Up to 100 Skills
  • Company Name – 100 Characters
  • Job Title – 100 Characters
  • Job Description – 2,000 Characters

If your Profile isn’t CLOSE to maxing out each of these spots, you’re missing valuable opportunities to advertise your skills or insert more keywords.

Want proof? Take a look at my LinkedIn Profile (or search for me on LinkedIn, using the phrase “executive resume writer” in LinkedIn.) You’ll quickly see why every word counts.

 

Using an outdated LinkedIn Photo that detracts from your personal brand.

Have you cropped your LinkedIn Photo from a family or group shot? Used a Photo from a non-professional setting such as a party? Shown yourself behind the wheel of your car?

PLEASE use a photo representative of your executive brand! Run it through Photofeeler to crowdsource feedback on your credibility.

If you’re unsure of the right professional look, review Profiles of your executive competitors to see how their photo stacks up against yours. See What Does Your LinkedIn Photo Say About Your Executive Brand? for more tips.

The bottom line: every time you appear in a search on LinkedIn, or comment on a post, or show up in a group of optimum recruiter candidates, others WILL use your Photo to gauge your credibility. Choose it wisely.

 

Assuming you won’t be hired from LinkedIn.

LinkedIn hiringIt’s interesting how often this comes up in conversations with executive job hunters. 90% of recruiters use LinkedIn to source candidates, according to this survey.

Even if you’ve never been approached by a recruiter online, your competitors are receiving inquiries weekly (if not daily).

Update your Profile consistently, ensuring alignment with your most current executive roles and showing how you add value for your employers.

Pay attention to NEW ways you can market your expertise, such as the Featured section or a newly expanded Headline. Above all, INTERACT with others and post interesting content.

 

You only have ONE SHOT to promote yourself on a site with more than 1 billion users.

Rethink how you’re using LinkedIn and tune your presence for a differentiating, powerful leadership brand.

Related:

https://www.anexpertresume.com/no-calls-back-from-your-executive-resume-google-yourself/executive-job-search/

https://www.anexpertresume.com/5-common-myths-about-working-with-executive-recruiters/executive-job-search/

 

 

Recruiter-Endorsed, Premium Executive Resume & LinkedIn Writing Services

Laura Smith-Proulx Board and Executive Resume Writer

Become the TOP candidate by working one-on-one with a multiple award-winning executive resume writer and former recruiter skilled in positioning 3,700+ leaders for success at Amazon, Eli Lilly, GE, Disney, Google, EY, Kaiser, Oracle, Ericsson, UHC, Intel, Pfizer, and others.

Your new, personally branded Resume and LinkedIn Profile will gain attention from Fortune-ranked, niche, PE, multinational, startup, and boutique companies - even in a competitive job market.

See why my expert resume writing and LinkedIn skills open doors to C-Suite, EVP, Board, VP, and Director roles by viewing interview-winning resumes that show a clear competitive advantage.

- Laura Smith-Proulx, CCMC, CPRW, CPBA, TCCS, COPNS, CIC, CTTCC, NCOPE

Get the results your leadership career deserves

Book a no-obligation consultation call with me
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