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#JobSearch : 5 Simple Networking Tips For Senior-Level Job Seekers. Securing & Leveraging a Senior-Level Position in Today’s Competitive Job Market. GReat Read for All!

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Securing a senior-level position in today’s competitive job market can be a daunting task, and sometimes simply firing off a few resumes to online job adverts doesn’t bring results.

As a seasoned professional, you’ve probably built a valuable professional network for your career, and leveraging that network is a great way to sidestep the crowded job sites and get yourself directly in front of hiring managers.

Here are five simple networking tips to fast-track you into your next exciting role.

Leverage existing contacts

Your existing network is a goldmine of opportunities and insights. Start by reaching out to former colleagues, mentors, and industry contacts. Inform them of your job search and the type of role you are seeking.

Personal connections can often provide leads on unadvertised positions and insider information about potential openings.

Consider organizing informal catch-ups, whether it’s a coffee meeting or a virtual chat, to reconnect and discuss your career aspirations. These interactions not only strengthen your relationships but also keep you top of your mind when opportunities arise.

Being specific about what you’re looking for enables your contacts to provide more relevant leads and referrals.

 

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What Skill Sets Do You Have to be ‘Sharpened‘?

 

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 32 years in delivering corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!   Visit us @ www.firstsun.com  OR Ask for a Quote for Services at  info@firstsun.com

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity to serve & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

 

Article continued …

Engage in executive circles or industry events

You should also consider joining associations or clubs relevant to your industry. Membership in these organisations often provides access to exclusive networking events, webinars, and forums where you can interact with other like-minded professionals.

Volunteering to speak at or organize events can also further enhance your visibility and credibility within your field.

When attending these events, prepare an elevator pitch that succinctly describes your expertise and the value you bring to ensure you make a memorable impression on potential employers or collaborators.

Don’t hesitate to engage in conversations, ask insightful questions, and exchange business cards to build meaningful connections.

Build an online presence

In the digital age, a robust online presence is indispensable.

Ensure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and reflective of your achievements and expertise, and make sure to regularly share industry insights, participate in relevant discussions, and connect with peers and leaders in your field.

Publishing articles or thought pieces on platforms like LinkedIn Pulse can also showcase your knowledge and position you as a thought leader.

You can also increase your visibility by engaging with content posted by others in your industry, and this can attract the attention of recruiters and hiring managers.

You could also consider creating a professional website or blog where you can share your insights and showcase your portfolio or join forums and online communities related to your field where you can contribute valuable insights and engage in meaningful discussions.

Alongside LinkedIn, active participation on X (formerly Twitter), especially in industry-specific chats, can also help you connect with a broader audience.

This not only builds your reputation but also helps you stay informed about the latest trends and opportunities in your industry.

Collaborate on projects

Collaborative projects are a fantastic way to expand your network and demonstrate your capabilities.

Seek out opportunities to work on initiatives, whether they are within your current organization or in a voluntary capacity. These projects can range from industry research and whitepapers to community service and mentoring programs.

Collaboration not only broadens your network but also provides tangible examples of your skills and achievements. It’s an excellent way to demonstrate your leadership, teamwork, and project management abilities to potential employers.

Look for opportunities to partner with other professionals on projects that align with your expertise. For example, co-authoring an industry report or participating in a panel discussion can enhance your visibility and credibility.

These collaborations often lead to lasting professional relationships and open doors to future opportunities.

Follow up

Maintaining and nurturing your network is as important as building it.

Follow up with contacts after meetings or events and express your appreciation for their time and insights. A brief email or a message on LinkedIn can help keep the connection alive.

You should also regularly update your network on your progress and any new developments in your job search. This keeps your contacts informed and can prompt them to share relevant opportunities.

Showing gratitude and maintaining professional relationships can lead to long-term career benefits, with timely follow-ups demonstrating your professionalism and genuine interest. A well-crafted follow-up message can make a lasting impression and keep you top of mind.

Be persistent but polite, and always provide value in your communications, whether it’s sharing an interesting article or offering assistance.

Networking at a senior level is not just about finding a job; it’s about building and nurturing relationships that can provide support and opportunities throughout your career.

By leveraging existing networks, engaging in executive circles, building an online presence, collaborating on projects, and following up diligently, senior-level job seekers can enhance their visibility and secure their next career milestone.

 

Forbes.com | August 7, 2024 | Andrew Fennell

#JobSearch : 10 Traits Every Executive Should Have. Do you Think your Experience is Enough for the VP Job?

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The common question I get when speaking with our senior-level clients is, “Do you think my experience is enough for the VP job?” or “Am I out of line seeking a CEO role? I have the experience, but I’m not sure if I’m there yet.”


There is a lot that goes into being an executive at a company, and we know the usual: strategic corporate decision-making, operations, point of contact with the board of directors, manage departments, and the face of the company.

If you’re not sure if you’re a fit, consider a few other traits that most likely aren’t in the job description:

✔ LEADERSHIP – While leadership skills can be acquired traits, an innate tendency to lead will serve you better in a position of power within a company.

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What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Article continued …

✔ SALES DRIVE – As a leader within the company, you will need to sell yourself, your ideas, and the business on a regular basis.

✔ REALISTIC VIEWPOINT – You need to be able to recognize what is possible and execute the required processes to achieve those goals.

✔ PATIENCE – Patiently waiting for the proper timing and the right resources will help you bring your business to the forefront.

✔ BROAD PERSPECTIVE – Keeping short-term goals in mind is essential for ensuring daily objectives are met for your company, but having a broader perspective can be invaluable. Having a big-picture mindset solidifies the company vision.

✔ COURAGE – Courage can also be defined as the strength required to stop or change direction. Strength needed to get through the tough times.

✔ FINANCIAL EXPERTISE – Many companies want to executive team that can keep the budget in mind and understand how money flow factors into the function of the business. Budget and financial acumen is a must.

✔ TECHNOLOGY – You should command a basic knowledge of the latest technology as it related to your industry.

✔ HONOR – An honorable philosophy and actions allow you to readily connect with you team and customers on an emotional level.

✔ PERSEVERANCE – The drive to keep going, even when things aren’t proceeding as planned is important.

 

These aren’t the only traits you need, but if you have these, and can communicate them throughout your resume, LinkedIn profile, and in an interview, they will brand you as a leader to contend with.

 

FSC Career Blog Author: Erin Kennedy, MCD, CMRW, CPRW, CERW, CEMC, is a Certified Professional Resume Writer/Career Consultant, and the President of Professional Resume Services, named one of Forbes “Top 100 Career Websites”. Considered an influencer, she is consistently listed as a “Top Career Expert to Follow” on Twitter and LinkedIn.

 

FSC Career Blog | November 5, 2020

 

#JobSearch : New Job Postings Are Plummeting For White-Collar Professionals. Job Postings Plummeted nearly 40% Compared to the Same Period Last Year.

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A good way to gauge the health of the job market is to see how many new opportunities are listed online. Indeed, one of the largest job aggregation sites, released a report indicating the direction of new job postings in the United States.

The job site’s data revealed a massive drop in listings during March, April and May—some of the most difficult months of the Covid-19 pandemic. At that time, job postings plummeted nearly 40% compared to the same period last year.

According to Indeed, “The trend in job postings—a real-time measure of labor market activity— is 20.3% lower than in 2019, as of August 14.” Hospitality, travel, tourism, child care and other sectors that rely upon face-to-face activities saw job listings appreciably fall.

A holding pattern on higher-compensated professionals translates to less job postings online

What’s surprising to see is that white-collar job advertisements, such as software development, banking and finance, declined. Indeed claims that job postings for higher-wage occupations have taken the biggest tumble. “Postings in higher-wage occupations are now 28% below trend, versus 12% below trend for lower-wage occupations.”

At first blush, it seems like the data runs counter to the commonly held narrative that lower-wage workers suffered the most job losses. Although the amount of people who worked in restaurants, retail, shopping, food services and the gig economy bore the brunt of furloughs and layoffs, there are now less jobs offered online for higher-wage professionals.

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What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Article continued …

This could be attributed to the fact that relatively unskilled workers are easier to hire, onboard quickly and summarily furlough, based upon the short-term needs of the company. With regards to well-compensated, white-collar professionals, the hiring process takes substantially longer and terminations are fraught with paperwork, meetings and potential legal liabilities.

In today’s cost-conscious environment, companies are reluctant to spend the money to hire experienced professionals. With the resurgence of Covid-19 in many states, an upcoming U.S. presidential election and civil unrest, management lacks clarity as to what the future holds. It’s easier for them to just hold off on hiring.

Specialized professionals are better suited to working remotely and at home, compared to waiters and delivery persons. It’s more challenging and involved to bring aboard an experienced executive—only to have her working from home and not able to personally meet everyone at the office—compared to onboarding an Uber driver.

A holding pattern on higher-compensated professionals translates to less job postings online. Interestingly, job seekers have complained that they respond to job listings, only to find out that they are not available. It seems that companies post the jobs then either forget to remove them or keep them alive to collect résumés for when the economic and health situation improves and they can start hiring once again. Also, the corporations may be attempting to save money by not posting new ads and letting the old ones remain.

This is a major concern of job seekers. They’re led to believe that there are more active jobs than there really are. Excitement over seeing a great, relevant role is eventually dashed, as weeks and months go by without hearing from the company regarding their applications. The preponderance of these anecdotes leads to the belief that—in addition to fewer newly posted jobs—the listings online may be stale or not actually active.

Indeed’s figures reflect that major cities with hubs for finance, banking and technology, such as San Francisco, New York, Boston, Chicago, Seattle and the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro area, saw double-digit drops in job postings—ranging from down 31% to over 40%.

Concerns are being raised that a large number of so-called temporary furloughed jobs may ultimately turn into permanent job losses, particularly in hard-hit sectors, such as commercial real estate, airlines and energy.

On a positive note, companies that previously cut the salaries of workers—instead of laying off people—have begun to restore the compensation to the originally agreed-to levels.

 

Forbes.com | August 26, 2020 | Jack Kelly 

#ResumeWriting : Executive Resume Targeting is More Important Than You Think . Targeting your Resume is Critical Today, and Here’s Why it’s So Important.

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What’s the first thing you think about when you start preparing or updating your resume? A common misconception today is thinking you have to craft your resume to be more general since you don’t know exactly what an employer wants to see.

The reality is hiring managers are looking specifically for people who understand their needs and have the skills and knowledge to solve their problems. The key to getting recognized is writing an effective resume geared toward acknowledging those specific needs and demonstrating why you have the skills they are looking for.

Targeting your resume is critical today, and here’s why it’s so important.

Targeting Doesn’t Limit Your Job Search

Your first thought when the best executive resume writers tell you to target your resume may be that you’re limiting your job search options. There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all resume. Employers need to see specifically how you can help their current and future situation, so only including relevant information in your resume is critical. When writing an effective resume, your time is much better spent researching a potential employer and targeting the resume accordingly rather than trying to create a general resume to reach a wider audience.

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What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Article continued … 

What to Do Before Writing Your Resume

The top resume writing services always suggest thinking hard about exactly what you want to do at your next job. Once you have your goals and desires set, you can search for potential employers that can help you achieve those goals. Take a look at what attributes and skills the company needs and identify where you can help them out the most. When writing your resume, be sure to demonstrate your brand clearly so the hiring manager will know exactly who you are, what you stand for and how you can help the company achieve its goals. 

Make Your Resume Stand Out

Hiring managers want to see you’ve done your research on them before sending in a resume. The best executive resume writers can help you with relevant keywords and phrases employers want to see. When you value the idea of working for an employer, the hiring manager will be able to see it and you’ll have a better chance of getting called in for an interview.

It can be difficult to wrap your mind around targeting a resume. While resume targeting has always been important, employers today take it much more seriously in their efforts to narrow down candidates to find the right fit. Take the time to make your resume a stand out by writing a targeted resume to show them you are the candidate of choice.

FSC Career Blog Author:  Ms. Erin Kennedy, MCD, CMRW, CPRW, CERW, CEMC, is a Certified Professional Resume Writer/Career Consultant, and the President of Professional Resume Services, named one of Forbes “Top 100 Career Websites”. Considered an influencer, she is consistently listed as a “Top Career Expert to Follow” on Twitter and LinkedIn.

 

FSC Career Blog |  May 28, 2020

Are You Showing Your True Personal Brand? Personal Branding is a Larger Aspect of ‘Today’s’ Job Search.

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A major part of a job search involves making your personal brand appear to be what you want it to be. However, executives often make the mistake of gearing their c-level personal branding more toward what they want others to perceive them, rather than showing who they really are. The problem with this is recruiters and hiring managers can see right through it. All it takes is a little bit of inconsistency and your job search could be ruined.

Personal branding is a much larger aspect of a job search today than it was several years ago. Sometimes all it takes is optimizing your LinkedIn profile, while other times you may need to work on your entire online presence to show your true brand.

 

So when it comes to personal branding for senior-level managers, being truthful and honest are the best ways to go. 

Why Some People Are Hesitant To Show Their True Brand

Some people resist demonstrating their true brand because they don’t want the world to know what their personality is. If you haven’t conducted a job search in several years, you may remember thinking your resume needs to follow a certain pattern or standard and shouldn’t deviate from the norm. Times have changed now and hiring managers want to know who they are hiring as a person and a professional. While it’s understandable to be uncomfortable showing your brand, it’s important to also know that differentiation is critical when it comes to being recognized.

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What Skill Sets do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Continue of the article:

A Personality Fit is Important to Employers

When you show some of your personality on your LinkedIn profile, recruiters will get a glimpse into who you are as a person. A solid mix of professional achievements and personal experiences will bode well on your LinkedIn profile and will increase the chances of you getting noticed. The more natural the language in your profile sounds, the better your c-level personal branding efforts will be, especially when you back it up in your verbal language and your resume. Companies prioritize hiring people with good personality fits now, so never hesitate to show a little. 

Your Personal Brand Presents Unique Value

Without c-level personal branding, executives have no real way of standing out among dozens of other job applicants. You have a great opportunity to distinguish yourself with your personality and tie in how your personality offers value to the company. This could mean working well as a team, the ability to think creatively, be a leader or anything else. Professional achievements for executives often seem similar on paper, so your personal brand could be what sets you apart and gives you a better chance of landing the job you want.

Personal branding is a much larger aspect of a job search today than it was several years ago. Sometimes all it takes is optimizing your LinkedIn profile, while other times you may need to work on your entire online presence to show your true brand.

FSC Career Blog Author:  Ms. Erin Kennedy, MCD, CMRW, CPRW, CERW, CEMC, is a Certified Professional Resume Writer/Career Consultant, and the President of Professional Resume Services, named one of Forbes “Top 100 Career Websites”. Considered an influencer, she is consistently listed as a “Top Career Expert to Follow” on Twitter and LinkedIn.

 

FSC Career Blog |  April 13, 2020