Have you been thinking how out-of-date your "current" executive résumé is? Or that you don't have any kind of résumé at all? Perhaps you just don't feel comfortable with the formatting—that it doesn't look "executive" enough?
Senior executives with demanding careers often assume that the wider the gaping void of data, then the less marketable their résumé is for immediate use.
They believe: You can't seize attractive business and job opportunities without a "classic" one- or two-page résumé. Right?
Well, actually, WRONG!
It's not what you've been thinking that's holding you back—getting the green light to start testing the executive job market, implementing a career transition or grooming yourself for a senior leadership position or a seat at the boardroom table.
It isn't the missing chronology that is diminishing your prospects. (Even though you should archive your achievements on an annual basis, at the very least.)
It's your personal brand that's missing, and therefore disconnected, from the unique promise of value that you offer to a company. What's more, there is little hope of communicating a distinct message when your values, passions, vision and purpose are undetectable.
But there is something else that puts your résumé on tenuous ground.
Imagine that you are a Chief Marketing Officer without a product portfolio. No product line extensions and no cohesive product or branding platform. It would be pretty tough to champion and shepherd a robust sales and marketing plan for your company minus an integrated product strategy. How could you successfully enter or capture a market if you have a brand without breadth and depth? Why would you expect anyone to believe in—and embrace—your product or service brand?
- Are you thinking now that it's time to up-end conventional wisdom about executive resumes?
- Are you ready to embrace the gold standard with a branded résumé incorporated into a career portfolio? To learn more about portfolios, read my article published in Executive Career Strategies at ExecutiveAgent.com
Here are just three startling facts about executive job search success and career marketing:
1. Everyone needs an online identity.
Executives are Googled before meetings, job interviews and telephone contact. If you present a strong brand online, your profile of thought leadership will resonate and stand out against the competition.
The statistics, please …
- 83% of recruiters Google candidates (2007 ExecuNet Survey)
- 24% of professionals Google other professionals before meetings (2004 Harris Interactive Poll)
2. Proof of Performance = Credibility, Trust & Positive Opinion.
Research shows that candidates' claims are doubted. Clearly, it is to your advantage to back up your achievements and success stories with tangible, third-party evidence.
3. Social Networking.
At a 2008 technology conference in collaboration with Wharton, VP and principal analyst Li of Forrester Research commented: "The more you know and understand the individuals who make up the groundswell around your brand and your company, the more you can use the new social networking phenomenon to your advantage."
Here's what might constitute a next-generation set of the right materials in an executive portfolio. Each one is customized to client need and profile:
- Multiple-page branded résumé that can be launched and used at various stages of the job search, often as separate components
- Biography to pursue Board Director positions, with a thumbnail version for websites—especially social networking sites
- Thought-leadership profile
- Branding statement
- Job and business proposal
- Case studies
- Endorsements and proof of performance
- Executive summary
- Network and client résumé
- Speech, network script or presentation outline
There can be more products in the well-integrated career portfolio. The foundation is your personal brand, associated theme and underlying market strategy. Senior executives who were early adopters of the career portfolio have been tremendously successful in their respective markets, and are joined on a daily basis by others who recognize the value for continuous career management. Think of your executive résumé as having the legs of a long-distance runner.
Taking it a step further, no one should overlook the value of powerful content that is authentic, rich with stories of interest and free of self-serving platitudes. The overall design should be consistent, symmetrical and easy to read.
The branded portfolio creation process we have built, applied and polished for a decade is organized, logical and analytical.
There are two options for working with us:
- All clients in the CEO and Boardroom Coaching Program will qualify for the opportunity to have their materials written and edited exclusively by ExecutiveBrandCoach.com. The writing process is integrated with our signature senior executive coaching services because of the brand identification activities that are linked strategically to client career development and management.
- All clients who are better suited for the Executive Incubator Coaching Program will have the option of multi-session, additional group programs that train you to write and develop your own materials.
FAQs
Your Investment in Our Best-in-Class Executive Résumé & Career Portfolio Materials:
Senior Executive Branded Résumé Portfolio is typically 4 – 6+ pages and ranges from around $5,700+ to $7,500+. In order to explore hiring us to write your résumé or career portfolio, you will benefit by filling out the Contact Form for a customized package and fee quote. You should qualify for these writing services if you are in the C-suite (CEO, CFO, CMO, CIO, CTO, etc.), a Board Director, Company President, or a candidate pursuing a top senior executive management or Board position. A typical career portfolio package also includes some developmental coaching. Usually, a senior executive client will combine writing services with short- or long-term career coaching.
All other clients, e.g., EVPs, SVPs, Directors and Managing Directors, VPs, Principals, should request information from our Contact Form to qualify for the above senior-level writing services or for information on our writing programs. Executive Incubator Writing & Coaching Programs are usually 10 sessions in length, meet weekly or in rocket style, and are priced at $499 and up.
A brief telephone consultation is highly desirable to assess your needs and develop the most appropriate career materials to support your goals. By scheduling an appointment to speak directly with Phyllis, you will not only be able to accomplish your due diligence in a meaningful way, but you will also be able to learn more about the proprietary process.
