Many companies now conduct behavioral interviews that rely on how a candidate responds to unusual questions. They also require candidates to take sophisticated assessments to determine, objectively, natural strengths and areas for growth.
Recruiters who take the time to review your resume will give it a two-second once-over to see if it reflects key skills and experiences they seek. Even if a resume is well drafted if it fails the two-second test you are at risk of being overlooked. Keep it simple, direct and focused.
Focus on accomplishments, money and mission. By accomplishments, I mean anything that pushed your organization ahead and for which you can honestly claim ownership.
At its best, networking is about having an influential group of people respect you and your work such that they are willing and pleased to make referrals on your behalf. Coming across as desperate, over-eager or focused to the exclusion of building genuine ties sends a mixed message of desperation and self-absorption. This is not a great selling point.
Question: Our company is about to hire a new COO who will manage the whole finance department. We want to be very sure she has strong interpersonal and technical skills. We have spoken to all of her listed references, and, while they have been off the charts, I want to be absolutely certain we cover our basis. What do you suggest?
Question: I am at the top of my game having just been promoted into the CEO role at a major corporation. Yet, I am feeling strangely dissatisfied and lonely despite my professional accolades. It seems as if I attend meeting after meeting and as if I am not connecting with my staff. Am I missing some important clues?
Question: I am applying for C-Suite position with a company. The position description requires a “thoughtful” cover letter. What does this mean? How do I draft one?
Years ago, I founded a successful social service organization that ran well until I had to take on family concerns. Do you have any ideas about how I can get back to this area of interest when most employers look at my finance and legal accomplishments and want to place me in those kinds of roles?