Job search strategy
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As an expert career strategist and leader of global executive branding firm Briefcase Coach, I am always looking for new insights and perspectives to share with my clients and the wider community of job seekers and employers. I recently had a fascinating conversation with Chip Conley, renowned author, speaker, and founder of the Modern Elder…
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Expert tips for preparing to ace an interview Preparing for an interview takes time and effort. A job candidate only gets one chance to make a first impression. I have never regretted over preparing for an interview. It can help candidates stand out from the competition and leave a lasting impression. In a poll of…
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15 out-of-the-box ways to build a target company list A target company list is one of the most powerful tools a job seeker can use to stay focused and strategic during their job search. Without a clear direction, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of job postings or to waste energy pursuing…
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Are you tired of guessing games regarding executive salaries? Whether transitioning to a new position or negotiating your next compensation package, accurate salary insights can distinguish between underselling yourself and earning true market value. In this expert salary benchmarking guide, we’ll walk you through free and effective strategies to determine accurate executive salaries. Do you…
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At Briefcase Coach, we’ve observed significant shifts in hiring trends and the job market throughout 2024. As a result, we continuously refine our approach to executive resume writing. The executive job market has always been competitive, but this year brought unique nuances that demanded a fresh approach to resume writing. At Briefcase Coach, our team…
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Know Your Rights and Protect Yourself: Noncompetes and Employment Issues with Legal Expert Tom Spiggle I started this series– Curated Career Conversations– because I’ve found that job seekers– at all levels– are confused about the job search process, especially when it comes to navigating the legal aspects, which can often be complex and overwhelming. Joining…
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The belief that long-term unemployment does not affect senior-level positions is a myth. Executives often face longer job searches compared to other professionals. The average duration of unemployment for laid-off workers is currently around 20.6 weeks (as of August 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). However, for senior-level roles, this period can be significantly longer…
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A Curated Career Conversation with vChief Founder, Madeleine Niebauer In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving business landscape, companies are constantly seeking innovative ways to access top-tier talent and expertise without the commitment of full-time hires. Enter fractional leadership, a rapidly growing trend that’s transforming the way organizations approach C-suite roles. To shed light on this exciting…
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We got “under the hood” on one of the leading applicant tracking systems. Here’s what you need to know. An applicant tracking system, or ATS, is the software recruiters rely on every day to manage job listings and process incoming applications. As a job seeker, you’ve likely heard about ATS as an obstacle to landing…
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As the founder of Briefcase Coach, one of the top global executive career branding firms, I’ve found that job seekers at all levels are confused about recruiters’ role in the hiring process. There is also a mystery about how to work with recruiters. Today, I will continue my interview series with executive recruiters to help demystify…
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What is an applicant tracking system (ATS), and how do recruiters use them? You’re just about to hit “send” on the resume you worked on with your career coach — the one you worked diligently to optimize keywords and align your experience with the needs of the role. However, you can’t help but compare this…
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Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and hiring platforms like Greenhouse ATS have replaced Human Resources’s need for file cabinets filled with paper resumes. While these systems were created to improve efficiency in the hiring process, many people have mixed feelings about the technology, leading some to refer to ATS as “the black hole of death.” Greenhouse,…
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Did you know there are FOUR different types of recruiters? Many job seekers are unaware of four types of recruiters: internal corporate recruiters, executive search recruiters, agency recruiters, and staffing recruiters. Each type of recruiter is compensated differently, either through salary, a retainer, or a fee for placement. I am excited to share my conversation…
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In the competitive realm of executive roles, your resume is the initial gateway to showcasing your qualifications and expertise. Among the various competencies and experiences, you may be tempted to include, highlighting specific leadership skills on your executive resume can significantly elevate your candidacy. To stand out in the eyes of potential employers or executive…
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A compelling resume is essential for a Vice President of Operations seeking a new role. Most executive-level professionals likely already have ample “skills” and “experience” sections in their resume — but how can you communicate your impact on an organization’s success using these skills and experiences? Crafting a compelling resume is not just about listing…
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Are you an executive with an impressive multi-decade career and a memoir’s worth of accomplishments? Does this leave you uncertain about how far back your resume should go and/or how much emphasis to place on your early career? You’re not alone. In most instances, it’s advisable to focus on your most recent experience and experience…
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One of job seekers’ most frequently asked questions is, “How long should an executive resume be?” Unfortunately, a considerable amount of misleading information about resume writing is circulating on the internet. This advice is usually given by university career center staff to students, but it has been ingrained in our minds as an absolute truth.…
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In a competitive job market, dusting off the resume you used three jobs ago will not help you stand out. Knowing how to write a senior executive resume will help you highlight your achievements and showcase your personal brand. A well-done resume will also help employers know if you are aligned with the corporate culture.…
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A well-crafted resume serves as your passport to leadership roles, but articulating your story in a compelling way can be a challenge. Because your resume is often the first point of contact between you and potential employers, you want to create an initial impression that grabs a recruiter’s attention. A resume is not just a…
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Whether updating an old resume or crafting a new one, the first differences one might notice between older and modern examples are those that first meet the eye: formatting, design elements, color, call-out boxes, etc. However, while all of these elements are critically important in guiding the reader’s eye through the content of your resume,…
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In the dynamic landscape of executive recruitment, a well-crafted resume is a powerful tool for standing out in the competitive job market. This blog post delves into the significance of showcasing essential skills on an executive resume —Leadership, Communication, Business Acumen, Relationship Management, and Personal Effectiveness. Additionally, we will explore the strategic placement of these…
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A resume is THE cornerstone branding document in which all other career documents are built upon. For clear messaging that resonates with your target audience, a well-written resume is crucial. The resume is generally the first impression decision makers have to evaluate and may determine if the job seeker ever steps foot in the door.…
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Displaying skills on an executive resume poses a unique challenge and offers a distinctive opportunity. The challenge is preventing your resume from reading too junior or technical in a career echelon where the focus is less on highlighting the core competencies that should be a given at the executive stage. The opportunity in highlighting your…
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For experienced professionals, simply dusting off the resume you used three jobs ago will not suffice in helping you stand out from the crowd in today’s competitive job market. Understanding how to write a senior executive resume will help you demonstrate your relevance to the job, showcase your personal brand to help employers determine if…