At some point in the hiring process, a recruiter, hiring manager or human resources manager will be asking for references. Don’t be misled by the internet thinking that people will find everything they need to know about you online and not ask for references. This is still an important part of checking out any job- seeking executive. Recruiters expect to hear raving comments from a reference. Only use someone you can rely o...

One of the top five stressors in life is losing a job. Just in case you are curious about the other top stressors, they range from death, divorce, wedding, jail, school exams, moving, kids/family, and debt to name a few. Yes, I know that list has more than four stressors. When I was researching the top five stressors in life I found a number of lists with similar and diverse stressors. The one common denominator on all th...

Executives rise to the top of an organization for a variety of reasons that include: thinking outside the box, vision, business savvy, strategies, and the intelligence to see the big picture and drill it down to deliverables. These are attributes that are expected of high-level leaders and work well for an executive no matter what corporate environment they may find themselves in. When in the midst of a career change,...

Even executives don’t get it right every time. You thought this was a good move and even the research indicated you were a perfect fit for the position. But, as the job unfolded, you are no longer enamored with the position or company. Richard (from a famous Shakespheare play) might say, “Now is the winter of my discontent.” 5 signs that point to discontent: 1. Feel like an outsider? Holding an executive role in any organiz...

The importance of networking has not diminished, no matter what you think you’ve heard. Online networking associated with social media like LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter have certainly moved into the networking arena and taken a strong hold, but need to be kept in perspective when looking at the whole networking dynamics. Face-to-face or personal networking is still extremely effective and necessary when searching for a ne...

The internet has made easy work of finding potential candidates through social networking sites like LinkedIn and Facebook. Executive membership sites have thrived in the last ten years providing executives with job search information and recruiters with a database of well-defined and targeted candidates. And you are aware that most job seekers today are Googled before being contacted for a pre-screen or interview. However...

A hiring slowdown in March might imply a weaker job market. The economists are being cautious with their predictions until seeing the employment figures for April. There are varying opinions whether this is a trend or not. As an executive in job search mode, keeping abreast of how the economy is influencing the job market is important. How might these factors affect you? Let's look at a couple of indicators. Growth in econo...

Executives negotiate millions of dollars on behalf of their employers for contracts, products, and services every year. Why then is it so difficult for most executives to negotiate their salaries when offered a job? Whatever the reasons, senior managers, directors and C-level executives are not immune from negotiating their salary for a new job opportunity. In the pre-screen or initial interview, the recruiter or hiring age...

During their careers executives have had to stretch their knowledge, skills, and talents, and frequently work outside their comfort zone. One of the biggest advantages an executive has is the ability to take risks no one else would dare to do and, in most cases, succeed. How do they do this time after time? And can these strategies be applied to job search? Be Assertive Executives know that in business being assertive, aggr...

The facts are clear. Over the last decade, executives want a career change because they are dissatisfied with their job / industry, unhappy with salary, insecure about longevity of job, work in an obsolete industry, or a victim of corporate downsizing. Maybe you are among nearly 50% of job seekers rethinking their career path. A recent Today show segment focused on Marla Romash, who after an amazing career in politics felt...