Rita Ashley, Career Coach. Field tested advice for executives.

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By admin, June 10, 2008 12:23 pm

Very few people, including the most senior executives, are trained to conduct a good hiring interview.  And no one admits to being interview challenged so there is little room for people hoping to hire the best to learn how to do it. 

Which means execuctive candidates often encounter people whose interview techniques leave them feeling diminished.  Some companies encourage interviewers to be abusive or disrespectful of candidates believing they learn how people perform under pressure and also believing they can discover people who can take the heat. 

The actual dynamic is that interview tactic, one that forces the candidate into a wall or no win role play is a sure fire way to discover who pushes back.   Who has lowered self esteem and who, therefore, will work 24/7 to win the approval of the company.  You are most likely to discover this sort of behavior in start-up or early stage companies with young CEOs.

While this works for some companies, especially those whose success is determined by hiring young people whose identity is their job, it doesn’t work for most confident senior executives.   When you find yourself interviewed by people who learned to be abusive to candidates and are now CEOs or other C level executives, and you are feeling uncomfortable; that is data you can use to evaluate the position.   You have just learned about management style and how it makes you feel.

Sure you feel awful because the interview went badly in your eyes, but that is not important.  There is no win in this interview for a mature, confident candidate.  It is designed that way.  What is important is you learned a lot about the company, the corporate culture and their willingness to be abusive to get what they want.  The interview worked; you discovered this is the wrong environment for you.  In the words of the Great Monty Python, “Run Away.”

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By admin, May 20, 2008 11:56 am

GET TO KNOW WHO YOU KNOW

Executive jobs are hard to find in the best of times; and executive job search in a recession is daunting.  Most executives have been so heads-down working long hours that when it is time to look for a job, they are bewildered at whom to call, who may be hiring and how to compete.

Many, to their profound disappointment, find their first response is to head directly to the $100,000 job boards.  Others just flounder.  As an alternative, executive jobs can be found by asking the right people the  right question.  Too obvious?  I have worked with executives in pursuit of a job for two decades, trust me when I say, it is not always that apparent to someone panicked by pending unemployment.

Let’s get to the point.  Most executive jobs are not posted in the newspaper or other media.  They are filled, primarily, by word of mouth especially during a recession because employers want to avoid the risk of hiring someone no one in their circle knows.  Your job is to find out who is spreading the word. 

Take for instance your current or most recent employer.  All the people who use to work for you are connections to possible leads.  All the people to whom you reported are absolutely resources to call on for leads and introductions to others who can tell you about jobs. 

And the most often missed, whether you are a Director or CEO, is the Board of Directors and the Investors.  They are the richest resource for new opportunities if you get on their radar.  These people know you, perhaps not the day to day work you did, but they do know the results.  And unless you were fired for cause, they have a vested interest in giving you an assist.  It is good PR and more importantly, especially the investors, these executives are always looking for excellent talent with whom to seed other companies on whose Boards they sit.

They are connected to a world of companies, not just your employer.  Leverage that connection and research all the other companies with which each Board Member and Investor is affiliated.  You will be surprised to see how long that list is.  So take heart, you know more people than you think.

OK, it sounds easier than it is.  Especially at a time when your most important asset, your self confidence is flagging.  That’s when you need the support of a job search coach.

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By admin, May 18, 2008 5:41 pm

TELL THEM I WILL BE CALLING

Business Telephone Etiquette requires you offer your name.  And isn’t it wonderul when you are put right through?    Want to make certain that happens every time?  Get an introduction.

Often the key to getting an introduction is to write one and send it to the person who will make the introduction.  That saves the person the concern over what to say and increase the probablility the introduction will happen.  Be sure to include your brand or elevator pitch.

Example: 

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By thejobcoach, May 14, 2008 10:25 pm

DID YOU MISS THIS?

The last time you discussed your job search with a peer, your voice changed. There was a distinct change in the volume or pitch and the listener noticed. Perhaps not consciously and not in a way that they would comment, but they did notice.

Let’s start from the beginning.  An executive job search is always stressful no matter what the reason you are looking for a new C level job. You are aware of the intensity and maybe even know you feel just a bit desperate.   And your voice reveals it.

Next time you are discussing your search, listen and mentally flag the topic. Later, examine what is so emotional or troublesome about the topic.  Once you work that out your networking activities will be more rewarding. You will also have a clearer picture of what is important to you in your C level job search. 

Minimize stress.  Other signs of stress include irritability, sleep disturbances and loss of sense of humor; all handicaps if the C level executive is to network and find useful leads and interviews. Take your stress temperature daily.

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By thejobcoach, May 14, 2008 2:47 am

Last time you went to the grocery store you learned beyond a doubt we are in a recession. Pundits debate the issue while gas prices climb. Your need to recession proof your career is not an option. Just do it.

There are many things Executives can do to make their job secure. Take a look at Ask Annie.   She and all her commenters have a bead on actions you can take to minimize your chance of a layoff and what to do if it is time for you to find another spot. You can also find tips on recession proof job search in other blogs on this site.   And if you have other ideas, please, share your insights with others who need real world recession proof job search advice.  Use the comments section.

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By thejobcoach, May 4, 2008 4:24 pm

Everyone has an opinion on resumes but no one disagrees they are your most important marketing tool.

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