How a Little-known DVD Quirk Changed My LinkedIn Profile

Posted on October 13, 2010 by The Résumé Studio

Back when DVDs were the rage, a handful of folks knew that “extras” could be found by digging around for what the DVD industry called “Easter Eggs.”

Basically, if you poked around the main menu, you might be rewarded with unmarked behind-the-scenes material that couldn’t be found using the visible menu choices.

It was like hunting for Easter eggs!

Why not use LinkedIn in a similar fashion?  Continue reading →

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Why It’s Smart to Take Recruiter Calls

Posted on May 23, 2010 by The Résumé Studio

Why it's smart to take recruiter callsA lot of busy executives don’t want to be bothered by recruiters.

Until they need them.

I always smile when a client says, “How do I get my résumé to an executive recruiter?”

If you want to play in the retained executive search game, you have to let them know YOU’RE willing to play.

And that means spending a few minutes chatting the next time they call, instead of ditching them to voicemail.

I say “retained executive search” because it’s an important distinction. Think Heidrick & Struggles, Korn Ferry, and the boutique firms that open when recruiters from the big firms strike out on their own. They will often use the same sophisticated recruiting processes and be just as valuable to your career.

The next time a recruiter calls you, be sure you understand their perspective, then consider these points.  Continue reading →

Filed under: About Recruiters, Job Search Tips | Tagged: , , | 3 Comments »

4 Management Metrics That Can Differentiate You in a Job Search

Posted on May 14, 2010 by The Résumé Studio

Need in haystackA lot of my résumé writing time is spent culling “scope of work” metrics that define the capacity of my clients to tackle new jobs.

Perhaps the quickest way to understand the importance of presenting your own scope of work is to do a bit of role playing.

Imagine that you’re a recruiter.

You’ve been asked to find the ideal candidate in a global search. You’ll be paid thirty percent of that candidate’s $375K first year salary, so there’s no room for failure. The candidate will have to manage a $30B division of a $100B medical device company. That division has 12,000 employees in Europe, Asia, and the U.S.

Would you dream of looking for and presenting your client with a candidate who has managed, at most, a local $20M shop with 200 employees?  Continue reading →

Filed under: About Recruiters, Job Search Tips, Resume Updates, Resume Writing | Tagged: , , , , | Leave a comment »

Creating Affinity With Your Job Search Audience

Posted on May 9, 2010 by The Résumé Studio

Creating Job Search AffinityI’m a résumé writer. You already know that.

But did you know I’ve taught piano since 1986? Did you know one of my favorite non-fiction authors is Malcolm Gladwell? Did you know that I’m all about finding the right fit and not forcing things?

Knowing these details about me may, or may not, create affinity with you. If I told you I’d run a marathon or climbed a mountain (marathon no, mountain yes), I might even elicit mild appreciation.

There’s some risk in telling you, though. By breaking a professional barrier, I’ve opened myself to criticism if you don’t think a great résumé writer can also be a great piano teacher.

But get this. I’ve also opened myself up to the opportunity for a stronger tie to you if you understand the connection these elements have in my life and feel greater affinity towards me as a result.

The same “affinity marketing” ideas can be mirrored in cover letters. Here’s how.  Continue reading →

Filed under: Cover Letters, Inspiration, Job Search Tips, Resume Writing | Tagged: , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Launch time!

Posted on March 27, 2010 by The Résumé Studio

After years of being a résumé writing weapon for clients, toiling away behind the scenes, it’s time to step into the light!

How many times does a writer get to say that?

So what’s this blog all about? Good question.

Sure, my work requires a deep understanding of the traditional issues orbiting around my clients, their day-to-day challenges, and the path to help them reach their dreams.

But it also requires watching what’s on the cutting edge of the job seeker’s horizon. What norms should never be broken (until they are), and where can a job seeker test the limits?

Through it all, I’m a believer in packaging truth in a super-easy and understandable way. I do that flawlessly in executive résumés, but this blog will test my skills in a new medium.

I hope you find something valuable for having read it. Off we go!

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