In
today’s complex, highly competitive business environment where downsizing
of executives is the norm, it is imperative for mid- and senior-level
executives to take a more proactive approach in seeking an executive level
position. To achieve that end, CorporateWarriors.com has developed an
extraordinary technique for developing credentials of distinction.
This
technique is centered on a comprehensive presentation of the individual’s
expertise through a number of unique documents that can be customized
to each executive position. The technique, or system, requires extensive
preparation with many long, hard hours of work, but the end result is
a set of credentials second to none that will open doors to the best-paying
growth opportunities. Typically, these credentials will run six to ten
pages in length. In some unusual situations, the credentials have been
as long as 25 pages.
Initial
reaction by some to this approach is that it is too long and HR people
won’t read it. They are right in that HR people won’t read it,
but it will not be directed to the HR department. Rather, the credentials
will be presented to the key decision-maker; typically the president,
vice president, or department head. If the organization has a need for
someone with your expertise, the use of this approach by hundreds of CorporateWarriors.com
clients has demonstrated that it is definitely read and generates interviews
at a rate far greater than any other approach.
The
exact content of the portfolio will vary for each individual. Several
samples of complete credentials of distinction are included. Descriptions
of the most common elements of the portfolio are as follows:
Typically one full
page and possibly two pages. Every cover letter must be customized to the
specific situation. However, there is a standard format that can be used
to simplify the process. Cover letters include the reason for writing, synopsis
of your expertise, bulleted key accomplishments with reference to supporting
documentation, your reason for being in the job market, lead-in to key industry/position
issues and concerns, and the request for a personal meeting.
A two- or three-page
in-depth review of positions, responsibilities, accomplishments, education,
professional development, professional affiliations and community service.
One-page summaries
of key accomplishments you have achieved throughout your career. These summaries
should include a title, brief description of the problem or situation, a
bulleted list of your actions, and a two- or three-sentence quantitative/qualitative
summary of the results. You should develop at least six of these summaries
for use in different situations.
A
list of all the major projects in which you played a key role. The list
should be confined to one page. Each item typically will be limited to
one or two sentences. This document is particularly effective for engineers,
human resource managers and advertising executives where they have directed or served on project or account teams.
This document demonstrates
to the reader your intense interest in his/her company and industry. It
may include a summary of interviews with customers, distributors, associations
executives, employees, etc. It may also contain data on your field surveys
or review of competition.
This is an excellent
document for people doing dramatic career transitions. It can demonstrate
your knowledge and insight into key issues, technical matter, products or
the industry even though you may not have experience in the industry. Generally
this document will contain a summary of the information plus a bibliography
supporting your conclusions or information.
Examples include:
a one-page review of a patent, including application and benefit; a summary
of a software program you designed including application and benefit; a
synopsis of a book or article you published (if the article is not too long,
include a copy if the information is relevant to the position for which
you are applying.)
This can be the most
important document you create. In one page, using a bulleted or narrative
form, present the key issues relevant to the position or industry that you
would address if you were in that position. This document demonstrates your
insight, industry/position intelligence, initiative, and proactive thinking.
It is rare that any individual will take the time and effort to create this
document, but when properly used, it results in a grand-slam home run.
Initial
reaction by some to this approach is that it is too long and HR people
won’t read it. They are right in that HR people won’t read it,
but it will not be directed to the HR department. Rather, the credentials
will be presented to the key decision-maker; typically the president,
vice president, or department head. If the organization has a need for
someone with your expertise, the use of this approach by hundreds of CorporateWarriors.com
clients has demonstrated that it is definitely read and generates interviews
at a rate far greater than any other approach.