Job-Search Strategy

What They Mean By “Executive Presence,” and How to Get It

by Robert Hellmann • Job-Search Strategy, On-the-job Success

Every so often, a client will share feedback they’ve received along these lines: “I was told I need greater executive presence to land that C-suite promotion,” or “They turned me down for the role because I didn’t have enough executive presence.” This feedback can sound like a verdict on who you are. It’s very addressable, however, if you focus on the underlying traits driving executive presence, meaning their confidence in your readiness to lead with credibility and authority.

How to Spot Job Search Scams and Protect Yourself

by Robert Hellmann • General, Getting Interviews, Interviewing, Job-Search Strategy

Job Search Scam Artist — ^{Too good to be true? | Shutterstock}

Job search scams are rising with the growth of AI; more of my job-search clients, from the C-suite on down, are being approached with convincing scam opportunities. Below, I explain how to spot them by analyzing an actual scam message that hoodwinked some recipients. This scam message was sent using a real recruiter’s hacked LinkedIn account, which made the deception more believable (note: if you ever suspect your LinkedIn account has been hacked, get help here).

Want More Job Offers? Be the Best B2B Salesperson – For Yourself

by Robert Hellmann • Job-Search Strategy

The fastest way to job offers: “sell” yourself

In a job search, your “job” is now sales — you’re the product. And it’s not just any kind of sales. It’s B2B sales: a relationship-driven process where you’re selling a high-value solution (yourself) to sophisticated buyers (hiring decision-makers) who take their time with job offers, involve multiple stakeholders, and don’t respond to hard closes. The best B2B salespeople and the most effective job seekers share four underlying qualities.

How to Spend Your Limited Job Search Time

by Robert Hellmann • Job-Search Strategy

Take a strategic approach to prioritizing your time

In a job search, time can be your scarcest resource; if you’re not focused on the highest-ROI actions, it’s easy for weeks to quickly pass with no offers, especially at senior levels where the roles are fewer. You can jump-start your results with a strategic approach to prioritization. So, what to do first when you can’t do everything?

Rather than relying on gut feel or defaulting to whatever lands in your inbox first, try evaluating each job search activity against three criteria, each scored on a scale of 1 to 3:

Layoffs Looming? Safeguard Your Career With These 7 Steps

by Robert Hellmann • Job-Search Strategy, On-the-job Success

Fired senior executive packing his boxes — It doesn’t have to be this way | Shutterstock

If you’re concerned about job security – hearing rumours, expecting change, or worried about an uncertain economy – don’t wait. Use these seven approaches to either avoid a layoff, make the most of it (yes a layoff can be an opportunity), or set yourself up for a quick move.

3 Reasons to Turn Down a “Good” Job Offer

by Robert Hellmann • Interviewing, Job-Search Strategy, Negotiation, On-the-job Success

Accepting the wrong offer can cost you dearly despite a big compensation package. As one client put it: “I should never have accepted their offer; it was a toxic environment and I was not set up for success, but I was blinded by the money and prestige.” You can reduce the odds of accepting the wrong job offer by asking yourself three questions:

Planning a Career Pivot? Become the Perfect Candidate

by Robert Hellmann • Career Change, Getting Interviews, Interviewing, Job-Search Strategy

Sandcastle dreaming of being perfect — You can be the perfect candidate | SHUTTERSTOCK

If you’re using your job search to land a more senior position or shift gears into a new industry or role, you may face a disadvantage; you will be competing with candidates already established in similar positions, so you won’t appear to be the perfect candidate.

The key to overcoming this perception lies in three crucial strategies: first, sound like an insider in your chosen

Top 5 Reasons Your Job Search is Taking Too Long

by Robert Hellmann • Getting Interviews, Interviewing, Job-Search Strategy

Looking for a job can be an arduous process; even the most experienced executives can feel frustrated. Understanding the underlying reasons for slow progress can help you jump-start your results. Below are actionable strategies that address the top five drivers of long searches, so you can start landing more interviews and offers.

Boost Job Search Results by Monitoring 5 Key Performance Indicators

by Robert Hellmann • Getting Interviews, Job-Search Strategy

Improve results with these metrics | Shutterstock

Landing the job you want quickly requires more than just a well-crafted resume and a compelling LinkedIn profile; you need an effective job search strategy. A key part of this job search strategy involves making lots of the right connections. To be sure you’re playing this numbers game to win, monitor these five KPIs. You’ll learn how to refine your strategy to improve results and

How to Use Seasonal Slowdowns to Advance Your Career

by Robert Hellmann • Career Change, Getting Interviews, Job-Search Strategy, On-the-job Success

When the job market or pace of work slows—whether during the summer months or the holiday season—seize this opportunity to propel your career forward; engage in essential decision-making, strategic planning, and relationship-building. Or focus on creating your job search “marketing materials” including your resume and LinkedIn profile. By making the most of these slower times, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running when things pick up. Here’s how to leverage these moments for maximum benefit.

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