By Deborah Wile Dib, CCM, CCMC, CEIP, JCTC, NCRW, CPRW

TIPS TO SHARE WITH YOUR CLIENTS

As NRWA members, we are leaders in our field, committed to learning and improving. Whether we focus on resume creation or offer coaching as well, we have a professional obligation to pass on our knowledge of "best practices" to help our clients move from reactive job search to proactive career management.

A client "tip sheet" is a good way to deliver topical information in a concise form that is client-centered and focused, yet designed to assist our clients in asking for additional support. Such support can come from us or from one of our strategic partners.

To that effect, here is some concise "executive job-search wisdom" to share with your clients:

First, set the stage by exploding job search myths and EXPLAINING THAT EXECUTIVE JOB SEARCH AND CAREER MANAGEMENT IS NOT:

* Immediately preparing a historical/biographical resume

* Calling recruiters as a major focus of the search

* Answering want ads/internet ads as another major focus of the search

* Asking friends/colleagues if they know of openings

* Waiting for the phone to ring

Then, advise your executive clients to ask for supportive assistance in multiple areas by DEMONSTRATING THAT POWERFUL AND PRODUCTIVE EXECUTIVE CAREER MANAGEMENT IS:

* Personal assessment of skills, accomplishments, and character

* Branding and positioning

* Gathering market intelligence to determine and research targets

* Creating a branded, industry- and/or function-targeted resume

* Using industry/function-targeted (in the hundreds) rather than broad broadcast (in the thousands) mailings/e-mailings to recruiters, companies, and VC firms

* Developing relationships--personal, business, recruiters--and helping others

* Using professional and personal networks for corporate information gathering and decision-maker introduction activities more than for "Can you find me a job?" activities

* Delivering value--at the job and in business/personal situations--"serve to sell"

* Building visibility with professional activities (speaking, writing, etc.)

* Participating in ongoing education (on-the-job or formal)

* Building an executive portfolio of flexible branded personal marketing documents (resume, bio, executive summary, letters, leadership profile)

* Surrounding oneself with smart, accomplished, generous people

* "Paying it forward" by mentoring and helping others in career-building, thereby solidifying a reputation as a generous, smart, and successful leader

CLIENT EDUCATION IS A WIN-WIN

Chasing job leads is reactive; our clients must be proactive career managers. To become competitive players in our lightning-fast and highly volatile economy, our clients must learn to become branded, visible, and irresistible, thereby attracting the attention of boards-of-directors, top decision-makers, and recruiters.

Whether resume consultant, coach, or both, we must raise our clients' awareness of these foundational career-management concepts. In doing so we will provide a value-driven service that helps position our executives for success— success that reaches far beyond where our stellar resumes alone can take them.