This is a new feature of Self-Perspective. If you have questions regarding your resume, career branding, social media or career transition, send us an email. This first edition includes frequently asked questions we have received over the last year.
- I am a candidate in more than one search. They are all progressing at a different pace. How and when should I communicate this information to the various recruiters?
Most executive recruiters will ask you about other searches when they interview you. You do not have to give specific information, but it is always nice to let them know where you stand.No executive recruiter wants to be surprised a day or two before submitting their recommended panel, that you have taken another job. That said, not all executive recruiters are the same. Some will drop you sooner than later to avoid last minute “complications”. But, the vast majority of search consultants know that if you are a top performer there will be competition for your services, especially if you are in career transition. Communicating with the recruiter regarding your status helps them serve their client by having another top candidate at the ready for a last minute substitution. - What contact information should I include in my resume? Why is my address important?
For senior executives, the following contact information is strongly recommended for the “stack”: name, professional credentials but not graduate degrees unless you have earned a doctorate, your residential address, your telephone number(s), a dedicated job search email address (make it an active link) and your LinkedIn profile URL, also as an active link. Since a physical address is required for most background searches, not including it on your resume can be a yellow flag for search firm researchers. Why wouldn’t you include it? It begs the obvious: what are you trying to gloss over? The first rule of thumb in looking for a job is not to give the initial resume screeners a reason to eliminate you from future consideration.When listing your telephone numbers, delineate between home and cell and only use your office telephone number if your boss knows you will be leaving the organization. Recruiters are hyper sensitive about protecting your confidentiality so letting them know where they are calling is helpful. Regarding using your work email, be aware that some large companies employ sophisticated scanning programs which scan incoming mail and flag suspicious activity, including “poachers”, headhunters hoping to steal top talent. The courts have ruled you have no expectation of privacy when using company computers and email addresses. Making your email and LinkedIn URL active links makes it easier for the researchers and recruiters to contact you or check out your on-line profile. - My resume consultant wants to use color boxes with quotes from references or other notable facts that will attract the attention of the recruiters. Does this work? How will it reflect on my brand?
From a recruiter’s perspective, don’t. It is an unnecessary distraction. We are more interested in a specific career summary that speaks to the needs of a specific client and highlights your relevant quantifiable accomplishments. The resume is a core branding document. Given that a researcher’s average “first look” at a resume is between 15 to 20 seconds, do not waste valuable “real estate” at the top of the resume with graphics or a listing of skills that reads exactly like the 85 other resumes that have been received for the same search. Quotes from references or colleagues touting your skill are not half as impressive (or appropriate) as evidence of your value with quantifiable accomplishments as proof.