EXECUTIVE COACHING www.ceotodaymagazine.com 51 they felt a need to get career services?” “Is it that the client no longer wants to be in the industry they are in?” “Is it because they have a terrible boss and can’t stand working for them anymore?” “Are they ready to level up their career?” I can go on and on with the reasons clients initially say they need a resume, when in fact they need to understand what prompted them to contact me. Through the coaching process, the client will get a clear understanding of the direction they want to proceed and of course with the help of the coach that will guide them every step of the way. This process will lead the client to get a clear understanding of their deepest desire to make the big career move and then do it. The other key area is their career portfolio, which includes a resume/CV, Linkedin, digital portfolios, and branding. Let me clarify that there is always more to work on when it comes to a career portfolio, but the resume/CV must be done correctly. Career changers of today are dealing with applicant tracking systems (ATS) that scan resumes quickly and through a process of keyword matching and automation, applicants are being selected for the next step in the interview process or eliminated. Many times, clients say that they applied online and have received automated rejection notifications in their email inbox. Sadly, I listen and explain that the applicant tracking system has just eliminated them from the hiring process. This leaves clients feeling disappointed, frustrated, and upset. It’s understandable, but there is hope with the ATS Keyword Optimisation method that we use to help clients get their resumes chosen and not rejected. It is also important that their resumes are well designed and written. Please notice that I said designed and written and not just written. Yes, even that has changed over the years. The days of having a single-page chronological resume are over! Clients should put some thought into the design of the resume as I consider myself a futuristic person and a year before the COVID-19 pandemic impacted us, I started training a team of coaches on how to coach virtually. We used Zoom and went through a series of training sessions and then took it a step further to have our employer partners come along for the ride. When the pandemic hit, we just flipped the switch to virtual coaching. It was a smooth and easy pivot where many in the coaching industry were struggling with how they were going to service clients virtually. This is what I mean when I say look into the future and foresee where your career is headed. Consider if there will be a career for you as you know it today or if there is going to be a big disruption like it has for so many millions around the globe the last two years. The second big piece of advice is that career changers should be proactive in their career development. The process of learning, gaining new skills, and keeping their career up to date with the latest tools and techniques is necessary. They should not wait for a new budget year to seek professional development; especially these days where professional development is the first to come off the budget line when things are financially tight. Seeking professional development opportunities will set executives apart from the competition. I always ask my clients, “what sets you apart from everyone else who may have the same qualifications?” Many times, they don’t know how to answer this question. However, through the coaching process, I see their faces light up when they realise that they have many attributes and strengths that are unique to them. Therefore, I love using a Strengths-based approach because it allows clients to see and utilise their greatest strengths, which will get them to their career goal fast than if they were working on their weaknesses. much as the written portion. So, it’s not easy to be selected as a candidate for an executive-level position. It’s complicated to be a career changer of today! That’s why in my practice, I help clients every step of the way. Let’s talk about personal and professional branding a bit because it’s become a showstopper for many clients. Their online presence matters as much as their resume now and I believe that online portfolios and platforms like Linkedin will eventually replace resumes and cover letters. It’s already happening. While the process of getting hired can be slow, it’s also happening in lighting speed if the client is well prepared and has everything needed to put their best foot forward. Clients’ professional branding, meaning who they are seen as through the eyes of recruiters or business partners’ matters. I always tell clients that their online activities, posted pictures and comments are like wearing permanent tattoos. So, I always advise clients to do an online presence sweep and delete any unfavourable tags, comments, and images. Especially in the C-Suite space. Next, I will work with a client to build their online presence and coach them on how to maintain it. In a sense, we have all become online marketers’ whether we want to admit it or not. Especially as we are conducting business online and virtually. What are your top tips for people struggling with their career development? Outside of seeking a professional executive career coach, clients must keep an open mind and think about all the possible ways in which they can pivot their careers. Careers and jobs are being eliminated by automation. This is happening as we speak, and career changers need to understand that they will only be as marketable as they are prepared for during the economic, political, and world event pivots. Website: https://www.signaturecareers.org Linkedin Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/analiamendez/
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