Online CV help with Job Changes

I recently read an article in the NY Times by Jon Picoult, an executive, speaker and author from NYC, known for helping businesses inspire their employees. He mentioned that as the economy allows it, many workers will be looking to change jobs.

As a résumé writer and career strategist, I see this happening daily.  More often than not, clients who come to me for career strategy planning are dissatisfied with their current position and are looking to expand their horizons despite the soft economy.

During the late 90’s, amidst the ‘dot com’ era, people were extremely secure in their jobs. Nevertheless, the allure of something bigger and better constantly fueled career changes. There is no difference today – the desire to jump ship, as it were, for something bigger or better remains a key reason why people focus on the ‘grass is always greener’ principle.

The big difference is that today’s job seeker will not get a large sign-on bonus and without a killer résumé, they won’t get the interview – let alone the offer. It is no longer enough to slap together a basic résumé with a few reference letters.

• The executives who are getting new positions in the current economy are the ones who stand out from the crowd. 
• Today’s savvy business professional is taking advantage of cutting edge job search resources. 
• In addition to having a stellar résumé that has been written professionally, they are paying top dollar for optimized LinkedIn profiles, interview preparation coaching, and Visual CV’s.

It has been said that a picture is worth a thousand words.  Our clients, who have been wise enough to take advantage of the new Visual CV, recognize the value of showcasing career successes in an online forum. They have experienced increases responses despite the sluggish economy.  Why? Because they are getting ahead of the curve and showcasing their strengths in a way that engages hiring managers. 

There are more and more job shifts occurring as the downturn lingers. After all, how long can one take on the responsibilities of 2 or even 3 people who have gone by the wayside?  The natives get restless! They want a change and may be seeking a more stable firm, more money, or both.  

As top candidates position themselves to find new, more promising opportunities, corporations will need to shift their focus from layoffs to employee retention again.  It is no longer just the unemployed who are out looking for new positions. There is stiff competition in the marketplace. This is why the senior executives we speak with are increasingly interested in our most effective career products.

If you are thinking of jumping ship, be sure to consult a well respected professional career strategist for information on the hottest trends to market yourself to potential employers in the new economy. You cannot afford to have any holes in your life raft if you want to stay well afloat!