Executive Career Insights

Don't Tell Me, Show Me - The New Executive Interview Tests

I understand that the job market is tough, but it seems like some executives have to jump through more hoops to land the right opportunity.

I came across an article today in the Wall Street Journal, Employers Put Executive Candidates To The Test;- no longer can you depend on what your resume says and giving impressive answers in an interview, you may have to actually go through a business simulation or leadership challenge simulation to seal the deal.

"Getting the right people is paramount to what we're trying to do now,'' explains Thomas Ruddy, vice president of talent management at the medical-technology concern. Becton expanded its use of assessments after gaining confidence in their value, says Colleen White, a company spokeswoman. Management assessments are booming again as companies scramble to find the best leaders amid a hiring rebound. "Our U.S. executive-assessment business increased more than 30% in 2010," says Matt Paese, a vice president of Development Dimensions International. The human-resources consultancy is a major provider of assessments for picking or promoting top managers. Major rivals such as PDI Ninth House describe similar recent gains.

About 72% of 516 employers now use assessments to help make executive promotion decisions, nearly twice the proportion doing so in a 2010 survey, reports Aberdeen Group, a market-research firm. Those polled this year said their evaluations comprise a variety of cognitive, behavioral, simulation and motivational tests. (Read full article on executive job "assessments") 

Wow - so if you really want the job, you have to do your homework, huh? Well, I have always been a big proponent of doing extensive company research, understanding the company's key challenges, and using specific not hypothetical examples of business solutions you have devised and executed in the past. Think about it this way, if you are going to have heart surgery, which individual will give you the most peace of mind? The doctor who have never done or you may be his FIRST patient OR the seasoned medical professional who has done surgery on hundreds of patients? Of course, we can respect the fact that everyone has his/her FIRST patient/project/client/program, but depending on the situation, you (your target company) will not want to be the guinea pig:)

Preparing for the big "test"

-- Review your resume for quick talking points on your top achievements.

-- Develop one pagers on each of your achievements and break them into Business Challenge-Action Steps-Results.

-- Think about your frame of mind during each of your mini case studies; evaluate what worked and what didn't work; refresh your memory on what tactics helped you stay focused on the end goal.

-- Last, but not least, be yourself - you may want the position, but never forget that the right fit is also very important...don't get hung up trying to force a round peg into a square hole.

Have any of you taken assessments, simulation assignments or psychology tests as part of an executive interview? Would love to hear about your experiences.

Related posts:

You're a successful executive, show me the proof?

 In executive interviews, there is a two-way evaluation

 

Are You Slowly Becoming Obsolete In Your Career?

I was recently thinking about how much my business marketing efforts have changed and evolved over the years.

I remember back in 1997 when having an advertisement in the Yellow Pages directory really opened doors for me and had my phone ringing off the hook.

A few years after that, I worked diligently to launch a monthly newsletter and my first website that I proudly promoted on business cards and mentioned in speaking engagements.

Fast forward to today, I have become an expert on balancing all my social media tools (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, VisualCV) to stay in contact with my target audience and it still seems like it's not enough.

What does all this technology mean for you and your job?

• What technological advances have directly impacted your industry and your job?
• What new programs and certifications have gained popularity in your profession?
• What new tools and resources seem to be penetrating your daily work responsibilities?
• What online social media tools have changed how you source employeers or contractors?

 Bottom line is that you don't want to be obsolete while the rest of the world around you is changing. 

* Don't fall behind on your professional development - whether it means a new certificate or taking a class every year, stay on top of technology changes.

* Overcome fear and jump right into it - I remember creating a Twitter account and then avoiding it for months because it was too new and felt too complicated. There are plenty of resources, blogs and helpful tips that can take you from novice to pro on any technology tool today.

*  Subscribe to online newsletters, take advantage of free teleseminars and webinars, and follow the Tweeets or blogs of technology trend setters.

* Don't think you have to become a technology guru overnight - your goal is to stay abreast and stay current, they are technology tools or software applications that I don't use everyday. The point is that I know they exist, I am familiar with them and if my job ever depended on them, I would figure it out. 

 Other helpful posts that can increase your comfort level with new technology:

How do you rank digitally?

Blogging to save your career

Maximizing social media

Going public with your job search

PS: Let's not even talk about cell phones, PDAs, portable computers and Blackberries - I am still trying to catch up in that area:)

Your Executive Career Guide - Advice Your Career Can Grow On

Wouldn't it be great if all our career paths were simple, streamlined and predictable? Okay, back to reality....in a world where career progression is often disrupted, stalled or shifted due to family issues, personal transitions, downsizing and economic downturns, the only real weapon that you have for long-term career success is to be adequately prepared.

So I have decided to compile my most popular posts from over the years and create a categorized executive career guide that match any employment or job search situation.

Stunk in a dead-end job search, struggling over career change options, feeling disillusioned about career mistakes, or looking to shine at your next peformance review?

Here are practical solutions that can get you moving in the right direction

Building a ROI Executive Resume

 Are you missing the resume boat

Resume best practices

Is your professional resume carrying your career baggage?

 

Executive Job Search

Six steps to ultimate job search success 

If you want a new job, learn to love marketing

Don't sour about your executive job search

 

Executive Job Interviews

Making the interviewer your biggest ally

Surprising interview mistakes you need to avoid

Let Your STARS shine in your next interview

 

Executive Career Growth

Are underestimating your career worth

Increase your career options through professional development

Executive career resolutions that you can grow on

 

Career Strategies for Executive Women

Executive women and leadership roles

Bragging versus self promoting

Getting heard in the workplace

 

Executive Career Change

 Changing careers without magic tricks

Finding the right to change careers

Going from corporate employee to entreprenuer

Moving Beyond Your Career Mistakes

I clearly remember the level of frustration and despair from a client a few years ago when she could not forgive herself or move past old career decisions that haunted her later.

Whether its accepting a lower-paying position, making a sudden career change or transitioning to a new industry, we can all look back with some regret over past career choices.

The challenge is working hard to find the hidden "gems", embracing the learning experiences and positioning yourself for optimal career growth.

Sounds logical, but a lot harder to execute in reality. There has to be nothing more discouraging and deflating than having to give your best in an environment that does not support your talent and top strengths.

However, instead of complaining and throwing in the towel, let's examine a few career rebounding techniques that can get you back on track:

1) Release Yourself Emotionally

Take a deep breath and begin to forgive yourself. For more than a decade of providing executive career services, I am yet to meet a client with a perfect career background. I have met talented executives who all have some unique challenges that need to be addressed in their personal marketing strategies.

So don't keep lamenting past decisions and engage a more positive mindset before making long-term critical career decisions. An immediate remedy is to minimize that "hard-to-explain" job's space on your current resume and career marketing documents.

2)   Learn To Shine In The Storm

Many executives caught in unfulfilling job situations are feeling trapped in this economy as new, better suited opportunities are harder to find. Determine if your current position is a really complete loss

 - explore the possibilities of getting re-assigned to more challenging roles

- evaluate how far off you really are from your career goals

- compete for internal leadership opportunities even if it is in a different field

- make an overall commitment to yourself to give and do your very best until you can change jobs

Don't underestimate how a powerful testimony or referral can support you when it's time to get back on your feet.

3) Advance Your Training

Is there a new certification or degree program that you have been wanting to complete, but never had the time? Keep yourself challenged and motivated by enrolling in evening classes or online programs. What better way to take full advantage of a lull in your career growth than to enhance your competencies and marketability.

4) Look For Leadership Opportunities

Anticipate your story and start building your selling points - seek out leadership roles within your community, professional/local associations and even alumni groups. Be proactive in filling the "gap" in your career path because once you start an aggressive job search, you will need strong achievements and S.T.A.R. stories to overcome your career shortcomings.

5) Develop And Launch An Aggressive Job Search

If the situation feels too unbearable, focus your energies and efforts toward landing a better position - get your executive resume in order and execute a highly focused and strategic job search - with career glitches working against you, your efforts have to be consistent, time and time again.

Check out these related posts on executive job search:

Top five things to do if laid off (these tips work in any career rebound situation)

Powering your job search with social media

Six job search strategies that work

Executive resume best practices

4 Ways To Keep Track Of Your Annual Achievements

I cannot count the number of times that I have collaborated with executive men and women on their career marketing strategies only to find out that they have not done a good job keeping track of their career achievements.

How would you like to actually look forward to the annual review process instead of feeling like it is a tug-and-war game?

You cannot confidently walk into a meeting with senior management and negotiate a raise or a promotion without solid evidence to support your cause.

Here are five easy steps you can follow to make sure that your career accomplishments and personal contributions to the company don't get overlooked:

1) Project or Case Study Summaries

At the end of every major project, summarize the details and work involved in the project - like number of people you manage, size of budget, time constraints, and any other critical information.

-- Think of the project/case like a puzzle in terms of Challenge-Actions- Results (see previous post on this topic)

-- Make sure that the final results are quantified as much as possible, don't simply say that productivity improvement, describe the turnaround - for example, new technology solutions allowed users to complete analysis process in 48 hours instead of two weeks.

2) Kudos / High Fives

We have all received a "great-job-done" email or note from a very happy boss, customer or vendor. In addition to thanking the sender, keep the notes/emails in an online folder or print out hard copies and store in a file.

-- Write brief notes about the related project or task that prompted the testimonial, so you can use it in conversations with you boss or make references to it in your self-appraisal write ups.

3) Thought Leadership / New Knowledge

If you have been selected to participate in an executive leadership or development program, keep track of important statistics like the number of applicants, qualifications or characteristics of participants, or whether it is an accelerated program.

-- Keep a list of any new classes that have expanded your knowledge or expertise in a vital area of the company's business should be emphasized in your notes.

-- More importantly, be able to explain how your new level of expertise can directly contribute to the company's success. 

4) Board / Speaker Participation

A great indication of your leadership expertise can come through your participation in external company boards, internal committees, representation on behalf of company at conferences and trade shows or simply being the spokesperson for your project team.

-- Monitor your monthly events and your participation in high-profile activities with key industry leaders and top company employees.

The next time you schedule an informal meeting with your boss (as suggested in this post) or have to discuss next steps in your career development, come prepared with a diversified list of accomplishments that can "wow" your boss and management team.

7 Reasons Every Professional Woman Needs A Mentor

Who do you turn to in times of personal turmoil? Who is that person with the voice of reason and trust in your life? Who ALWAYS has your back through the best and the worst of times?

We all have someone whether it is a sister, best friend, or trusted colleague that we share our life changes with - someone we express our concerns to and from whom we gladly accept unbiased advice and direction.

Who do you call when your career is in trouble? If you are simply turning to close friends and family when you are stuck in your career progress, you are missing out on a vital resource that can benefit you for years to come - a mentor. 

Every professional woman should have a mentor. A mentor is ideally someone who is a supportive ally, who can offer you exposure to major assignments, help position you for promotions and serve as your personal cheerleader as your advance in your career.

Still not sure that a mentor will your career a much needed boost? Here are seven reasons:

1) Direct introduction or referrals to top players in your organization especially if you work in a very large, multi-layered organization.

2) Personal guidance on building strong relationships and getting access to key individuals who can help you excel in your career.

3) Access to the inside scoop on corporate culture and tips for navigating company politics or learning to "play the game."

4) Recommendations for high-profile projects and company initiatives and even strong support for new internal job opportunities.

5) Advice on your business strategy, your personal communication skills and honest feedback on your professional reputation.

6) Information on what is going on at the top of the company and long-term issues that would impact your career growth.

7) Good direction on how to balance work and life demands without sacrificing your career goals.

So, what makes an ideal mentor? It really depends on where you are in your career and what your immediate priorities are, however, a good rule of thumb to follow is:

-- someone who is very successful in his/her career, a respected leader, an excellent communicator and who genuinely encourages and supports others in the same profession or field.

-- someone who is direct, honest and can give valuable, constructive criticism and advice.

-- someone who is well-connected, active in volunteer/community activities and very politically astute.

Over at CareerWomen.com, a quick poll revealed that 62% of women have mentors. Can you identify someone today who will serve as a great mentor?

2010 Career Resolutions That Really Work

2010 is a unique year - it is the not only the start of a brand, new year, it is also the beginning of a new decade. Why not make a real commitment to your career success beyond the generic promise of "getting a better job"?

I can help you get started with five new career management strategies that would benefit you for years to come:

1) Have a SMART career plan

True professional success and career mastery don't just happen or fall into place because of good luck - it takes careful planning, diligence and commitment to become a well respected, trusted authority in your industry and profession.

-- Determine where you want to be in the next 12 - 36 months

-- Conduct a gap analysis to identify what you need in terms of education, experience and advanced training/education that will take you to the next level -- Seek out mentors, key industry players and other successful professionals you admire and start connecting with them and building solid relationships.

-- Write down your career aspirations on paper to make them real and personal to you; partner with a career coach to help keep you motivated and on track.

2) Build a strong personal brand and get visible

Your career success is directly tied to your ability to stand out from your peers and colleagues. There are several things that you do better than anyone else and you have to be able to communicate that to employers and recruiters.

Your career/personal brand should clearly reflect and promote your areas of expertise and your unique promise of value.

-- Develop a plan for own personal brand identity system that includes both online and offline strategies.

-- Create and keep an updated LinkedIn profile and make sure it includes recommendations from previous employers and colleagues.

-- Get creative and bring your personal brand and career reputation to life with a VisualCV.

-- Compile a brief Google profile so that you are easily found when interested employers and recruiters want to learn more about you.

-- Join and actively participate in company blogs, industry forum and professional online discussion - it is an excellent way to promote your knowledge and establish yourself as a thought leader.

3) Know your value in a nutshell

Your perceived value ROI to companies is directly related the type of salary you can command in your industry and the leverage you have in terms of raises, promotions and bonuses.

However, if you don't know and understand your true value, you cannot wait for someone else to figure it out for you.

-- Be proactive in chronicling your career achievements every six to twelve months.

-- Consider your direct impact and contributions to your company in terms of revenue growth, cost savings, image reputation, customer attraction, market expansion, technology integration and much more.

-- Focus on quantifying your achievements as dollars, cents and percentages really create a compelling story.

-- Keep your resume updated and don't wait until there is a crisis to have a portfolio of career marketing documents handy.

4) Build a network and get in the mix

No matter how good you are, success in today's corporate and work environment is a lot easier when you have a vibrant, active and growing professional and personal network.

-- Volunteer for internal and external company events and take advantage of opportunities to represent the company at conferences, forums and trade shows. 

-- Join two or three professional and industry organizations that you can participate in on a regular basis.

-- Think outside the box and seek out new relationships and partnerships with clients, vendors and strategic partners.

5) Commit to being a lifelong learner

I distinctly remember working with a client several years ago who was laid off from an industry that got through a complete transformation due to technology innovation. She was at a loss when determining her next career move because she had not done anything in 20 years to stay competitive, marketable or employable in her field.

-- Pay attention to evolving trends in your industry and identify the major skills and/or new technologies that are important.

-- Use annual association conferences and local business events as opportunities for informal education.

-- Research and register for appropriate e-courses, training programs and professional certification classes that would directly benefit your career.

 

For more information, check out:

It's December 23rd - Do you know where your network is?

Revisiting resume best practices

Build and promote your online presence

Powering Up Your Annual Performance Reviews

Most professionals I know dislike the process of annual performance reviews as much as they dislike job interviews.

Why is this annual routine so greatly disliked and viewed the dreaded moment that you have to come face-to-face with the big boss?

I am thinking that if you spent the entire year preparing for performance reviews and keeping track of your achievements and kudos, you would be in a better position to discuss your value to the company, highlight your contributions, and negotiate a salary increase or promotion to your advantage.

I cannot tell you how many executives that I have worked with who have forgotten their career achievements or lost sight of their major career milestones. While you may have a great relationship with your immediate boss, don't be fooled into believing that he/she will remember how you have excelled or everything you have done in the previous 12 months.

Here are a few strategies to keep in mind that can make your next annual review go a lot smoother:

Keep solid, verifiable records of everything using either a word document or Excel spreadsheet; frequently monitor your career activities and conduct frequent updates at the 3-month, 6-month, 9-month and 12-month marks.

Make sure that your personal career files include the following:

-- Achievements/successes you have made outside the scope of your responsibilities - think in terms of innovation, direct impact to company, areas of improvement, cost savings, revenue growth, efficiency etc.

-- Specific project-related challenges or goals you faced and how you overcame them. (consider the S-T-A-R approach or developing a Critical Leadership Initiatives document)

-- Descriptions of how you have addressed or exceeded individual and management-directed goals from your previous performance review

-- List any improvements you have made to your skills, competencies, and areas of expertise - training courses, advanced degrees or certifications

-- An outline any internal programs, projects or initiatives that you volunteered to lead or were selected for participation

-- Copies of "kudos" emails and letters gained through routine comments and unsolicited feedback from clients, vendors, strategic partners, managers and colleagues

 

Abby M. Locke of Premier Writing Solutions (www.premierwriting.com) is a master resume writer and career marketing architect who helps talented professionals and senior-level executives to achieve career success through cutting-edge, brand-focused career documents, innovative job search tools, and proactive career management strategies.