Monthly Archives: November 2011

As networking (in-person and online) is such an important part of the job search, it’s important to use common courtesy when reaching out to colleagues and acquaintances in both situations.  In a face-to-face meeting, if you break the rules of networking etiquette – coming on too strong, telling an off-color joke, etc. – you’ll be remembered, but for the wrong reasons!

A few basic networking rules to remember:

1) Make a good impression with a strong introduction.

2) Keep it brief – this is the time for that two-minute elevator speech!

3) Focus on the positive! This is not the time for aired grievances or sad stories.

4) Be a good listener – take the time to pay attention to – and file in your memory – the key points from your contact’s elevator speech.

5) Pass on your business card – again keep it brief. Better yet, create a networking business card (mini resume) and you’re covering both bases at once!

Colleen Reyerson is a Certified Expert Resume Writer (CERW) and principal of Executive Resumes Atlanta (www.ExecutiveResumesAtlanta.com), an Atlanta, GA executive resume writing service specializing in career marketing solutions for six- and seven-figure job seekers. Member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PARW/CC) (www.parw.com), the National Resume Writer’s Association (NRWA) (www.thenrwa.com), Career Directors International (CDI) (www.careerdirectors.com), and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) www.bbb.org/ERA.

Executive presence is a term used to describe the aura of leadership surrounding effective decision-makers. Executives with presence exude self confidence, and are strategic, decisive and assertive, according to a study released by the Center for Work-Life Policy, a New York think tank.

In the current sluggish economy, companies struggling to recover are finding it more important than ever to find strong leadership with that executive presence. Large companies such as Intel Corp. and Morgan Stanley have established programs to educate their aspiring leaders on executive presence. Ambitious mid-level staffers at Intel are shown how to present effectively through a discussion of “constructive confrontation” and simulated meetings with an executive audience.

Tips to improve your executive presence:

• Avoid gesturing excessively
• Counter the urge to interrupt by counting to four before you reply
• Stand or sit large to show that you take up space
• Use qualifiers sparingly as they tend to imply a lack of confidence
• Refrain from clasping your hands behind your back as this can be perceived as deceptive
• Practice and perfect a firm handshake

Rosalind Hudnell, Intel’s chief diversity officer, created a “Command Presence” workshop for its rising female technical stars. She recalls that her survival in the corporate environment long “depended on my being able to command a room.” She believes executive presence also involves the ability to command other leaders.

To assess and bolster your executive presence, the experts recommend first identifying your strengths and weaknesses. James Citrin, a CEO recruiter for search firm Spencer Stuart, suggests keeping a journal based on workplace observations of executives with authoritative presence and imitate their behaviors that feel comfortable and natural to you.  Also ask for candid feedback from colleagues, who tend to notice flaws in your executive presence.

Source: Wall Street Journal Careers – http://online.wsj.com/article

Colleen Reyerson is a Certified Expert Resume Writer (CERW) and principal of Executive Resumes Atlanta (www.ExecutiveResumesAtlanta.com), an Atlanta, GA executive resume writing service specializing in career marketing solutions for six- and seven-figure job seekers. Member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PARW/CC) (www.parw.com), the National Resume Writer’s Association (NRWA) (www.thenrwa.com), Career Directors International (CDI) (www.careerdirectors.com), and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) www.bbb.org/ERA.

Earlier this year, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution partnered with consulting group Workplace Dynamics to survey 40,000 employees of small, midsize and large Atlanta companies nominated as a Top Workplace. Employees graded the companies on six areas, including the direction of the company, execution, work conditions, career paths, management, and pay/benefits. The initial 495 nominated companies were narrowed down to a field of 166 eligible finalists, and finally resulting in the top 15 winners, five in each category:

Top Large Workplaces:

1. Woodward Academy Inc
2. Newell Rubbermaid Inc.
3. The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries
4. Alston & Bird LLP
5. IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group)

Top Midsize Workplaces:

1. LeasePlan USA
2. Hall Booth Smith & Slover, P.C.
3. Crossroads Hospice of Atlanta
4. Northwest Exterminating
5. PBD Worldwide Fulfillment Services

Top Small Workplaces:

1. Peachtree Planning Corp
2. Bardi Heating & Air
3. Smith & Howard, P.C.
4. UroMed, Inc.
5. Taylor English Duma LLP

Source: http://www.ajc.com/business/topworkplaces

Colleen Reyerson is a Certified Expert Resume Writer (CERW) and principal of Executive Resumes Atlanta (www.ExecutiveResumesAtlanta.com), an Atlanta, GA executive resume writing service specializing in career marketing solutions for six- and seven-figure job seekers. Member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PARW/CC) (www.parw.com), the National Resume Writer’s Association (NRWA) (www.thenrwa.com), Career Directors International (CDI) (www.careerdirectors.com), and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) www.bbb.org/ERA.