job search

  • At Briefcase Coach, an executive resume writing firm and career strategy consultancy, the team is deeply invested in the nuances of career development. One of the first questions Sarah Johnston asks clients is: Did you intentionally choose your career path, or did it evolve more serendipitously over time? This question gets to the core of…

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  • How to get an executive job in another country Did you know that 49% of Briefcase Coach readers have looked for a job in a different country? The global job market is more interconnected than ever, offering executives an opportunity to advance their careers through international roles. These positions provide access to dynamic markets, the…

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  • Navigating Career Transitions with Authentic Purpose: A Curated Career Conversation with Suzy Welch As the founder of Briefcase Coach, one of the world’s top executive career branding firms, I am always eager to bring fresh perspectives to professionals navigating career growth and leadership. Today, I am absolutely thrilled to talk with Suzy Welch—renowned author, speaker,…

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  • As an expert career strategist and leader of global executive branding firm Briefcase Coach, I am always looking for new insights and perspectives to share with my clients and the wider community of job seekers and employers. I recently had a fascinating conversation with Chip Conley, renowned author, speaker, and founder of the Modern Elder…

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  • The belief that long-term unemployment does not affect senior-level positions is a myth. Executives often face longer job searches compared to other professionals. The average duration of unemployment for laid-off workers is currently around 20.6 weeks (as of August 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). However, for senior-level roles, this period can be significantly longer…

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  • A Curated Career Conversation with vChief Founder, Madeleine Niebauer In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving business landscape, companies are constantly seeking innovative ways to access top-tier talent and expertise without the commitment of full-time hires. Enter fractional leadership, a rapidly growing trend that’s transforming the way organizations approach C-suite roles. To shed light on this exciting…

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  • We got “under the hood” on one of the leading applicant tracking systems. Here’s what you need to know. An applicant tracking system, or ATS, is the software recruiters rely on every day to manage job listings and process incoming applications.  As a job seeker, you’ve likely heard about ATS as an obstacle to landing…

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  • As the founder of Briefcase Coach, one of the top global executive career branding firms, I’ve found that job seekers at all levels are confused about recruiters’ role in the hiring process. There is also a mystery about how to work with recruiters. Today, I will continue my interview series with executive recruiters to help demystify…

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  • Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and hiring platforms like Greenhouse ATS have replaced Human Resources’s need for file cabinets filled with paper resumes. While these systems were created to improve efficiency in the hiring process, many people have mixed feelings about the technology, leading some to refer to ATS as “the black hole of death.” Greenhouse,…

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  • Climbing the corporate ladder and landing an executive position is no easy feat. It requires not just years of experience but also the ability to navigate the often intimidating executive interview process. While your resume may get you in the door, your performance in the interview is what will seal the deal. Avoid these top…

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  • Did you know there are FOUR different types of recruiters? Many job seekers are unaware of four types of recruiters: internal corporate recruiters, executive search recruiters, agency recruiters, and staffing recruiters. Each type of recruiter is compensated differently, either through salary, a retainer, or a fee for placement. I am excited to share my conversation…

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  • In the competitive realm of executive roles, your resume is the initial gateway to showcasing your qualifications and expertise. Among the various competencies and experiences, you may be tempted to include, highlighting specific leadership skills on your executive resume can significantly elevate your candidacy.  To stand out in the eyes of potential employers or executive…

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  • Are you an executive with an impressive multi-decade career and a memoir’s worth of accomplishments? Does this leave you uncertain about how far back your resume should go and/or how much emphasis to place on your early career? You’re not alone. In most instances, it’s advisable to focus on your most recent experience and experience…

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  • One of job seekers’ most frequently asked questions is, “How long should an executive resume be?” Unfortunately, a considerable amount of misleading information about resume writing is circulating on the internet. This advice is usually given by university career center staff to students, but it has been ingrained in our minds as an absolute truth.…

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  • A resume is THE cornerstone branding document in which all other career documents are built upon. For clear messaging that resonates with your target audience, a well-written resume is crucial. The resume is generally the first impression decision makers have to evaluate and may determine if the job seeker ever steps foot in the door.…

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  • In a competitive job market, dusting off the resume you used three jobs ago will not help you stand out. Knowing how to write a senior executive resume will help you highlight your achievements and showcase your personal brand. A well-done resume will also help employers know if you are aligned with the corporate culture.…

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  • A well-crafted resume serves as your passport to leadership roles, but articulating your story in a compelling way can be a challenge. Because your resume is often the first point of contact between you and potential employers, you want to create an initial impression that grabs a recruiter’s attention. A resume is not just a…

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  • Whether updating an old resume or crafting a new one, the first differences one might notice between older and modern examples are those that first meet the eye: formatting, design elements, color, call-out boxes, etc. However, while all of these elements are critically important in guiding the reader’s eye through the content of your resume,…

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  • For experienced professionals, simply dusting off the resume you used three jobs ago will not suffice in helping you stand out from the crowd in today’s competitive job market. Understanding how to write a senior executive resume will help you demonstrate your relevance to the job, showcase your personal brand to help employers determine if…

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  • As a senior executive, your resume is an important tool for showcasing your skills, experience, and achievements to potential employers. However, in today’s competitive job market, a traditional resume may not be enough to stand out from the crowd. That’s where the modernized senior executive resume comes in. A modern resume is a dynamic and…

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  • In the fast-paced world of personal branding and career development, gaining insights from experienced professionals can be a game-changer. I share my interview with startup growth leader Ashley Dodge in today’s edition of Curated Career Conversations where we discuss how to unleash your personal brand. Ashley is the mastermind behind “Some Startup in Colorado,” a…

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  • The job market constantly changes, and keeping up with the latest trends and predictions can be difficult. On one hand, you have job market reports that paint a positive picture of the current job market and predict a bright future for job seekers. On the other hand, you have layoff reports highlighting companies’ struggles and…

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  • Crafting a compelling resume requires attention to detail, especially when aiming for leadership positions. While focusing on skills and experience is crucial, overlooking seemingly minor things can raise red flags for busy hiring managers. Let’s shed light on some common resume mistakes you might not have considered and their simple fixes: Ditch the Home Address…

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  • Experts weigh in on this year’s hiring trends and insights for next year. As we reflect on the past year and look toward 2024, it’s evident that the world of work has experienced significant shifts. The transition from the year of quiet quitting in 2022 to the year of corporate reckoning in 2023 has been…

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  • Evaluating Multiple Executive Offers If you’re an executive in the enviable position of needing to choose between multiple job offers, you’re undoubtedly on the cusp of a significant career decision. The prospect of choosing between these offers can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. Each opportunity represents a different path, with its unique set of advantages…

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