Executive job seekers need certain tools to stand out from a highly qualified field of candidates. It is not enough to simply submit your application, do a little networking, and call it a day. It's true that the executive resume and cover letter will still be the main focus of your application, but they can't be your only leverage. In the book "Executive's Pocket Guide to ROI Résumés and Job Search," Louise Kursmark and Jan Melnik write that applicants need to implement the following four tools into their job hunt if they are to be successful:
- Elevator Speech: The elevator speech is a 30-second summary that introduces applicants to individuals who can help them with their search. Four elements should be included in this introduction: Who they are, what they do, what they're seeking, and any other information that is relevant to their experience and/or goals.
- Networking Script: While conversations with networking contacts should feel genuine and unique, it helps for job seekers to have some key points prepared.
- Leadership Initiative Document: This document, usually one to two-pages in length, will list up to five career-defining stories. These anecdotes should describe specific challenges faced, and the tactics taken to solve them. the leadership initiative document is a good way for managers to determine what the applicant can bring to the position.
- Professional Biography: This is a portfolio of everything the applicant has accomplished during his career. Some applicants choose to have this put on a web site, but it can also be in the form of a document.
