Occasionally, a
job-seeking high roller will need résumé help. This week, two contacted me,
both with executive-level positions in mind. While their occupations were
different, each individual is employed with billion-dollar global corporations.
Job seekers at
this level need to exercise a level of due diligence. Those employed at these
upper levels cannot jump into shark-infested waters and start splashing about
screaming for help. When they do, they will surely attract attention, but not
necessarily the type they want or need.
For most job
seekers—especially if unemployed, announcing to the world your availably is no
big deal. You can list your most recent employer and flaunt yourself. If,
however, you actively hold a sensitive position with a major corporation, that
would not be prudent.
The employment
waters at the deep end of the pool hold many dangers. One of those dangers
involves the distribution of the résumé. Should that item fall into the wrong
hands, and you shamelessly expose yourself in public, do not be too surprised
to discover the next advertised job announcement you apply for might be your
own.
Not all
headhunters are ruthless, but a sufficient number are to warrant extra caution.
Tell the wrong body snatcher you are available, and you have just informed that
individual where his next meal ticket is located. Worse yet, the recruiter may
be on a first-name basis with your Director or VP of HR!
There are two
additional dangers that need to be addressed. One of them is your résumé. If
you identify your employer by name in your résumé, you run the risk of shooting
yourself. Knowing how to camouflage pieces of information discretely can pose a
challenge. (Note: For those with mid-level and lower positions, this is a less
important issue. You still need to take a few minimal precautions.)
The second item
to adjust and modify are your social networking accounts such as Facebook and
LinkedIn. As long as you are not actively seeking new employment, there is
nothing to worry about. That all changes the instant you start transmitting
résumés. You may want to suspend your Facebook account while actively seeking
employment.
My clients are
cautioned not to post anything on their social media accounts that conflicts
with their résumé. Once your résumé is prepared—professionally or otherwise,
immediately and discretely go back and adjust those accounts. You need to address
who the employer is indirectly, as
well as the specific city location. Usually,
mentioning the region of the country will suffice.
Concealing the
employer’s name and location is not a major turn-off as many may suspect. Most
employers are perceptive enough to know that senior-level management needs to
be both discrete and cautious. When you fail to take these cautionary measures,
that too sends an unintended message.
If you would
like additional job-related issues addressed, feel free to send them to
rjames279@gmail.com.