So
what are they?
A
profession biography is a quintessential networking tool to email or hand out
to people who know you very well and to individuals you are casually acquainted
with through LinkedIn and networking events.
They
in turn will be more motivated to send this unique document in lieu of a formal
résumé to decision makers in their companies and to people they know who have
access to available positions, and people you want to meet, be introduced to
and/or want to network with now and in the future.
The
bio is also an excellent tool for employed individuals who want to maintain an
air of confidentiality because it is prepared in a way that does not make them
appear as an active job seeker but rather as a professional who has his or her
ears open for the right opportunity.
A
bio is also valuable for unemployed professionals as a means of gaining
attention in an overcrowded field of equally qualified candidates. This document
will stand out in the crowd and can be used instead of or in conjunction to a
résumé.
The
bio format I find generates the best results is a full color, 1page - 3 column
document that offers up essential information based on the desired profile for
the position/s you’re applying for, and most often it will contain a headshot.
2: A Dossier
When
leading search firms submit a candidate for consideration, rather than just
present a résumé they will often prepare an comprehensive dossier on the
candidate that is a more in-depth study of who the candidate is, their core
qualities and key accomplishments, the reason they are available, and they may
also include salary and compensation package parameters. Most important they contain
a well written value proposition developed specifically for the available
position.
In
my opinion many sic figure job seekers can benefit by preparing and presenting
a similar document to get noticed by the right people get on industry and job
specific headhunter’s radar screens.
3:
Deal Lists
Deal
Lists are documents that describe and accentuate in detail the various deals
you have been a part of so prospective employers can get a better feel for your
ability to contribute to the bottom line.
These
documents highlight the quality, complexity and financial volume of deals you
have been involved in and the extent of your direct participation.
This
type of document is ideal for people in financial services, real estate, sales
and related fields.
4:
Project Portfolios
Project
Portfolios are documents that describe and accentuate in detail the various
projects you have been a part of including your degree of participation,
project leadership skills and your ability to impact the bottom line.
This
type of document is ideal for people in project management marketing,
architecture, engineering, design and other fields that are project
oriented.
As
usual I am available to offer a professional critique of resumes and offer
thoughts on how to improve them. Just send your resume to perry@perrynewman.comperry@perrynewman.com. No cost/no
obligation.
