Displaced senior executives in NY often seek out executive search firms to accelerate the search opportunities.  Many times, age becomes a topic of conversation.  I can tell you honestly that age does play a role in executive employment opportunities and the initial selection process. 

Senior executives need to understand the difference between initial perceptions and reality.  Age can mean a number of things in the work place (seniority, maturity, old fashioned, set in one’s way, too comfortable, not hungry enough) – in other words, you may be perceived to be slow to adapt to change and therefore out-of-date and out-of-touch. 

Age can express itself verbally – in the way you talk and pitch your voice, the words you use, the use of clichés (“I shall reach out to Jim as you suggest”) and, above all, if you use a resume – how will it be presented – how will you distribute it?  Paper?  E-mail?  Why not a web-based resume – your portfolio on the Net?

NY Executive search firms face a challenge when marketing senior executives: Overcoming the stereotype that they are out of touch with modern technology.  To what extent are you embracing the latest technology?  Are you comfortable with technology?  Younger candidates are.

What can we do to indicate very early on in any contact that we are reasonably tech savvy?  Here are some suggestions. 

1. Join LinkedIn – whether you like it or not – it’s here to stay.  Master the clever way it can link you to others and quietly promote your interests.  I would also urge you to join one of its many industry groups.  Your credentials (not your resume) can easily be found on LinkedIn; here are mine, as reflected in the profile at http://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwernerinternational.  I suggest you avoid putting in your phone number, address and other personal information (birthday, marital status, etc.).

2. Consider Twitter – you don’t have to use it but the fact you are there is important – Perceptions V. Reality.  To get the most out of Twitter, one can focus updates in such a way as to position oneself as an expert in the industry by using Twitter to bookmark relevant industry-related articles one is reading, tips or tricks learned through job experience, etc.

3. Prepare a resume accessible on the web (a non-searchable, on-line executive portfolio which is accessible only upon invitation); here is an example:  www.webportfolios.net/rayshore.   A new soon-to-be announced web-based version will allow you, once you have directed a third party to your resume, to initiate a one-way video and two-way voice conversation.  This can be a very powerful tool during a conversation when you ask the interviewer to access your resume on the Internet – I call it a “positive ambush.”

4. Avoid AOL –it’s ok for personal stuff; get an E-mail address with Google or Hotmail.  Ideally get your own dot.com. (ex: steve@stevesmith.com)  I have four clients who have done this and it impresses recipients.

5.  Learn to discuss PC and Apple, and their differences.  Have you tried the new Windows 7 or Snow Leopard and could you discuss the difference? What views do you have about Web 2.0 and social networking?  Learn to ask questions; are you supposed to know everything?  Good question.

6. Most importantly, recognize that ENERGY is the one ingredient that every successful executive has.  Energy can be expressed in one’s body movements, thinking and expression, voice, eyes and facial expressions, Q&A and the ability to think smartly on one’s feet.  Try making a presentation on the phone – when you do it with energy or with a smile.  You will “hear” the difference.

And lastly, follow my blog for more information and tips on executive career marketing and how to seize opportunities.

http://www.davidwernerinternational.com/