Recent news addressing the job market and the economy suggest both may be moving into “more positive” territory and that the stock market may have already seen its lowest point in March.  Of course we have no way of knowing if this is a new trend or a false alarm.  However, we do know – to quote Jim Stewart at www.StewartGroupAssociates.com  (a senior level networking group dedicated to sharing information and leads on meaningful roles in the economy) that “in these unprecedented economic times, ‘elder statesmen’ executives are facing difficult transitions, especially those 55+ years of age who were highly compensated, in a single industry most of their careers and are unwilling to relocate.”

 Therefore the question that begs itself is – What advice can we give elder statesmen executives?  How can elder statesmen stand out in the crowd?  In my twenty odd years advising senior executives in transition, I can point to four areas below which they need to focus on to stand out in the crowd and, in doing so, they can address any concerns the hiring company might have.

 1. The best way to stand out in the crowd is to have someone make a third party introduction on your behalf.  For example:  “Fred, I suggest you see this guy; I hired him as an attorney to work with me to assist in restructuring the Company and I got more than I expected.  Not only was he hard working, dedicated and a man of high principle, he is also a multi-talented executive.  He made me a chunk of money.”

 2. Keep fit and look younger than 55.  That means ensuring that you are perceived to be younger (note the difference between perception and reality) -i.e. don’t give an aura of a smoker or drinker; imply you exercise a lot (even if untrue); avoid discussions about grandchildren.  At interview, move quickly and shake hands with greater than normal energy, speak louder than you might otherwise do, be up to date with the sports scores and if your daily hobby is tennis or jogging, make sure the interviewers know.

 3. Be up-to-date with technology – join the younger set!  Ensure that computer tasks performed by those younger than you present absolutely no challenge to you: email, Microsoft Office, Power Point, Google, Yahoo, Twitter, Facebook.  You don’t have to be a programmer.  Indicating you use both PC and Apple would be a big, big plus.  Don’t use AOL (too family oriented); I suggest gmail.  Subscribe to Citrix’s “GoToMeeting” and to “GoToWebinar” and also “GoToMyPC.”  Become a member of “Linked In” and join “Twitter” and “YouTube.”  In other words let people know that “you get it.”  Consider putting your computer and Internet skills on your résumé.

 4. Older executives work harder and are more persistent: They have operated in both good and bad times, are less greedy about salary and bonuses, often don’t need health insurance (already covered by prior employment), are more flexible, can accept interim or part time assignments, are prepared to travel back home at weekends and do what is necessary to “get back into the game’ knowing that when the good times return they will be perfectly placed to hit the ground running – having collected a wealth of new business contacts. Above all, older executives have many more references to fall back on; use them.  Surely, it’s much better others talk about you than you about yourself.  However the references must be from senior, credible leaders within your industry. Why not introduce yourself as:  “When I left GE last year to join a smaller company, the well-known CEO said to me ‘What do we have to do to make you stay?’.”  (We actually used this to great effect.)

 Remember the goal:  to get back into the game (and I don’t mean the golf course).  Finally the four thoughts above always at the forefront of your mind: be flexible; appear energetic; How am I perceived?  Am I employable? Am I offering value? 

 Finally, finally:  remember what Clement Stone (founder of Combined Insurance) described in his book “The Success System that Never Fails“  He was referring to Probability Theory: “The more people you present the policy, the greater is the probability of a sale.”  He also said:

“Tell everyone what you want to do and someone will want to help you do it.”

 About David Werner International:

David Werner International is one of New York’s top executive career marketing companies with over 30 years experience in executive career marketing and outplacement services for Presidents and Vice Presidents.  The company now harnesses the power of the internet where they have created personalized career portfolios for their candidates which act as a virtual showcase of a candidate’s history and proven success record.

 In addition to helping top executives transition companies, DWIC is also sought out by leading executive corporations to provide specialized marketing services to senior executives.    Throughout their 30 years of successful search and placement, DWIC has provided services to primary corporations such as Viacom, Shell, BFGoodrich, Mobay/Bayer, Pfizer, Time Warner, Alco-Standard, The Equitable, Contel/Executone, Booz-Allen, Tribune Broadcasting, Commercial Union, Revlon and more. 

 To keep up with David Werner and his advice on today’s ever changing job market, visit his blog at

How can a dog help you get a new job?  Yes – it’s true. As a marketing consultant to executives in transition – C-level executives  - I am often confronted with a situation for which I am not qualified.  I am referring to those who have not yet come to terms with their unemployed status and as a result can become disheartened, depressed or certainly find it difficult to muster the necessary enthusiasm and positive attitude to win at the interview.

It is at these moments that one needs to recalibrate ones feelings and attitudes and refocus on those things that really matter. – family and friends.  I have also found in my own case whenever helping others that I too need to regain my perspective and recalibrate.  I therefore decided to buy a puppy and train it as a hospital dog.  The satisfaction and joy that has brought me more than makes up for the pressures of the job. 

“In a study of 100 Medicare patients, dog owners had 21% fewer doctor visits.  Pet owners were proven to have lower blood pressure, lower everyday stress, and lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels than non pet owners.  People with pets also suffer fewer minor health problems, such as painful joints, hay fever, insomnia, and anxiety.  70% of families surveyed reported an increase in happiness and fun after adopting a pet.” (source: Texas Vet News, http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=1875&S=4 )

When you are happier, you feel more confident.  You hold your head up high.  This shows in everything you do, even your job interviews.

Message: Get a dog – they don’t worry and they don’t complain

The executive career marketing and placement services of David Werner International have not suffered any setbacks amid the turbulent times of financial woes and economic melt-downs. In fact, the NY executive search firm is saying just the opposite.

Company President, David Werner, made the following statement, “Executive career opportunities are out there and career transition during tough economic times is possible. Every day our clients are going on 2^nd, 3^rd and final interviews with top Fortune 500 companies. You just have to keep digging.”

The company just launched a career marketing program for one of their client’s, John H. John is an experienced CEO in career transition. The program launched October 21^st and John was quickly approached, lining up 3 interviews in 3 days. John received calls from Presidents, Vice Presidents and CEO’s looking for a candidate with his qualifications to fill senior level positions within their company. John himself even noted that he was surprised at the quick response the career marketing campaign initiated.

David Werner International is one of New York’s top executive career marketing companies with over 30 years experience in executive career marketing and outplacement services for Presidents and Vice Presidents. The company now harnesses the power of the internet where they have created personalized career portfolios for their candidates which act as a virtual showcase of a candidate’s history and proven success record.

Mr. Werner added, “Candidates who can use technology to show case their potential will have a competitive edge over the rest. Getting noticed in today’s market shuffle is becoming increasingly more difficult. Utilizing online professional portfolios is one way David Werner International helps their candidates stand out from the rest. “

Take a tour of the online career portfolio service by visiting http://www.careertalent.net/dwic/video/index.html