So what does the known ‘Talent’ pool have on their resume that you may not?
Now I know this all must sounds cynical, and you’ll probably roll your eyes at half of these. I’m not saying even one of them is necessary to be a talented worker or leader – these are just some of my observations of what I see most valued in the business world.
Have most of these, and recruiters will be banging down your door begging to make a commission off of you.
- Advanced degree(s) from top school(s) with honors or top GPA (btw, rumor has it that Brown & Dartmouth are out of style, albeit ivy)
- Political experience of some kind – even internships are valued
- Accomplishments galore in monetary terms, with exact impressive figures
- Management of huge (million to billion) budgets
- Impressive do-gooder credentials from when you did your B.A. or right after (i.e. peace corps, americorps, red cross, teach for America, unicef, UN work, humanitarian aid to 3rd world country, etc.)
- Design major programs or initiatives that people have heard of
- Consultant experience. Not the kind that was between jobs like, “Principal of Sharon’s Consultancy.” I mean some time at a top consulting firm (Bane, McKinsey, BGC, Parthenon…)
- Progressively impressive titles (i.e. analyst, project manager, special asst. to someone in a very high place, deputy director, director, etc.)
- Posh extra curricular’s & hobbies – polo, marathon running, ballet, triathalons, international backpacking
- Old money neighborhood or trendy address ideal
- Awards/fellowships: specific ones in your professional arena, fullbrights, broad scholars, etc.
- Study & travel abroad, preferably somewhere prestigious
- Professional affiliations – may be required depending on field
- Impressive buzz words in proper context, not just in white font for SEO on applicant systems: organizational strategy, dedicated, managed, financial analysis, advisory board, researched, pioneered, chaired (or at least co-chaired), strategic planning, gates, dell or other large donor procurement, implementation, process improvement design, blah blah blah…
- Impressive companies or foundations to have worked for – big names make people happy
Sharon's Career Coaching (.cc) 