Career transitions are rarely easy, but they are often especially tough for senior executives.

Many senior executives haven’t been in the job market for years and are not used to having to market themselves. Moreover, senior executives have a smaller pool of job options that fit their specialisation and experience. They also tend to have a longer list of personal and professional requirements for the jobs they are seeking, and some executives might prefer to seek entrepreneurial ventures or plan for retirement. All these factors combine to make career transitions a delicate and often arduous process for senior executives.

An executive’s smooth departure generally makes for a more effective leadership transition inside the firm. Even more importantly, maintaining positive relationships with departing senior executives can protect brand reputation. Many senior executives are thought leaders in their field, and able to promote and influence the brand long after they depart. This can be particularly poignant should they join a competitor or close business partner.

In today’s corporate world, an employer’s commitment to corporate social responsibility sets them ahead of their competition. Those employers who appreciate and understand the importance of a Career Transition Programme for their departing executives hold a competitive advantage. However, it is important to distinguish between an executive outplacement service which uses limited network connections and some basic Resume support with a deeper, personally delivered structured Career Transition Programme that can transform and enhance someone’s career. 

This is where Headstrong comes in. We have developed the Career Transition Programme, a unique approach that supports, develops, and prepares the departing executive for their next career move. The programme is delivered through 6 modules as it explores the executive’s experience, passion, and expertise to carefully position them on the right pathway to their next role. The Career Transition Programme includes one-on-one career coaching, Resume development, pitch, negotiation skills and interview technique, coupled with access to extensive cross-industry networks and social media. This also recognises that a career transition isn’t a one-size-fits-all proposition. For senior executives, these services must be highly customised as their individual needs will be unique to their career experience and personal goals.

Headstrong encourages the firm to include the benefit of the Career Transition Programme as part of the executive’s severance package. This would be a service delivered by Headstrong across the 6 modules directly to the departing executive with a one-off fee paid to Headstrong by the firm. It is recommended that this service offering is not negotiable to the departing executive, not to be traded for a higher pay-out. Corporate Social Responsibility brings with it a commitment to present and departing staff. 

We ask that the firm stresses the value of the Career Transition Programme to the departing executives as part of the severance package offering.

Please contact Headstrong Consultants for the detailed breakdown of the 6-module Career Transition Programme.

The Career Transition Programme will be

delivered through one-on-one career coaching

process.

Once the search for a new position begins,

you will undoubtably face challenges and

obstacles. They can arise through: too many

choices, a mismatch between your skills and

experience and those being sought,

the requirements of available positions, real or

perceived age discrimination and unexpected

challenges working with recruiters. This is

where the Career Transition Programme comes

into its own and guides your pathway.

The experience that Headstrong brings will help

you jump-start your career exploration process.

This journey begins with an assessment of

career, values, and needs because the next step

often isn’t always clear.

These sessions help executives explore

alternative career options. We may use

assessment tests, which act as a starting point

for a discussion and your opportunity for selfreflection.

Learning to successfully network both online

and in real life is extremely important for senior

executives. Headstrong’s knowledgeable

approach can optimise LinkedIn profiles as well

as provide motivation and individualised tips for

effective face-to-face networking

The Programme will guide you through new

technological changes which define the career

transition process. We explore how important it

is for you to fine-tune your Resume to get past

these systems. We are mindful of these pitfalls,

and the Resume Structure and Pitch module of

the CTP will guide you through them.

You will benefit from help with your online

personal branding and effective social media

networking. These are essential skills necessary

today as many potential employers use online

resources to recruit and make hiring decisions.

Our Career Transition Programme can help

you master these challenges and more. Our

Programme coaches will provide motivation,

guidance, and goal-setting to help reach your

objectives. Through effective networking you

can identify, and even create, unique career

opportunities not advertised on job boards.

Resume and cover letter reviews can optimise

your documents for navigating applicant

tracking systems and customise them for target

companies and positions.

In addition, senior executives also need

assistance connecting with recruiters, executive

search firms, and private equity firms.

Interview coaching will prepare you to best

present your strengths in person and negotiate

a competitive salary