Transition Support
Our comprehensive, holistic suite of services is tailored to each individual, and is designed to guide the executive through each step of a career change from start to finish:
1. Gaining a Vividly Clear Self View – The Foundation of a Successful Transition
Success in securing the right role depends largely on two factors: having realistic career objectives, and being able to represent oneself accurately and authentically to prospective employers. Especially at the senior executive level, it is crucial that the impression made during an interview is the same as the portrait that emerges when references are inevitably checked. Robertson Partners’ model encompasses a rigorous program of analysis and personal insight, which should truly provide the individual with the self-understanding of a lifetime:
- An in-depth assessment of executive aptitudes by a seasoned organizational psychologist
- A guided self-assessment completed by the executive
- A 360° survey of up to twelve former colleagues to determine how others see the executive
- Job market insight and interview preparation by the Partners of one of Canada’s leading executive search firms
- Integration of all of the foregoing information into a realistic career strategy and action plan, with the assistance of one of Canada’s leading career professionals
Our exceptionally thorough process is designed to provide the executive with a clear view of his or her competencies, motivations, limitations, reputation and career objectives, coupled with an action plan for the job search.
2. Conducting a Job Search – Overcoming Fear with Facts and Skills
In our experience, the greatest single obstacle faced by executives in career transition is fear of rejection.
Our program provides the executive with an understanding of exactly how the executive job market works, so that what seems to be rejection is not, in fact, personal. We then assist the individual in taking advantage of the natural ebb and flow of executive openings, by creating a marketing plan that will help ensure he or she is remembered when an appropriate executive position arises.
Because each executive has distinct needs when it comes to self-marketing, all of our work is customized to the individual and rooted in our knowledge of the executive job market. Once the executive’s career objectives have been established, we:
- Provide highly specialized research support to gain valuable information on specific organizations, then determine who the decision-makers are and how best to link them to the executive
- Develop a resume that is uniquely formatted, visually attractive and highly communicative
- Engage executive search consultants to meet with the executive and conduct a series of authentic practice interviews
- Register the individual with all major executive search firms
- Assist the executive’s former employer in developing a detailed reference guideline
- Help the executive launch and sustain his or her marketing plan
- Provide ongoing administrative and marketing research support until the executive is employed
3. Coaching and Peer Support
The extensive coaching and support that our executive clients receive during the transition phase helps them remain focused and positive. Our program includes:
- One-on-one coaching to support the executive through the transition period
- Individual, private office space that is shared by executive clients, and IT infrastructure tailored to the executive’s job search, including remote desktop accessibility
- Discussion groups and a speakers’ series for senior executives who are going through a similar transition
- Advice from Deloitte financial specialists regarding the treatment of severance monies and the wisdom of replacing benefits. Deloitte can also be retained to provide more extensive and customized counselling, as required
- Assistance setting up a “personal transition board” of knowledgeable and trusted friends
- Advice when an offer of employment is received; assessing the offer relative to the individual’s aptitudes, goals and other prospective opportunities