Sylvia: Re-Entering Industry After Gap

Situation when she first approached O’Donnell Executive Strategies:

Age 43
Unemployed. Had chased an entrepreneurial dream totally unrelated to core competencies in Energy sector. Economic downturn resulted in decision to avoid further losses and pull out of that industry. Decision was based on strategic analysis and research that clearly established economic recovery would likely not return that business to the same profit potential, ever.
Had been Director of Marketing for a Fortune 50 corporation, in a division focusing on Energy Management and Sustainability, two and a half years earlier. As a result of pursuing entrepreneurial venture in unrelated industry, she left with a perceived gap in dedication to her Energy sector “core competencies” making it difficult for the corporate world to consider her the preferred candidate without risk.
BS Mechanical Engineering Purdue University, MBA Northwestern
Annual earnings in excess of $200K.
Experience in energy and utility sectors for 20 years including marketing, sales, strategic planning, and business development.

Help her return to the Energy sector in a challenging role that maximizes her potential.
Demonstrate to her that she could create opportunities and did not need to wait for the ideal role to present itself.

Start Energy Consulting business to re-establish industry visibility and bridge to next corporate role.
Gave her the strategies to quickly develop a campaign and presence that re-established her as a premier candidate in a down economy and an environment where there are many qualified competitors and very few high level opportunities.
Demonstrated to her that a narrowly focused resume and positioning is the most effective way to establish oneself as a must-hire resource regardless of the economy.
Showed her how to establish a national presence and generate visibility for her as a leading industry expert that was used to differentiate her from other high quality candidates.
Provided regular suggestions for new and inventive networking and outreach opportunities.

Authored two in-depth and thought-provoking articles in national trade press, key to establishing differentiation and buzz at C-suite and Hiring Manager levels. Future articles are in process to maintain national visibility and momentum for her thought leadership positioning in the industry.
As the momentum of her campaign increased, seven to ten companies per week were reaching out to her to find out more. Some of the more unusual tactics we used included business-oriented social media group discussions, search engine optimization, and a website presence.
She has won several consulting contracts versus nationwide competition and, in the meantime, turned down several permanent offers, until she found the dream position.
In early October ’09, she chose one of two exceptional permanent-hire offers with compensation packages well beyond industry averages.
She is now making $275K total compensation even after a three-year gap in industry employment.