To emulate Peters further, executive careerists must understand how he tailors his speeches (Mr. Peters never does the same speech twice). He does this through several steps, but perhaps most importantly by inhaling “any information whatsoever.”

For example, he requested and thumbed through various industry specific magazines in prep for a speech in front of group of home builders.

More formally, he conference calls every client before presenting to inquire, “What three things would you like me to have had said … . ?”

He also asks what a win looks like.

While the purpose of unearthing this wish list isn’t to be their shill, he explains, the research,”does give incredible guidelines.” You can view Peters’ full post on the topic, here: Tailoring Speeches.

Similarly, when writing your executive resume, you have every opportunity, through a deep web of information, through your LinkedIn connections (e.g., by reaching  out to someone at the company you are targeting and asking what a winning candidate looks like) and through various other resources, to cull the needs and profile of your specific audience.

In other words, put a face to your reader; then, individualize your strategic message to that person instead of writing to an audience of thousands.

Peters also has materials from 30 years of speaking that he taps into – enabling him to be consistent and constructive in his presentations. As well, most executives have stockpiled within their memory banks, a plethora of material from which to tailor a message to an audience hungry for the human voice – who want to be convinced you will be a hiring win.

[This post originally published on LinkedIn.]

###

Copyright: Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter, President, CareerTrend.net
I am one of only 50 master resume writers and have crafted more than 1,500 career stories that drive game-changing results. My bachelor’s degree in writing/journalism allows me to apply a journalist’s eye to your career.