Seeking VP, Anything

Seeking VP, AnythingSeeking VP, AnythingIf you dont already have a solid elevator pitch, youre doing yourself a disservice. Oh, Im looking for anything, you might tell well-meaning friends who ask.Its a problem.Because in todays economy, no employer is looking for a VP, Anything, or a Director of Whatever Needs to Be Done. Theyre looking for an experienced professional who can solve specific problems.When youre thinking about moving jobs, you need to have a brief, pithy assertion of who you are and what youre qualified to do. Its important that you be able to explain to an old colleague, or a new connection, in 30 seconds or less, what it is that youre looking for.Thats called an elevator pitch - a concise statement of your abilities and goals that can be shared in the time it takes an elevator to go to the top floor.Vague and general arent helpfulIm a saleswoman, orIm in logistics, orIm a finance guy, dont work because they dont explain succinctly what you need and how your audienc e can help.No, in the 21st century you need to be more precise and more concrete. You need to describe what youve done and what youre looking to do specifically.So its not Im a saleswoman but ratherIm a sales management professional looking to lead a 100+ person sales organization, and am particularly interested in opportunities leading sales teams going through the transactional-to-relationship-selling transition. Im especially interested working for SaaS platforms.Its not Im in logistics but ratherIm a logistics team leader who specializes in driving efficiency improvements in established groups, bringing down the cost of production year after year.And its not Im a finance guy but ratherIm a finance guy who enjoys rationalizing finance teams in multi-unit businesses and creating metrics and operating procedures that partner with the business to drive understanding of the underlying levers of growth.You need to be specific and concise in your description of your ambitions, so that your network contacts, your future boss, or an HR recruiter can understand how and where youll add value and improve the business.So please avoid the easy temptation to say that youre looking for anything, and be specific in your job search. Its the best way to let people know how to help you, and to let companies know how youll help them.Im rooting for you