Client:  Art

General Review

Because of deregulation and other pressures, Art’s regional Marketing position at a major U.S. utility -where he had spent his entire 20-year career- had been eliminated.   His severance pay running out, with no prospects in sight, Art came to R.L. Stevens & Associates for a jump start to his career-positioning efforts.

Two versions of Art’s resume were prepared, one slanted toward marketing, the other toward corporate communications in which he already had considerable experience.  In addition, using our research, a hard-hitting, “in-your-face” letter was composed to be sent directly to the presidents of major utilities around the country.  The letter summarized Art’s many marketing achievements in a single page and was followed up by a carefully orchestrated phone campaign.

Within two weeks of his mailing, Art had interviews scheduled with a major utility in the Midwest.  His consultant and he carefully practiced interviewing and negotiating techniques, and then went over closely the offer letter that he subsequently received.  The extra attention to detail resulted in an unexpected sign-on bonus of 5k, a protective clause should he be laid off, and 4 weeks of paid vacation!

Art was just about to sign when he received another interview request from a major utility in Florida whose president, impressed by Art’s letter, had asked that he be contacted.  Apprised that he had another job virtually in hand, they quickly flew him down for a round of interviews.  In the end, however, Art accepted the local job, since it met all his expectations and then some!