Maintaining existing relationships is as important as building new ones. It is easy to prioritize exciting new contacts made within your target industries or organizations over long-term relationships that have always been there. However, the contacts that will help you the most, especially during an executive job search, are those that you nurture and maintain.

AESC, the parent organization of BlueSteps recently released it's latest report Executive Talent 2025. It includes insights from 2,000+ business leaders, candidates, and executive talent advisors on key business challenges for today and the next five years. Learn about the most critical issues revealed by business leaders to strengthen your talent strategy and gain competitive advantage in the marketplace. Below is a summary of its main findings

"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." Thomas Edison

At the pace that technology and the global economy is moving, it is no wonder that we all have trouble keeping up. It may not be dressed in overalls but it is absolutely hard work. In the last 5-8 years, the way a job search is conducted has altered markedly, and professionals must continue to stay abreast of new styles, techniques and methodologies employed in a career transition. In some ways, our careers are now always “on” due to the Technology 4.0.

As an Executive Resume Writer, I frequently have clients tell me they don’t want to limit themselves. Therefore, they ask for a resume that can be used for a variety of roles; they are looking for a way to transform their resume. Unfortunately, generic resumes often are quite diluted. Therefore, the reader is hard-pressed to determine how you are a good fit for a specific role.

It is great to be a jack-of-all-trades – but it is rare that a job posting calls for someone with these skills. Customizing your resume in a few key areas requires a bit of work. However, it will guide the reader to see how your skills align with a job posting.

Ashton Ward, managing partner of AESC member firm Eton Bridge Partners, believes that culture within a business is the key to success.

Directing the strategy and satisfying shareholders are essential responsibilities of any CEO, however in my experience the culture, driven by the right values and behaviors should be at the top of the list.

“Clients do not come first. Employees come first. Look after your employees and they will look after your clients.” Richard Branson.

Change cultures through changing behaviors

During the workweek, we may spend more time with our colleagues than we do our families. That’s a lot of time! Why not enjoy it? We know that our work life is a direct contributor to our overall happiness. What we might not realize is just how important our relationships are at work. Not just professional relationships but real, meaningful relationships built on support and trust.

Isn’t it ironic how companies invariably say their people are their most important asset, yet their accountants then put them on the liability side of the ledger?

Bonang Mohale points out this inconsistency by way of introducing the idea that the quality of the leadership determines whether a company’s people are indeed an asset or a liability.

“Leadership matters because it is bang in the center of all that we do. People in well-led companies are not just happier, they are much more committed. When we get leadership right, we have a chance of generating extraordinary outcomes from our colleagues, not just above average return on investment” says Mohale.

When it comes to knowing how to navigate job search, do you know the #1 secret to getting hired?

If you think networking is the answer, you are on the right path.

If you think building social media connections is the secret, you have the right idea.

The higher you climb in your career, the more competitive it becomes. So, in a crowded executive job market, how will your resume set you apart, showcase your value and get you through to the next stage of candidacy?

While some executive trends remind consistent over the years, there are some immerging resume trends that top candidates need to be aware of before submitting their career documents.

If you are an executive job seeker or looking to boost your personal brand, here are 10 resume tips to keep in mind for 2019: