I assume, by your visit to this site that you have a commitment or at least curiosity about positions over $100K+ and taking your career to a “Higher Bracket”.

One thing that’s irrefutable is the fact that very few people make six figures and very few people will ever make six figures consistently.

It’s not because very few people have the talent to earn six figures. In fact, I have met thousands of professionals with the talent, education, experience that exceed those who earn six figures. Sadly, most talented professionals simply don’t know how to enter this income bracket and remain consistently there year after year.

One hundred thousand dollars a year seems to represent the holy grail of income levels for most professionals. A validation to themselves, their peers and their families. A badge of recognition in the competitive workforce that you are successful and at the top of your game.

However, this income bracket symbolizes more just money. Personally, it represents a level of lifestyle coveted by most people. A chance to live beyond the monthly bills and live a life full of options for you and your family.

Professionally, it is viewed as validation by an employer that you are crucial to their organization. Within the company there is enhanced recognition from your peers, exciting and important daily responsibilities, management opportunities and decision making capacity.

These “perks” remain elusive to the majority of professionals unless more of them learn how to market themselves effectively. Having the right talent, experience and education is only part of the battle. An effective and competitive marketing campaign is crucial.

Competing for six figure positions comes with an initial realization that this compensation represents the top 2 % of the paying jobs within an employment market. Therefore, looking to get into this market requires a different job search strategy versus those being utilized by others making less than six figures.

Think about it. Would you market a Lada with the same methodology as Mercedes? Does Starbucks market its five dollar coffee with the same methodology as a cafe that sells coffee for a dollar? How a product is marketed is immensely important to the perceived value by the consumer.

So, if you are professional looking to secure a six figure position, then remember that you are the product in a very competitive and complex market. Appreciate that you are competing against other talented products for those 2% of higher bracket jobs. So what’s your marketing strategy? How are you going to differentiate yourself from the other quality products competing against you for the employer?

Most professionals market themselves with a document called a resume, typically a few pieces of paper that outline a jobseekers skills, experiences, achievements and education. A resume is the most common form of marketing communications used by job seekers, a document filled with history about a candidate’s past. However, in speaking with thousands of hiring managers, I’ve come to realize that most are interested in what an employee can do for them in the future, not in the past.

A past history and accomplishments are of course important, but in reality candidates competing at this level are all very good and most have great past work histories. A past focused resume is a very ineffective way to set yourself apart - everyone uses them and no-one knows what else to do when job hunting.

Mercedes does not rely on marketing their automobile as only fast and with a good warranty. Simply because almost every car over $100K is fast and has a good warranty. Mercedes, like all premium products, recognizes that marketing given variables and common product features rarely help the consumer select their product.

Consider a simple marketing concept to your job search. If you are trying to differentiate yourself from the rest of the market why use the exact same marketing strategy as the rest of the market and hope to be seen as unique? How can the end consumer (the employer) set you apart?

Hiring at six figures has also become extremely difficult for both sides of the hiring desk. Executive Managers have limited time to review resumes and don’t have months to screen candidates, they have hours. Managers are at the mercy of screening candidates through past focused resumes speaking very little about what they bring to the future of their companies.

It’s crucial that higher bracket professionals initially engage employers with future focused documents and dialogue. Marketing focused on the future. Do not rely on a resume of what has been done in the past. By marketing the vision of your future and how it parallels that of the employer, you gain a definitive edge against their competition.

I will follow up with upcoming articles that will provide insights into getting in and staying in the higher income bracket. Articles related to constructing a value proposition, negotiating six figure salary packages, interviewing questions and answers and the mindset of what executive managers look for when they are hiring their next six figure employee.

The six figure world is truly a world of abundance. It’s not merely about money, but about an abundant belief - a belief to share ideas and information to help others reach their professional and personal goals.

There is plenty of room at the top. I looking forward to helping you get there.

Minto Roy

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Minto Roy is the President and CEO of Premier Career Management Group and the host of Canada’s only recruitment radio program, Careers Today, one of the top-rated shows in the BC market. His pragmatic style, combined with a natural ability to motivate people, provides a strong foundation in “Revolutionizing the World of Work.” Minto brings more than a decade of experience in career management and has worked with thousands of clients advising them on their career search and career plans. Minto is a much sought-after speaker and media commentator and has featured on CBC TV, CBC Morning Radio and various Channel M features on immigrant employment. Minto provides expert commentary on employment issues and trends and has been a resource for the National Post, Globe and Mail, Vancouver Province and Toronto Star. Minto is also a regular columnist for the Canadian Immigrant Magazine and the Vancouver View Magazine.

www.careerstodaycanada.com

www.pcmgexecutive.com

Want to ask Minto a six figure question? He can be reached at mroy@pcmgcanada.com
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