FAQs

Below is just a small segment of the professions in which we work. Those listed are the more traditional professions with which we are familiar. The information contained herein has been compiled from our work in the field and data collected from the U.S. Department of Labor (Bureau of Labor Statistics.) *Many professions discussed within this communication are combined. For example, financial management includes controllers, treasurers, finance officers, credit managers, risk and insurance managers, asset management, lending, credit operations, securities investment or insurance risk management, and loss control, just to name a few. 

Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) are included in the Senior Management section of this site. A multitude of skills are transferable to countless industries and professions. Furthermore, no single publication can describe all aspects of an occupation. Therefore, it is best to contact us regarding your specific career situation, enabling us to cater a specific strategy to meet your needs.

• Advertising - Promotions and Public Relations Managers (PR)
• Attorneys
• Banking Executives
• “C” Level Executives - Senior Management
• Educational Administrators
• Engineering Management
• Entrepreneurial Transitions (Business Owners)
• Financial Management
• Government
• Hospitality Management
• Human Resource Executives
• Insurance Executives
• Information Technology Executives
• Manufacturing Management/Executives
• Marketing Executives
• Medical Doctors Transitioning
• Medical - Medical and Health Services Managers
• Partnerships
• Real Estate - Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers
• Retail Management
• Sales Management
• Statisticians
• Commercial Construction

We do charge a fee for our services; however, before any obligation exists, a thorough evaluation is completed to ascertain the exact work to be done according to your immediate professional mission and long-term career goals.

We never take a fee from the hiring company. As a matter of fact, we will advise you on having the fee reimbursed by your new employer. 

Learn more about our guarantees and how we can bring your career search to a timely and successful conclusion. Contact us, and a Senior Consultant will contact you within one business day.

 We guarantee to work with you until you accept a new position! Contact us today! 401-825-7717

We know from experience that most executives cannot identify at least 50 percent of their most marketable professional assets simply because they're too close to their own situation or they are not truly aware of other professions or industries that would recognize their skills as a major value-add. 

As we identify and surface all that is most marketable about you, we can help classify skills-which, if selectively described to employers, can often make the difference.

Many who contract our services have settled for less in the past, simply because they have been unable to communicate their most marketable assets and skills. If you are like most executives, you can increase your averages of maximizing your compensation by way of specifically identifying each and every marketable asset and following a very simple rule: It has been said time and again by psychologists, motivational speakers, spiritual leaders, and coaches that the most restrictive limits you face are those you put on yourself. 

So, if you want to become a serious candidate for a better position, know your product (thyself), and don't put limits on your thinking, contact us today for a FREE salary survey and assessment of what we can do to help maximize your income.

To see a complete list of companies please click here

A “C” level search engagement requires steadfast expertise, industry comprehension, and a firm that truly recognizes what makes high-level transition happen.” - John H. Seraichyk, circa 1997, Founder, Browning Associates.

We've written the book on “C” level and senior management job hunting. However, rather than a lengthy dissertation, the objective of this communication is to provide you with a sense of what we do. It lays out our general philosophy for opening doors and creating opportunities for senior-level executives.

We have worked with thousands of executives who have contracted our services for a myriad of career search/crisis-related scenarios. Whether employed or unemployed, the challenges and obstacles for a high-level executive seeking change are countless.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, less than 3% of the workforce population earns in excess of 200k annually. Furthermore, the report reveals that less than 20% of all professional and executive jobs offering an annual compensation of 100k + are advertised. As the Bureau's report clearly articulates, if you are a senior executive, you are a minority, and available career positions are extremely difficult to attain.

Of course, any worthwhile venture is never an easy one. Landing a new position at your level requires a steadfast action plan. You need to be highly aggressive while maintaining the confidentiality of your employment information. Imagine trying to market yourself to the masses while simultaneously having to make certain that nobody finds out! It's a bit of an oxymoron. However, confidentiality is paramount for an employed executive. You need to implement a strategic search plan which will enable you to market your credentials to the appropriate individuals.

Your - Résumé -To be or not to be?

There is a great deal of controversy surrounding executive résumés. Here is the reality. Believe it or not, we do not use a résumé as a method of introduction for most of our senior-level clients.

 A résumé screams, “Hire me!” Or worse, it may cause an unwanted breach of your confidentiality. Not so fast. Less is more at your level. You need to step back, identify the proper hiring authorities, and then craft an alternative strategic method of formal introduction.

"Imagine fore-fronting an entrepreneurial venture for twenty years, and suddenly, you're faced with the certainty of going to work for somebody else. This is an awakening reality for many entrepreneurs who suddenly find themselves in search of a W2 or 1099 employment engagement." John H. Seraichyk, circa 1994, Founder.

After running your own company, you would think that most employers would be highly interested in you. After all, as a business owner, you've done it all. You've built a successful company from the ground up, you've sold services and/or products, you've serviced customers, you've managed people, you've fixed everything from a broken spirit to a malfunctioning computer, you've worked 90 hour work weeks, and in the early days, you even did your own accounting and payroll.

 Does this sound like you? With all of your experience, vigor, and drive to succeed, you would think that any company in their right mind would hire you in a New York minute! Not so fast. Believe it or not, larger and many mid-size corporations will not recognize your skill sets as a value add to their company. They may be intimidated by your prior successes.

Many corporations are seeking an employee with a steadfast track record working for one of their competitors or in a similar cultural environment. Many Vice Presidents and "C" class executives working for traditional organizations have told us time and time again that an entrepreneur placed in their highly structured work environment may actually disrupt the conventional work ethic and management philosophy instilled by traditional management styles. We have also been told that many hiring authorities are actually intimidated by the entrepreneurially bred set. They feel that somebody who has built their whole career on making their own decisions and directing the decisions of others may be difficult to delegate. As entrepreneurs ourselves, we agree that the mindset of many hiring authorities is way off base. 

Unfortunately, stereotypes are difficult to remove, but they can be circumvented. We are experts at circumventing stereotypes. It is how and why we are and the reason we have been industry leaders for more than 30 years.

The purpose of this communication is to demonstrate one of the prominent realities that every transitioning business owner will face in the marketplace. Where do you fit? "Most business owners will only thrive in a work environment that will enable them to exercise their entrepreneurial spirit." John H. Seraichyk, Founder.

We will work with you to find a work environment where you can strive and thrive. You need a forward-thinking business that will enable you to do what you do best. 

Most entrepreneurs' true talents are absolutely thwarted in a traditional 9-5 role with rigorous departmental protocols, company politics, corporate bureaucracy, miles of red tape. But, whether you want to work for a small, mid-size, or large corporation, the opportunity is out there.

We are here to help you maximize your most earnest endeavors. Hopefully, this communication has clearly demonstrated our knowledge of at least a few of the many challenges most business owners will face while conducting an employment search. For a complete explanation of what challenges you may confront in the job market and what we can do to facilitate your success, please contact us today to learn more.

Read this, or contact us, and we will set you straight on how to make recruiters work for you! If you have sent your résumé to an executive search firm or corporate recruiter and have not heard back, don't fret!

Even if your skill sets are an exact match for the job you applied for, don't expect a call back. If you were clever enough to obtain the name and title of the recruiter hiring for the position, wait 48-72 hours after sending your résumé and follow up by telephone to confirm receipt of your submission. If you are unable to reach your contact person, leave a succinct voice mail, follow up with an email, and wait. If you do not hear back within a week, call again. If you are still unable to reach your contact, send one more email and move on to the next job application.

 Assuming you make it to a first interview, adhering to what follows should result in more returned phone calls, positive email communication, and ultimately, more job offers. If none of this works, contact us, and we will get your resume to the top of the heap.

 What's the first step to getting a job interview? You getting past the recruiter. Recruiters are usually your first contact with a potential employer, and they often decide whether your resume lands on the hiring manager's desk or in a far-off filing cabinet. 

While it's important to know the basics of what recruiters do, you also need to know what they DON'T do. After all, you don't want an inappropriate request to ruin your chances for an interview. 

Here are four things you shouldn't ask of a recruiter:

Don't be overly friendly. Sure, recruiters are usually warm, friendly, and helpful. After all, it's their job to put you at ease and guide you through the hiring process. However, they're professional colleagues, and it's crucial that you never forget it. Think of the recruiter as a respected coworker and treat them accordingly. Be friendly but not overly casual or familiar. It's wise to keep personal conversations, jokes, and physical contact to a minimum. After a tough interview with a hiring manager, you may be relieved to see a recruiter's smiling face. Don't be tempted to let your guard down, though; you're still "on," even if the interview has ended. A useful rule of thumb: Don't say or do anything in front of a recruiter that you wouldn't say or do in front of your boss (or your mother).

2. Don't expect career coaching 

The recruiter's goal is not to help you get a job. It's to help you navigate the hiring process at one specific company. Recruiters aren't career coaches. It's not appropriate to ask them to help you craft your cover letter, edit your resume, or plan your career path. You can ask questions about the company or industry in general, but try to relate your questions to the job for which you're being considered. Remember to save your best, most thoughtful questions for the hiring manager — that's who you need to impress most. 

3. Don't ask for insider information

There's only one job candidate you really need to worry about: You. Though it may be hard to resist, don't ask about who you're up against for a job. Recruiters generally won't share information about other candidates, and asking for specific details about the competition makes you look insecure in your own skills. However, questions about the hiring process or the position itself are fair game. 

Here are a few questions you can feel comfortable asking: • Are you still interviewing candidates? • How large is the current pool of candidates? • How would you describe the ideal candidate for the job? • Is there anything I can do to make myself a stronger candidate? The best way to get an edge on the competition? Make yourself a more competitive candidate.

4. Don't request special treatment. Although you may wish you were, you're probably not the only candidate for the job. While recruiters are often happy to help, their aim is not to be your advocate to the hiring manager. Their aim is to fill a position. So never ask a recruiter to put in a good word for you with the hiring manager. If they think you're a strong candidate, they'll probably sing your praises anyway. 

Additionally, don't ask them to relay a message to the hiring manager for you. Instead of saying, "Tell So-and-So, it was very nice to meet him ...," send a thank you note. Taking the initiative and speaking for yourself shows the hiring manager that you're capable, confident, and conscientious.

We guarantee to work with you until you accept a new position! Contact us today!

Have you had what you genuinely assumed was a perfect interview?

However, they never contacted you again? Well, we've had hundreds of high-level clients who strongly believed interviewing was the last thing with which they needed assistance, and we've seen them fail miserably. 

When it comes to interviewing and presentation skills, you must be fully prepared. Basically, interviewing is no different from any other skill. How good would you be at golf if you played just once or twice in the last year?

 Browning Associates will prepare you fully for each and every interview you attend!

At Browning Associates, we understand that securing a new job can be a time-consuming and unpredictable process. The length of time it takes to secure a job through our services can vary greatly depending on your individual circumstances and the current job market. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee a specific timeline for job seekers. 

However, our team of experts is committed to helping you streamline your search by utilizing effective job search strategies, coaching you through the interview process, and creating a strategic job search plan. We also offer assistance in building your professional network and connecting you with other like-minded executives.

While clients following our program as prescribed typically secure a new position within four to six months from the date we begin networking and other outreach strategies, it is essential to remember that finding the right job opportunity takes time. It requires persistence, focus, and dedication, even when unexpected opportunities arise.

Our ultimate goal is to help you access new job opportunities through strategic networking, prepare you for success in your job search, and support you throughout your transition into your new role. Whether you are employed or not, we are here to help you find your ideal job and succeed in your career.

 Do You Have Connections? 

Browning Associates has potential executive network referrals across multiple industry sectors. These executives don’t have immediate job openings for you. However, we leverage these to help our clients increase their visibility by fortifying their professional network. We also use our industry knowledge and insights to provide relevant information about job trends, salary expectations, and hiring practices. It's important to note that we do not make introductions without the permission of the individuals in our database. We work to enhance your brand and support you in building your professional network. Ultimately, our focus is empowering you to become the best candidate in a highly competitive job market and find a job that aligns with your goals and aspirations. 

Are these cold connections? 

We do not limit our clients to warm connections only. While warm connections can certainly be helpful in networking, we believe in empowering our clients to tap into their existing networks and the unknown networks around them. Our team provides guidance on expanding your network and connecting with people outside your immediate circle. Our ultimate goal is to help our clients establish a comprehensive network without any limitations that can hinder success in their executive job search. 

Browning Associates is a career coaching firm that provides customized and comprehensive career transition services. We specialize in working with senior-level professionals seeking new positions or transitioning to a new career.  

 Our services typically begin with a review of your current resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile to ensure they are consistent with your brand and aligned with the job market and industry trends. We advise on job search strategies, interviewing techniques, and salary negotiation.

We help you identify your career strengths, interests, and values and align them with your goals. Our team works closely with you to develop a customized job search plan and helps you to build a professional network that can lead to new job opportunities.

 Our database enables us to identify other executives in similar industries and make introductions for you. Additionally, we offer one-on-one coaching sessions with your assigned Project Manager, workshops, and online resources to support your job search.

 In short, we help you become the best possible candidate in a highly competitive job market and provide ongoing support until you successfully land your next position or a period of 1 full year!

Is Browning Associates a Recruiter?

No, Browning Associates is not a recruiter. Although we have connections with various organizations and individuals, we do not operate as a typical recruitment agency. Instead, we provide career coaching and comprehensive career transition services to senior-level professionals seeking new positions or transitioning to a new career. Our focus is empowering you to control your job search and career path. We provide expert guidance, coaching, and resources to help you become the best candidate in a highly competitive job market. We help you identify your career goals, strengths, interests, and values and align them with job opportunities. We work with professionals across multiple industries to help them achieve their career objectives. Our mission is to provide personalized support to you at every stage of the job search process, from resume revision to salary negotiation, to help you land your next career opportunity.

Can Browning Associates Guarantee Me a Job?

No, Browning Associates cannot guarantee you a job. Although we have a proven track record of success, we cannot make any promises about job offers, and the final decision lies with the employer. Job search is a complex process with many variables, and success depends on numerous factors beyond our control. However, we guarantee to work with you until you land a new position successfully. We provide ongoing support, coaching, and resources until you can secure a new role, which sets us apart from other firms providing career transition services. Our approach focuses on empowering you, providing expert guidance and support to enable you to stand out in a crowded job market and ultimately find a job that aligns with your goals and aspirations.

How Do I know If I’m A Good Fit For Your Program?

Browning Associates provides customized and comprehensive career transition services to senior-level professionals looking for a new position or transitioning to a new career. Here are some indications that you may be a good fit for our services: 

1. You are a senior-level professional looking for new career opportunities.
2. You are an executive in a leadership role or have extensive experience in your field.
3. You want to make a significant career change or transition to a new industry.
4. You are struggling to get responses from your job applications or are unsatisfied with your current job.
5. You seek a partner to support you throughout your job search and provide personalized guidance.

At Browning Associates, we provide a highly customized service tailored to your needs and goals, regardless of your current employment status. If you need support with your job search and career transition, we would be happy to discuss how our services can help you reach your objectives.

Here is a standard quote from our most successful clients regarding executive job search and counseling services, “Browning Associates stands out from their competition. Although their pricing may be higher than other competitors, their personalized approach and commitment to long-term success make them a top choice for executives looking to advance their careers. With a focus on individualized support, Browning Associates provides expertise and credentials that cannot be matched. Their testimonials page speaks for itself, highlighting their dedication to helping real people achieve real success. In short, Browning Associates has no competition in providing the best possible services for executives.”

I’m Getting Interviews, Just No Offers. Why?

It can be discouraging if you have been interviewing for executive positions without a job offer. However, it’s important to remain positive and focused on your goals. Here are some possible reasons why you may not have received a job offer yet:

1. Competition: You may be up against much competition for the position, especially at the executive level.

2. Qualifications: The employer may need more evidence of your qualifications and expertise for the position.

3. Fit: It is possible that you may not be a good fit for the company culture or the specific role requirements.

4. Salary Expectations: Your salary expectations may differ from the employers.

5. References: Issues with your references may be hindering your success.

If you find yourself in this situation, we can help you assess your strengths and opportunities for improvement, identify strategies for enhancing your candidacy, and offer advice on communicating your value effectively during interviews. Additionally, we can provide support during the salary negotiation process to help ensure that you receive a fair compensation package.

We have developed a New Revolution in what we call Job Offer Science. This is Not Your Average Interview Training. 

Imagine never again being concerned about those dreaded inquiries about your most significant weaknesses or why you left your last job. Imagine quickly assessing and identifying the employer’s needs and presenting a solution so powerful they can’t say no!  If you perceive yourself as just another job applicant, you will always be subservient to your next potential employer. The traditional job interview scenario always puts the employer in a position of power. They conduct the standard interrogational type of interview in which it’s nearly impossible to be recognized as the expert solution provider you are. Instead, you go through the motions, and an offer is often not extended.

You’ve memorized your elevator pitch. Now Learn to define and communicate your passion statement!   What’s written on your resume might get you the interview, but what’s written on your heart will get you the job!!!  Learn to identify pain points, present solutions, and set your start date.

Employers receive hundreds of resumes every day. Your paper, a.k.a. (résumé), may be necessary to open the door. However, nothing promotes passion!  Imagine you are a coach for a professional baseball team. Your mission is to win and win alone! There is ALWAYS room on your team for a home run hitter.  Are you a home-run hitter? A rainmaker? A white knight? If you don’t believe you are, they won’t either. It’s time to throw away the elevator pitch, record a passion statement on the tablet of your heart and learn to communicate with power, presence, and passion.   Let us show you how!

Effective communication skills are an essential aspect of our personal and professional lives. The ability to articulate our thoughts and emotions can influence various aspects of our lives, including our relationships, career, and opportunities. One of the most effective ways to develop these skills is through verbal judo.

Verbal Judo is an approach used in hostage negotiations and suicide prevention operations. The idea behind it is to de-escalate the situation by using communication techniques that help individuals to feel heard and understood. John Seraichyk, the Founder of Browning Associates, applied this skill to verbal communication techniques, transforming how people communicate during interviews.

The art of verbal judo teaches us how to turn an interview, which is often seen as a high-pressure situation, into a conversation. It helps clients understand how to communicate effectively, answer questions confidently, and become active participants in the interview process. By mastering these communication techniques, clients have gained more confidence during job interviews and other areas of their life.

The impact of verbal judo in interviews extends beyond career development. The skills learned can positively change relationships with family, friends, colleagues, and superiors. Communication and active listening are essential to building lasting relationships, and Verbal Judo teaches us how to do that effectively.

Clients who have attended verbal judo training with Browning Associates have reported significant improvements in their confidence levels. They are more comfortable and articulate when communicating, leading to better rapport with interviewers and increased chances of securing employment.

In conclusion, Verbal Judo is a powerful tool that has changed the approach to interviewing. At Browning Associates, verbal judo has helped our clients to master communication skills, gain more confidence during interviews, and positively impact all other areas of life. It’s an approach that should be embraced by everyone looking to communicate effectively and build lasting relationships.

Networking has become a buzzword in the professional world. Many individuals assume that networking is about job hunting and meeting potential employers. However, networking goes beyond the job hunt. It is an art and a tool that successful professionals use to expand their personal and career opportunities.

Traditional networking techniques can sometimes feel awkward, uncomfortable, and even intimidating. Many people attend events to meet new people but end up standing alone or conversing superficially. This approach is not only ineffective but also unfulfilling.  At Browning Associates, we believe in the power of networking when done correctly. We understand that there are proper techniques to get the most out of the process, and we train super connectors to achieve just that. These professionals have mastered the art of networking and can connect individuals with the right people, resources, and information. The beauty of networking is that it never has to feel like sales or forced interactions. Super connectors are skilled communicators who understand how to control subject matter, build rapport, and create natural conversations. They use their expertise to build relationships instead of closing a sale. This approach increases the likelihood of creating meaningful connections and increases the potential for future opportunities.

Many individuals find it challenging to expand their network because they run out of connections. This is where super connectors can help. By introducing individuals to their vast network of contacts, they can help individuals expand their personal and career opportunities. In conclusion, networking is not a one-size-fits-all approach. There are proper techniques to get the most out of the process. Super connectors have mastered the art of networking and are skilled communicators who create natural conversations. Working with super connectors allows individuals to expand their network, gain new opportunities, and build lasting relationships. We should all strive to learn the art of networking and reap its benefits.

Finding a job can be a challenging and overwhelming process. It is not uncommon for job seekers to seek the assistance of a professional like Browning Associates to help them navigate the job market and increase their chances of success. However, it is crucial to understand that we don’t provide job leads and cannot guarantee employment, and it is not a one-size-fits-all approach. 

Browning Associates is a reputable firm that offers career development services, including executive network lead generation. While we may receive network referrals from former clients, the chances of an existing job fitting an individual skill set are slim. This does not mean that the service is ineffective. Individuals must understand that network referrals are part of the process and require further effort to increase their chances of securing employment. 

In conclusion, job leads are beneficial but do not guarantee employment. Browning Associates offers helpful services, but job seekers need to understand that finding a job is a process that requires commitment and effort. They should beware of companies that promise to provide job leads as the sole solution to finding a job. Job seekers should focus on building essential skills, networking, and investing in themselves to make themselves a competitive candidate in the job market.

Choosing a company like Browning Associates to assist with your executive career search offers many benefits and advantages. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Expertise: Browning Associates is a professional career development and executive coaching firm with many years of experience and expertise in helping people attain their executive career goals. Our team of seasoned professionals has a wealth of knowledge and insight into the executive job market and can provide you with the guidance and support you need to land your next career position.

2. Network: We can help you build a strong executive network which is, ultimately, how 85-90% of all executives land their next career position.

3. Personalized Service: Our services are tailored to meet each clients unique needs. We will work with you to determine your specific career goals and develop a customized approach to help you achieve them.

4. Confidentiality: Our services ensure you can conduct your job search with the utmost confidentiality. We protect your privacy and ensure your personal information remains confidential and secure.

5. Support: Our team will provide ongoing support throughout the job search process, including resume and cover letter writing, interview coaching, and negotiation assistance.

In summary, choosing a company like Browning Associates can provide you with the expertise, network, personalized service, confidentiality, and support you need to succeed in your executive job search.

You do not have to be a Christian to become a client of Browning Associates. The company welcomes individuals from different backgrounds and beliefs and has a non-discriminatory policy. The company respects individuals’ beliefs and does not try to convert anyone to their faith. Moreover, they include their clients in their daily prayers, regardless of their religious beliefs, to symbolize their support and care toward them.

It is common for people to reach a point in their careers when they desire a change in direction. Browning Associates is committed to helping individuals make career pivots by gaining a deeper understanding of themselves beyond their professional backgrounds. The first step is to gather information about our client’s personal and professional backgrounds to get to know them better. This approach ensures that we understand what motivates and drives you personally, not just career goals. By doing so, our clients can discover their true purpose, which can be liberating and powerful. Browning Associates provides support and guidance to individuals looking to pivot careers but still determining their next steps. We utilize various strategies and tools to assist individuals in identifying their goals and creating a plan to achieve them. Through this process, clients can achieve personal and professional fulfillment by aligning their career goals with their values and passions.