Erin Kennedy

𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗺𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 that my three passions of helping people, writing, and talking would eventually be my career, I wouldn't have believed you. I was hell-bent on working in a human resources office of an automotive company (I’m from Michigan—Motor City!).  

But life had different plans for me. 

It took me a bit to get here but eventually, I did (I post a lot here about my detours!).🛣️

For the last 20 years, we’ve helped 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 land the roles they wanted in the companies they chose. 

We can do the same for you.

We offer a high-touch service and work with you one-on-one throughout the process as your thought partner and career strategist. 

My team of 𝗺𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶-𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗱, 𝗧.𝗢.𝗥.𝗜. 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱-𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 create career documents for clients seeking opportunities from $150K+ to $1M+, from mid-level to c-level executives for just about every industry. 

We have 𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘀 on staff to help you navigate LinkedIn’s ever-changing landscape through coaching and hands-on LI exploration.

I’m proud to say I've assembled a select team of writers, editors, and LinkedIn experts that are truly the "𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁". As the top writers and consultants in the industry, they create power-packed documents and profiles that will make you say, "WOW!! Is this really me? I'd hire me!"

▶️ 𝗪𝗘 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗥:

✔ Executive Resumes & Cover Letters
✔ VP, Director, Senior Mgr, and Professional Resumes 
✔ Resumes for CEO, CFO, COO, CIO, CTO, CMO, "CXO", CSO, and C-Suite
✔ Board Resumes
✔ LinkedIn Profile Writing, Strategy, & Coaching 
✔ Brand Strategy
✔ Graphic and Networking Resumes
✔ Job Search, Interview, & Career Coaching 
✔ Executive Recruiter Resume Distribution
✔ VC/PE Resume Distribution 
✔ We are Recruiter Approved!

▶️  𝗠𝗬 𝗖𝗥𝗘𝗗𝗦

➖ Nationally Certified Online Profile Expert (NCOPE)
➖ Master Career Director (MCD)
➖ Certified Resume Analyst (CRA)
➖ Certified Master Resume Writer (CMRW)
➖ Certified Executive Resume Writer (CERW)
➖ Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)
➖ Certified Empowerment & Motivational Coach (CEMC)
➖ Member: CTL, CDI, NRWA, Forbes Council
➖ Former Board Member, NRWA: Experienced Business Owner, East
➖ Certification Committee, Career Directors International (CDI)
➖ TORI Judge, multiple TORI nominations and wins (CDI)
➖ 20+ years in the career industry
➖ BS,Human Resources

Call now: 810-664-1933
Or schedule your appointment at: https://www.exclusive-executive-resumes.com

CEO | Executive Resume Writer | LinkedIn Profile |  C-Suite, Boards, EVP, SVP | Branding | 

Erin  Kennedy

"I wish I had called you sooner" is a common comment I hear from my clients.  

It is hard to tell your own story. My favorite clients are often people who tell me that they can recognize the strengths and values in other people but have a hard time articulating their own. 
Or at least packaging that narrative on a modern resume. 

I am not a touchy-feely 'let's take assessments' kind of coach. I value assessments & think they can be important for job seekers who need help figuring out their strengths & motivators. However, I work best with people who know where they want to go and just need help getting there. 

I work with all career levels - from C-suite to career sprinters, including Chief Marketing Officer, Chief Technology Officers, Customer Experience Officers, Chief Operations Officers, Chief Medical Officer & more. Our clients have landed roles at top Fortune 100 and 500 companies, including AT&T, Alphabet, Home Depot, JPMorgan Chase, Optum & Nike.

I believe in positively changing the trajectory of people's lives through goal setting, purposeful action & strategic networking. 

I help my clients think bigger AND better articulate their unique value proposition.

I offer 5 solutions:

◆  Behavioral-based mock interviews. I offer highly personalized mock interviews virtually through Zoom. I can help you master questions like, "tell me about yourself" or "tell me about the toughest decision you've had to make in the past six months." I understand the interview process and will ensure you are prepared.

◆  Executive-style resumes, board resumes/bios, and other career marketing collateral. No forms. My resumes are attractive, ATS-friendly, and full of quantifiable data. My goal is to hear you say, "wow! I look great on paper!"

◆ Strategic Job Search Coaching. Stop turning your wheels applying for job after job online. My clients land meetings with decision-makers at top employers and get jobs they really want. 

◆ LinkedIn Training. I am a super-user & have been training business leaders how to use the platform since 2007. 

◆  Medical CVs for residents, fellows, physicians, dentists & podiatrists. 

🙌  My company, Briefcase Coach 💼, has been named the top resume writing agency for experienced executives by Balance Careers.

I was named to the list of 2021 most influential people in the HR Space and 2019 LinkedIn Top Voice for the career space.

Subscribe to my twice-a-month NO SPAM job search newsletter: https://briefcasecoach.beehiiv.com/


Want to work one-on-one?

Sarah@Briefcasecoach.com ◆◆ www.briefcasecoach.com

Sarah Johnston

Have an unemployed friend?  Don’t say, “Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help” or “Let me know if I can introduce you to anyone.”

That puts the emotional and logistical burden back on them—at a time when they’re already overwhelmed, discouraged, and often unsure of what to ask for.

Job loss can shake confidence, identity, and momentum. Even the most accomplished professionals can struggle to articulate what they need, especially when they’re in survival mode.

Instead, be specific. Be proactive. Be human.

Here’s what actually helps:

1. Go for a walk or hike with them. 
Fresh air, moving your body and the outdoors are good for mental health. Walking and talking can be therapeutic. 

2. Review their target company list.
See if you know anyone at their companies of interest and offer to make introductions. If they don’t have a list, point them to my free resources in the comments—this is a crucial step in any strategic job search.

3. Go buy them a cup of coffee and remind them how great they are. Look in their eyes and tell them that people like working with and for them. Unemployment has a way of completely wrecking havoc on your self worth. You need real friends who will remind you of your value. 

4. Ask to see their resume.
 If you’re comfortable giving feedback, great. If not, gift them a professional review. My team offers in-depth, one-on-one resume critiques for just $145—an investment in their future.

5. Upgrade their headshot.
If their photo is outdated or poorly lit, send them a promo code for an AI headshot service (like Headshot Pro or Secta), or offer to take one yourself. A great photo is a key part of their personal brand.

6. Interview practice.
If they are willing, jump on a Zoom session and do a mock interview with them. Practice asking them common interview questions. Give feedback and lots of praise.

Your friends need you. Job searching is a team sport.

Executive Resume Writer for Global Leaders + LinkedIn Branding | Interview Coach 💼 Former Recruiter —> Founder of Briefcase Coach | Outplacement Provider | The Future of Work is Here™ | LinkedIn Learning Instructor

I've had a tricky career dilemma happen to a few folks in my network over the past 6 months. I’m curious—would you handle it the same way… or differently?

Here's the scenario:
Several individuals in my network were impacted by a larger reduction in force and unexpectedly found themselves out of work. Their job searches lasted longer than anticipated—often six months or more—and progress was slow for much of that time.

Eventually, an offer came through. Given the circumstances and the uncertainty of the market, they accepted the only role available to them.

Shortly after accepting the offer—or, in one case, shortly after starting—the individuals received another opportunity that was clearly a better fit in terms of compensation, scope, or long-term potential.

All three individuals wrestled with the question:  Do I take the job? 
These are people with great integrity who want to do the right thing. 
They didn't want to burn a bridge or tarnish their reputations.

After much debate, all three candidates ended up accepting the new offer.

These individuals made a thoughtful, values-driven decision. After a prolonged period of uncertainty, they accepted the initial offer in good faith—based on the information available at the time. When a clearly better opportunity emerged shortly thereafter, they took the time to reflect on alignment, long-term impact, and their ability to do their best work. 

Choosing the role that better matched their skills, trajectory, and sustainability wasn’t about disloyalty—it was about making a responsible decision for their careers and families, and honoring the reality that employment is a mutual business commitment, not a lifetime contract.

Do you agree with their decision?  What advice do you have for someone in this situation?

Yikes!  These scammers are slick. Stay vigilant, friends.

Bucket Hat Recruiter | Talent Poacher | xActivision xDisney | #ResumeIsKing

NEW SCAM ALERT!! This one is very slick and involves established 1st degree connections! I've been connected with this person since 2018. 

This is the third DM I have received from my 1st degree connections. The exact same wording! I can only assume their LinkedIn account has been hacked!! 

The first one I received I responded and asked for the person's LI account. The response: "she is shy and does not have a LinkedIn account..."

BE CAREFUL!!!

I’m seeing the same scenario show up again and again at the VP and executive level: a merger happens, performance is strong, and suddenly the acquiring company already has someone in your role. 

When that happens, panic is understandable—but it’s rarely the right move. 

I put together a clear 30-60-90 day plan for how to stabilize, protect your leverage, and create real options for yourself before decisions get made for you.

 If you’re navigating role overlap after a merger (or sense one coming), this will help you think—and act—strategically.

View newsletter: Career Briefs LinkedIn Edition

What to Do When Your Role Is Duplicated in a Merger: A 30-60-90 Day Plan I want to share a real-life scenario I’m seeing with increasing frequency rig

Open article: What to Do When Your Role Is Duplicated in a Merger: A 30-60-90 Day Plan
 by Sarah Johnston • 7 min read

What to Do When Your Role Is Duplicated in a Merger: A 30-60-90 Day Plan

One of the #1 questions that I get from job seekers is: “I need more good recruiter connections. How do I find them?”

This is a topic I plan to do a deep-dive on but could use YOUR help.

1. Practically speaking— how do you find recruiters and how do you connect with them? What is working right now?

2. If you’ve worked with an outstanding executive recruiter— would you send me a private message with their name and why you liked working with them? I PROMISE I will not do anything shady with this information and will just use it to make connections for people. I will also not publish a list of recruiter names.

3. Recruiters— I want to hear from you too. If a job seeker doesn’t already have a relationship with you, how do you suggest they start one? What will make you want to accept a phone call?

Every year, I write a Hiring & Recruitment Trends article, reaching out to talent leaders around the globe for their perspectives and predictions on the world of work. 

This year, I decided to take a different approach and tap into the incredible internal talent at Briefcase Coach. My team has worked on hundreds of leadership and C-suite resumes over the years, giving us a unique, front-row view of what companies are really looking for in their next leaders.

I’m excited to share what we’ve learned—both the patterns that reflect broader market movements and the small, actionable insights that can help leaders position themselves for success in 2026 and beyond.

💼 Bottomline: thoughtful positioning and strong storytelling matter more than ever.

Open article: 2026 Executive Resume Trends - Briefcase Coach by briefcasecoach.com

2026 Executive Resume Trends - Briefcase Coach

"That's a lot of words."
"I feel uncomfortable with this much content."
"Are people actually going to read this?"

There is an unspoken dichotomy between executives who want more profile views and greater visibility online and having a fully optimized LinkedIn profile.

I get it. It can feel uncomfortable to put yourself out there online.
"Am I going to look like a tryhard?"

But the bottom line is: if you want more views, you have to optimize your profile.

A fully optimized profile looks like this:

-𝗮 𝗸𝗲𝘆𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗱-𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿. Take a look at mine for inspiration. There is a reason it's long.

- 𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗞𝗲𝘆𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁- If you want to rank higher in searches, you need to have the right words on your profile. In SEO, things like keyword density and keyword location matter.

- 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻- My research shows that most people prefer to read a first-person About section that starts with a "hook" or an engaging story. The best stories humanize your brand and make you memorable

- 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀... 𝗯𝘂𝘁... not proprietary results. I see executives sharing TOO much on their Linkedin profiles. Want to know what a company is spending on marketing? These days, all you have to do is visit their CMO's LinkedIn page. The best profiles carefully curate results in a way that leaves the reader enticed enough to want to learn more.

- 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻- A lot of people overlook this section, but it's important from an SEO perspective.

- 𝗙𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝘀- Have you been on a podcast or been featured in an industry journal? If it's relevant to your work, consider adding the links to your profile to show thought leadership!

-----


When my team and I write a LinkedIn profile for a client, we often hand over 4-5 pages of typed-out content for the client to copy + paste onto their profile.

I've heard from clients that it can feel a little vulnerable to be (what feels like) the only person at their peer level with an optimized profile.

I follow up this line of thinking with:
- Does your peer want visibility?
- Where are they in their career?
Are you in the sprint phase, and are they in the coast?
- How long have they been at your organization?
- Would they know how to launch a job search?
- What would happen if you didn't update your profile?
- What is the real risk?

I have truly seen people's careers explode because they learned how to gain visibility. When people know who you are and what you can do, they're more likely to consider you for promotions or interesting assignments.

There is no reward for being the "best-kept secret."

⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
Here's my free comprehensive guide with user insights:  https://lnkd.in/e-9mf4iA
⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️
#LinkedIn #LinkedInProfile. #linkedinprofileoptimization

Open article: LinkedIn Best Practices - Briefcase Coach by briefcasecoach.com

LinkedIn Best Practices - Briefcase Coach

My friend refers to the stretch of time between MLK Day and Presidents' Day as her "Winter Hibernation" period. She says, "It's that time when everyone is sick, it's freezing outside, and there are no parties or events to look forward to."

She's great at turning lemons into lemonade and has made it "a thing" for her family. They plan out in advance the movies they are going to watch together, the books they are going to read, and the puzzles they plan to put together. 

The winter snowstorm forced a hibernation at my house.  Not only is our school closed, but all of our after-school activities have been canceled. 

Sorry, not sorry, but we will watch more TV this week than we normally do. 

Here are my TOP PICKS for winter hibernation:

Movies:
- Titanic.  Yup, that 1997 cult-classic. It's still so good.
- Speaking of Leo...  we haven't watched it yet, but we're planning to watch One Battle After Another.  
- The latest Knives Out movie.  Formulaic, but I liked it more than I thought I would. 


TV:
- All Creatures Great & Small.  Worth subscribing to PBS to get the latest release.
- My husband says if you haven't binged Stranger Things yet, there is still time. It's a little too intense for me, but he's having ST withdrawals now that it ended.
- Four Seasons.  We watched this in 2025, but it's great.  If you haven't watched this yet, highly recommend.  It's a comedy drama featuring Tina Fey, Steve Carell, Colman Domingo, and Will Forte. 


Games:
- The second my kids heard that schools might be canceled, they brought out the card table and puzzles.  We are currently working on the 1000-piece candy wrapper puzzle. SO FUN.  
- Rummikub.  My tween girls love this game.  And I have to admit, it's pretty fun for the whole family. 

Books:
- I need some ideas here. I am in the middle of Buckeye: A Novel, but it's moving slower than I'd like. 
- My book club is reading I Just Wish I Had a Bigger Kitchen by Kate Strickler

Activities:
- I recently got a bread maker.  I know, 2020-called... But I have to say, it's amazing.  I keep asking myself why I didn't get one years ago. My family will be making bread until the power goes out.

How are you spending your "Winter Hybernation?"  Give us all of your ideas!

If you're thinking about a career shift in the next year, I'd like to encourage you to check out my latest newsletter: The Briefs.

This edition covers:

- Why you need more decision-maker conversations
- What to do if your role is duplicated in a merger
- Bonuses-- who is getting them and how much
- ATS chaos 
- Disposition Data— Why This Should Concern You
- Lindsay Ellis's latest article on why where you go to college matters...again
- Brandon Busteed's plea for more internships

Check it out:

Open article: Career Briefs: Bonuses, Buyouts & Big Moves by newsletter.briefcasecoach.com

Career Briefs: Bonuses, Buyouts & Big Moves

If you’ve job searched and successfully landed a role in the last two years, I have a question for you.

Looking back, what is the one thing you wish you had done differently—something that would have moved the needle faster or more meaningfully?

For many professionals, the answers fall into a few familiar categories:

1: You underestimated the research phase.
In hindsight, you wish you’d spent more time getting clear before applying—building a true target company list, identifying decision-makers inside those organizations, and gathering better market intel. Instead of reacting to postings, you could have led with intention.

2: Your career documents didn’t reflect your true value.
You either pulled together your resume and cover letter yourself or outsourced them on the cheap. Now you realize you weren’t putting your best foot forward—while stronger competitors were investing in their personal brand and positioning themselves accordingly.

3: You relied on too few recruiters.
Rather than building a bench of relationships, you leaned heavily on one or two recruiters. If you could do it again, you’d identify 10–25 recruiters in your space and stay in consistent, proactive communication with them.

4: You didn’t network as much as you could have.
Everyone says networking is the fastest path to a new role—and you know they’re probably right. But it felt uncomfortable, awkward, or forced. Looking back, you wish you’d reconnected with more former colleagues, said yes to more coffee conversations, and asked more directly for help.


Curious—which one resonates most with you?

If you landed a new role in the last two years, what’s the one thing you’d do differently in your job search?
Read the full post for context

The author can see how you vote. Learn more

Q1 has historically been the busiest hiring season, which means many of you will soon be negotiating salary and total rewards packages.

I’ve put together a comprehensive article on how to benchmark your compensation so you can enter those conversations informed—and position yourself for the strongest possible offer.

For the executives reading this: I also highly recommend working with Kate Dixon. This is not a sponsored post, and I’m not incentivized in any way to share her name—I recommend her simply because she’s exceptional. Many of my VP and C-suite clients have worked with her after partnering with my firm on their resumes, and the outcomes have been excellent.

Open article: How to Benchmark Your Executive Salary - Briefcase Coach by briefcasecoach.com

How to Benchmark Your Executive Salary - Briefcase Coach

40% of U.S. workers received a bonus payout in 2024.

If you’re like many senior leaders, you may be expecting a bonus this year—but chances are the amount is lower than last year’s. Economic uncertainty, market shifts, and company performance have all played a role in reducing overall bonus pools.

Inquiring minds want to know-- what’s your expected bonus for 2025?

taplio

The Battle

Erin Kennedy

Sarah Johnston

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance ScoreSarah Johnston's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

taplio

The Battle

Erin Kennedy

Sarah Johnston

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Sarah Johnston's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

Performance ScoreSarah Johnston's LinkedIn Performance