GSX Career HQ Offers One-on-One Résumé Review and Job Market Analysis
Career HQ at GSX is bringing back an incredible opportunity for attendees: a complementary résumé review and career coaching session.
Career HQ is located at booth 4045, near the Bistro GSX. Career HQ has arranged for professional career coaches with experience in the security profession to help answer your questions about what a job search in 2025 entails and how you can make the best presentation of you possible. There is no obligation assumed by scheduling a session—why not learn a little about what the market looks like right now and what employers are looking for.
To ensure one of our coaches will be available when you stop by the booth, we highly encourage you to schedule an appointment. What will be in store for you in your résumé review session? We asked one of our coaches, Patricia Coureas, CPP, some questions about the sessions, and what the career advancement climate looks like.
What should someone expect heading into one of the career coaching sessions? Is there anything they should prepare ahead of time?
Someone who chooses to schedule a career coaching session can expect a one-on-one conversation around career history, skills, interests, and future aspirations. Having a clear picture of the individual’s current situation allows the coach to guide the discussion in a direction that may help the individual recognize and acknowledge their strengths, weaknesses, and accomplishments more clearly. This discussion can help the individual uncover overlooked skills as well as possible areas for improvement.
Before a coaching session, it’s important to think about what you want to achieve. It’s critical to assess your current situation in order to make more informed decisions and focus your energy on specific, meaningful goals. Individuals should bring an updated resume and possibly a list of career objectives. Communicating your value to potential employers is key. Finally, be ready to engage, ask questions, and commit to taking the next steps to achieve your goals.
AI has had a radical impact on career search processes and talent acquisition processes. I’m sure you could do a whole series of webinars on the subject, but what are the top-level opportunities and pitfall people need to be aware of?
I believe that AI is not replacing, but is changing the way that individuals research suitable career paths, create their personal brand, and apply for desirable positions from potential employers. Specialized tools can automate the application process and help individuals tailor the required application materials for specific roles which may help in some instances to pass through the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). For individuals who want to improve their verbal and nonverbal communication skills, some of today’s AI -powered platforms offer simulated interview practice which can assist individuals in assessing their skills and responses.
Individuals engaged in a career search process should utilize AI as a resource rather than as a replacement, since excessive use of AI does not allow individuals to display qualities like personal storytelling, adaptability, and empathy. Most people agree that many of the best jobs are filled through personal connections that AI cannot provide.
HR’s talent acquisition focuses on planning for and filling workforce gaps and finding potential candidates through both internal and external sources, which leads to candidate screening and selection. AI-powered recruiting tools allow recruiters to identify candidates quicker, which reduces the length of time that open roles remain unfilled. Filling workforce gaps as quickly as possible can mitigate lost productivity and revenue whle increasing employee morale.
Many AI tools learn from historical data which may discriminate against certain demographic groups to the detriment of some qualified individuals. The overuse of AI and lack of training by recruiters or hiring managers can make the career search process feel impersonal for individuals who are accustomed to and favor a more personal interaction during their job search.
When it comes to finding that next great professional opportunity, networking will always be king. How can an introverted GSX attendee flex their networking muscle at this (or any) event?
Networking is about meaningful connections you have with other individuals, one person at a time! Thinking about networking in this way allows every person regardless of whether you consider yourself to be an introvert or extrovert to prioritize their time to have quality interactions over quantity.
Before attending GSX, here are my recommendations:
First, define your goals for attending GSX and ensure they are realistic. Remember to avoid meeting too many individuals since a few, interesting conversations result in more impactful connections than a lot of talk about things that don’t interest you.
Second, review the education sessions before GSX begins so you can select the topics and speakers that most interest you.
Third, print the map provided on the ASIS website so you can anticipate how much time and effort it may take to navigate the space when it is full of attendees. This also helps with knowing where entrances and exits, restrooms, and food and drink vendors are located which can help you manage your day.
Fourth, there are numerous volunteer opportunities, like helping with check-in and distributing GSX entry badges. This type of role allows you to meet many people spontaneously. Look for new and interesting opportunities to network while being yourself.
Finally, go to www.gsx.org/why-attend and explore the tabs that list General Information, Attendee Experience, Program and Exhibitors which will provide a high-level overview of what you can expect. You can preview the Education Sessions, Speaker Bios and Exhibitor List. A first timer at GSX can easily be overwhelmed with the size and scope of this event so preparing ahead can help a great deal.
I’m in a good place and have no real desire to make a career move right now. What could I expect to get out of one of these sessions?
An individual who is content with their current role and position in an organization might expect a conversation focused on discussing a roadmap that looks at where this individual may want to be in the future, 5 or 10 years from now. I’d encourage this individual to begin describing their core values, interests, and skills that led to the current role. Understanding what is meaningful about the individual’s contributions can lead to helping the individual develop a plan to perform better, which may elevate the individual’s influence within the organization. If relevant, the individual might talk about any workplace issues that impact their role or responsibilities to get a neutral and honest assessment of that specific issue. A career coach may also ask what professional satisfaction means and how that satisfaction relates to the individual’s long-term personal values and goals.
Can you describe how a coach inspired your career journey?
Several years ago, I transitioned from a lengthy government career into the private sector. My first experience working in the private sector with a Fortune 500 Company was immensely rewarding as I quickly adapted my existing skills to be successful in a different professional environment. A short time later, I was introduced to a recruiter, author, and coach—Jane Snipes, with Northstar Recruiting—who was exceptional in her role as a recruiter and who assisted a wide array of clients in attracting top talent.
Jane and I conducted a webinar for ASIS Career HQ titled, How to reinvent yourself, which was well received. At this same time, I was considering another transition within the private-sector and Jane agreed to share her thoughts and recommendations. Jane helped me see beyond my current situation by asking the right questions.
What was the reason I wanted to make another career move?
What specific work and challenges have been the most satisfying?
What impact would a change have on my family?
Over several weeks, Jane helped me recognize what values and interests were most important to me at this stage of my professional journey. She encouraged me to acknowledge my past accomplishments and skills which helped build my confidence to make another transition.
Jane also recommended taking enough time to understand this new direction I was considering so I could be emotionally and mentally ready for what I was considering. What I began to realize is that all of my professional roles, responsibilities, and experiences over the past 30 years have shaped me into who I am today. I understood that I could redefine my personal brand and be successful as long as what I elected to do was meaningful.