Qualified Isn't Enough: Develop Your Story. Land the Interview. Win the Job.

by Gina Riley

Overview

Drawing from her extensive executive search and career coaching experience, in Qualified Isn't Enough Gina Riley presents her Career Velocity™ system, proven to transform how senior leaders navigate career transitions. Unlike traditional job search advice, this comprehensive guide provides insider expertise from top recruiters and career professionals, combined with practical exercises and real-world examples that make every concept immediately actionable.

Through Career Velocity, executives and ambitious professionals learn to craft compelling leadership narratives, build strategic networks, and position themselves as industry thought leaders. Riley's unique approach helps readers access the hidden job market where many executive roles are filled, moving beyond resume tweaks and online applications to become the clear choice for leadership positions.

Qualified Isn’t Enough delivers concrete strategies for mastering high-stakes interviews, developing executive presence, and creating opportunities rather than waiting to be discovered. Featuring success stories from executives who have used these frameworks to land significant roles, this book equips readers with the tools to stand out in an increasingly competitive leadership talent pool. Whether targeting a C-suite position or building momentum for future advancement, this essential guide provides the strategic road map for becoming an invaluable, must-have candidate. Riley's insider perspective and systematic approach ensure readers can confidently navigate every aspect of their executive career transition, from initial preparation through final offer negotiation.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798891881167
Publisher:	Advantage Media Group, Inc.
Publication date:	09/09/2025
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	230
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

GINA RILEY brings unique insight to executive career development, drawing from her extensive experience on both sides of the hiring equation. As an executive search consultant, she has led senior leadership searches, trained hundreds of corporate employees in talent selection, and witnessed firsthand what distinguishes candidates who win competitive roles. This led her to develop the Career Velocity™ system, a unique and proven framework for guiding executives through successful career transitions in today's complex leadership job market.

A recognized thought leader in career progression, Riley holds a master's degree and is a certified YouMap® coach and interview skills training expert. Her expertise is frequently sought by executives preparing for high-stakes career moves, and her insights have helped countless leaders advance their careers. Her popular series "How Your Next Executive Role Finds You" and numerous articles on networking, leadership, and executive presence have established her as a trusted voice in executive career development.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“This book is a practical guide for executives navigating career transitions. Gina Riley shares clear and actionable strategies to help professionals define their value and stand out in today’s competitive market.”
— Clay Mckissack
VP, Schneider Electric

“Qualified Isn't Enough is not about finding your next job. It is an effective tool in defining and growing your career. Riley’s insider perspective as an executive recruiter, combined with practical frameworks and exercises, makes this an invaluable resource to delve deep in yourself to become the number one choice for career progression.”
— Angela Shaw
SVP of Talent, Amplify Credit Union

“Empathetic, motivational, and packed with practical strategies, Gina Riley’s Qualified Isn’t Enough inspires confidence and action. The focus on storytelling, real-world examples, and clear exercises empowers leaders to take control of their career path with clarity.”
— James Cape
President, Intel Alumni Network

“When the stakes are so high, tips aren't enough. Gina Riley provides step-by-step instructions executives can follow to maximize their returns from their career transition efforts.”
— Steve Dalton
Bestselling author, The 2-Hour Job Search and The Closer

“Gina Riley and her Career Velocity™ framework are the real deal. This book will tell you the truth holding you back in your career or job search. Use it as a road map to tell your unique story with brevity and influence. Armed with these insights, your best leadership role is ahead!”
— Jennifer Davis
President, Central States Building Works

“The job market has changed, and you need to be prepared. In an age where a stellar résumé is no longer enough to get you in the door, much less land the job, Qualified Isn’t Enough is a masterclass on standing out and effectively communicating your story. Through Gina Riley’s Career Velocity framework, you’ll learn how to identify your unique value proposition while enhancing your personal brand and developing effective networking skills. Whether you think you already have the perfect job or you’re just starting to think about future opportunities, this book arms you with the knowledge you need to take your career to the next level. A must-read for all leaders!”
— Jeff Deitrick
Vice President, CPG Company

“Gina Riley has built a masterclass in career differentiation. Qualified Isn’t Enough is a surgical strike on generic résumés and uninspired interviews. Gina’s Career Velocity method arms you with the tools to craft a standout narrative, articulate your leadership, and dominate the hidden job market. If you’re playing chess while others play checkers, Gina’s the strategist you want at the board.”
– Brian Fink
Talent Acquisition Partner, McAfee

“As the owner of an executive résumé writing firm, I have referred numerous senior leaders to Gina for her expertise in career clarity and job search strategy. Her proven methods consistently deliver results. This book encapsulates her white-glove coaching approach in an accessible and practical guide. It’s one of the most actionable and effective career resources I’ve encountered. Whether you’re aiming for your next C-suite role or building sustained career momentum, Qualified Isn’t Enough delivers.”
— Sarah Johnston
CEO, Briefcase Coach

“Through her trademarked Career Velocity system, Gina has discovered the solution for answering the dreaded ‘tell me about yourself’ question. This book is loaded with frameworks, models, and exercises to simplify and structure the job search. A must-read for anyone looking to transition to that next role or career pivot.”
— Lisa Kaplowitz
Executive Director, Rutgers Center for Women in Business (CWIB)

“Qualified Isn’t Enough is an incredibly insightful guide that delves deep into the art of strategic self-presentation in the executive job market. Gina Riley's Career Velocity method empowers readers to uncover and articulate their unique value, creating compelling narratives that captivate hiring decision-makers. Through practical exercises and real-world examples, this book transforms the job search from a daunting process into a proactive journey, equipping leaders with the tools to stand out, build trust, and secure pivotal roles.”
— John Knotts
Crosscutter Enterprises

“Executive career transitions are so important, and you cannot leave this to chance. Gina Riley in Qualified Isn’t Enough lays out a practical framework with insightful questions and exercises to empower you to attain your next big role. The examples from decades of senior-level experience assist in bringing this to life and unblocking great stories and approaches for the future.”
— Scott Newton
Managing Partner, Thinking Dimensions Global

“In her book Qualified Isn't Enough, Gina Riley shares her wisdom through tested and proven methods in this comprehensive how-to career guide for creating your unique value proposition, marketing yourself, and developing your thought leadership strategy. By following this guide, you’re sure to create a compelling story that lands you the job you want—every time.”
— Jana Panfilio
Cofounder, 6453 ALUMNI

“You can’t rely on a résumé alone, no matter how well written, to land your next job. You also need to learn job search skills, understand what matters to employers, and talk persuasively about what you offer. Gina Riley shows you how to do all things so you can stand out from your competitors and get the career you want.”
—Mac Prichard
Host, Find Your Dream Job Podcast

“In Qualified Isn't Enough, Gina Riley has created the complete actionable and practical guide for Executive career transitions. The Career Velocity framework whisks away the noise of novice advice, providing the playbook of choice for the busy leader ready to advance their career."
— Kristin Sherry
Creator, YouMap®; Bestselling author, YouMap and Ready, Set, Coach!

“Gina’s insights on career advancement are spot-on for today’s leaders. In a world where meaningful connections are more powerful than a résumé, Qualified Isn’t Enough equips executives with the tools to articulate their value and expand their influence. Having led teams through growth and transformation, this book is a must-read for purpose-driven leaders to navigate career transitions effectively.”
— David Siegel
Former CEO, Meetup; Investopedia

“Gina Riley offers a novel and effective way for leaders to tell their stories and maximize the power of personal branding. This book is filled with opportunities for active reflection, catalyzing leaders at every step to rethink the job hunt entirely—it is no longer about showing results or the size of your network alone. Today, finding one’s next role is about inspiring what’s possible from what’s been, and Riley has the blueprint for senior leaders and executives on how to do this effectively.”
— Annie Tsai
Chief Operating Officer, Interact