CFOs in the HVAC services sector play a pivotal role in driving financial strategy, operational efficiency, and overall business growth. Yet, many miss key opportunities when it comes to how they present themselves on their resumes. Here are three of the most common mistakes CFOs make—and how to correct them.

<h3><span style="color: #e6332a;">1. Focusing Too Much on Accounting Tasks</span></h3>
<p>Too often, CFOs list out responsibilities like &ldquo;managed financial operations&rdquo; or &ldquo;oversaw accounting processes.&rdquo; While these are important, they don&rsquo;t show the real impact you&rsquo;ve made.</p>
<p>Instead, shift the focus to strategic financial leadership. For example:</p>
<ul>
<li>Implemented cost-saving initiatives, reducing operational expenses by 20%</li>
<li>Led financial restructuring, improving cash flow by $5M annually</li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="color: #e6332a;">2. Not Including Measurable Outcomes</span></h3>
<p>A strong CFO resume should clearly show how you've moved the needle. Generic phrases don&rsquo;t cut it. Include specific figures and results to showcase your impact.</p>
<ul>
<li>Increased revenue by $20M</li>
<li>Completed 6 acquisitions over a five-year period</li>
<li>Integrated new acquisitions, improving EBITDA by $8M</li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="color: #e6332a;">3. Leaving Out Mergers, Acquisitions, and Expansion Work</span></h3>
<p>If you&rsquo;ve led M&amp;A efforts or driven geographic or operational expansion, highlight it. This is a major value-add in the HVAC sector.</p>
<ul>
<li>Led and integrated acquisitions, improving revenue by $25M and EBITDA by $15M</li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="color: #e6332a;">Final Thoughts</span></h3>
<p>Your resume should reflect your strategic contributions&mdash;not just your responsibilities. Focus on measurable impact, major business initiatives, and the growth you&rsquo;ve delivered.</p>
<p>Questions? Feel free to reach out using the contact details below.</p>

3 Common Resume Mistakes HVAC Services CFOs Make (and How to Fix Them)

Chief Executive Officers in the HVAC services industry often bring years of hands-on experience and operational know-how. But when it comes to their resumes, many fail to showcase that experience in the right way.  Here are three of the most common mistakes we see:

<h3><span style="color: #e6332a;">1. Overly Technical Focus</span></h3>
<p>Many HVAC CEOs have risen through the ranks from technical or engineering roles. But their resumes often reflect that background too heavily. Instead of sounding like a leader driving business results, they come across more like senior engineers. While technical expertise is valuable, resumes at this level should highlight business growth, leadership, and strategic impact.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #e6332a;">2. Ignoring Leadership and Culture</span></h3>
<p>A CEO&rsquo;s role goes far beyond operations. Yet many HVAC executives overlook their contributions to leadership development and culture building. Highlighting efforts to create a positive workplace culture, build high-performing teams, or roll out leadership development plans is critical&mdash;especially when growth is the goal.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #e6332a;">3. Missing Metrics That Matter</span></h3>
<p>Too many resumes rely on responsibilities rather than results. A strong CEO resume should include tangible outcomes like:</p>
<ul>
<li>Increased revenue by 40% in the first year</li>
<li>Improved gross margin by 15% year-on-year</li>
<li>Boosted repeat business by 30%</li>
<li>Scaled team from 50 to 150 in two years</li>
</ul>
<p>These figures show impact, not just effort&mdash;and that&rsquo;s what sets standout resumes apart.</p>
<p>If you have questions or want help refining your executive resume, feel free to get in touch using the details below.</p>

3 Common Resume Mistakes HVAC CEOs Make (and how to fix them)

Hiring the right operating partner is crucial for driving value in portfolio companies. Private equity firms rely on these professionals to implement effective strategies, optimize operations, and maximize returns. If you're evaluating an operating partner, here are five key questions to ask during the interview process:

Five Essential Questions to Ask Every Operating Partner in a Private Equity Interview

Operating partners play a crucial role in private equity firms, driving value creation and optimizing portfolio companies for success. Yet, despite their expertise, many struggle to answer one key interview question effectively:  “What is your value creation strategy?”  Having interviewed hundreds of operating partners, we’ve seen this question trip up even the most seasoned professionals. The issue isn’t a lack of capability, it’s a failure to articulate strategy in a way that resonates with private equity investors.

The One Question Most Operating Partners Get Wrong in Private Equity Interviews

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What Makes a Great Vice President: Key Leadership Skills

Chief Operating Officers (COOs) in the HVAC services industry are responsible for driving operational efficiencies, scalability, and profitability. However, despite their strategic role, many HVAC COOs make critical resume mistakes that can weaken their positioning. Here are some of the most common mistakes we’ve identified and how to correct them.

Common Resume Mistakes of Chief Operating Officers in the HVAC Services Industry

Private Equity Partners and Managing Directors are expected to demonstrate top-tier financial acumen, strategic leadership, and investment expertise. However, many fail to effectively showcase these qualities in their resumes, leading to missed opportunities.

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Interviewing for an Operating Partner role at a Private Equity firm? The right questions can reveal whether the firm values your expertise, understands your role, and has a clear framework for success. Here are three key questions to ask:

3 Essential Interview Questions Every Operating Partner Should Ask a Private Equity Firm

Having interviewed hundreds of operating partners, I’ve noticed several common mistakes that don’t make it onto their resumes—but should.

Common Resume Mistakes Operating Partners Make – And How to Fix Them

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In Private Equity, a CEO’s ability to lead can significantly impact the success or failure of a portfolio company. While experience and knowledge matter, the very best CEOs possess traits that set them apart from the average. Below are five critical traits that can make a difference.

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From Shipping Clerk to PE-Backed CEO: Ted Clark’s Journey to a $1.4 Billion Enterprise Value

The Private Equity industry in New York is a thriving ecosystem, particularly in the exclusive healthcare-focused sector. In this blog, we’ll delve into some fascinating facts and figures that shed light on the landscape, including the number of firms, professionals, and the role of women in the deal teams.

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As we approach 2024, the private capital industry stands at a critical juncture, shaped by a confluence of global economic shifts, monetary policy changes, and evolving market dynamics. Reflecting on Warren Buffet's adage about the revealing nature of a receding tide, the sector now faces a reality check after a prolonged period of cheap debt and high returns. Our latest Global Perspectives piece delves into the current state of the private capital industry and its prospects as we look towards 2024.

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It’s 2024. It is time to build a team that can GUARANTEE you success. Raw Selection is a specialist search and selection firm, partnering exclusively with lower to middle-market Private Equity firms and their Portfolio companies We partner with Private Equity firms such as Blackford Capital, MiddleGround Capital, Archimed, Ventoux Industrial Holdings, Drum Capital, and many lower to middle-market firms. At Raw Selection, we stand behind our work and offer a unique guarantee. We only take a small upfront deposit which is 100% refundable if you aren’t satisfied with our work for ANY reason. Private Equity firms are turning to Raw Selection due to our unrivalled level of service, focus on delivery, and the low risk involved.

The New Year means new careers

In the expansive realm of private capital, private equity and venture capital have long been the focal points of extensive research. However, a lesser-explored territory, growth equity, has recently garnered attention for its unique position between the two. A recent study, examining over 1,500 private UK companies from 2000 to 2021, sheds light on the impact of growth equity on these businesses. The findings are intriguing, revealing both the positive contributions and potential pitfalls associated with this form of investment.

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Private Equity interviews can be intense and highly competitive, but there's one crucial question that can set the tone for the entire interview: "Why Private Equity?" Your answer to this question holds significant weight and plays a pivotal role in determining whether you move on to the next stages of the interview process. In this article, we'll delve into the importance of this question, the reasoning behind it, and provide you with strategies to craft the perfect response to secure your dream PE job.

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In 2023, the private equity industry has confronted a complex landscape marked by macroeconomic uncertainties and geopolitical challenges. While the crises involving Silicon Valley Bank, First Republic Bank, and Signature Bank were relatively short-lived, they added to an already challenging liquidity environment. Fundraising remains fiercely competitive, and the debate over Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues in the United States has intensified, resulting in a patchwork of state-level legislation. Additionally, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) continues to scrutinize private fund practices. In this environment, both sponsors and investors are exercising caution.

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Here is how a complete professional handled rejection from an application and how you can too.

How to handle rejection from a career opportunity

Salary, training, onboarding, executive search fees. We understand the cost of hiring. Not to mention the hidden costs of a bad hire if something does go wrong.

All too often, Private Equity firms are made to accept this loss.

We weren't happy with this, so we set out to change it. Hiring for your firm shouldn't be a risk

That's why we're de-risking executive search for all our clients, with our full money back guarantee and free candidate replacement service.

For full details on how we're de-risking your next hire.

Money-back Guarantee

<h3>Executive Search, Without the <span style="color: #e4342a;">Risk</span>.</h3>

<h3>&nbsp;</h3>

Private equity firms have less than 25% success rate on executive appointments. Change that today.

Raw Selection is a leading executive search consultancy for lower to middle-market Private Equity firms and their Portfolio Companies. We work across Europe and North America to find exceptional talent and de-risk the executive search process.

Risk and reward may be an inseparable pair in Private Equity but the same doesn’t have to be said for Private Equity executive search. <br><br><b>Founded in 2017</b> with one objective: Offer meticulous executive search risk-free.

While search firms have traditionally looked at the here, now and exit, leaving organisations with average performance, loss of productivity and often, a skills gap, Raw Selection was built on the principles of longevity and excellence.

We work with Private Equity Firms and their Portfolio Companies to find the skills and experience needed today, tomorrow and until exit. It’s this longevity and excellence that we look for in your next hire and in the very unlikely event that we don’t find it, we’ll offer you your money back.

Unlike traditional investing, investing in your human capital with Raw Selection is the only way to get a return on investment with every hire.

Raw Selection continues to invest in candidate assessment processes and raising standards to ascend to be the leading Private Equity executive search partner. We pride ourselves on being the last executive search you will ever have to work with. Partner with us to take the risk out of your next Executive Search assignment. 

In Private Equity, risk and reward seems to be an inseparable pair. The same doesn't have to be said for recruitment

Executive Search, without the risk.

If you are looking for new talent, contact us now.

Raw Selection favors a meticulous approach to talent research. Our process for selecting the right talent means we can boast a 100% success rate for all our retained and engaged C-Suite clients, with 96% of placed candidates still in their roles after 12 months.

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<p style="text-align: left;">20% to 30%&mdash;that&rsquo;s how low the success rates can be for hiring the right executives in Private Equity, despite exceptional leadership being critical for portfolio company success.</p><p style="text-align: left;">In How to Hire, Alex Rawlings, Founder and Managing Partner of Raw Selection, shares a definitive guide to mastering executive Executive Search for Private Equity.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Drawing on over a decade of experience and insights from thousands of interviews, Alex uncovers the strategies to hire leaders who deliver results.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: left;">This practical, actionable framework is designed to revolutionize your hiring process, boost your success rates, and ensure the right leaders are in the right roles.</p><p style="text-align: left;">If you're serious about de-risking executive Executive Search and driving portfolio success, this book is your essential resource.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Join the waiting list to be among the first to get your hands on this essential guide and take your executive Executive Search to the next level.</p>

How to Hire by Alex Rawlings

<p>20% to 30%&mdash;that&rsquo;s how low the success rates can be for hiring the right executives in Private Equity, despite exceptional leadership being critical for portfolio company success.</p>
<p>In How to Hire, Alex Rawlings, Founder and Managing Partner of Raw Selection, shares a definitive guide to mastering executive Executive Search for Private Equity.</p>
<p>Drawing on over a decade of experience and insights from thousands of interviews, Alex uncovers the strategies to hire leaders who deliver results. This practical, actionable framework is designed to revolutionize your hiring process, boost your success rates, and ensure the right leaders are in the right roles.</p>
<p>If you're serious about de-risking executive Executive Search and driving portfolio success, this book is your essential resource.</p>

HOW TO HIRE 

<h3>Private Equity Executive Search, Without the <span style="color: rgb(228, 52, 42);">Risk</span>.</h3>

Roles We Recruit For

Partner with us to take the risk out of your next Executive Search.

Macroeconomic headwinds, ecosystem losses and geopolitical tensions have all had a huge impact on the investment landscape. There is thought to be a back-log of unsold Portfolio Companies, of four times the value than during the 2008 financial crisis*

Strong portfolio management has never been more crucial. After all, why purchase a great company and then hire ordinary managers to take it to the next level?

Raw Selection specialises in helping Private Equity firms find investment professionals who can unlock access to the most lucrative opportunities. We then help their Portfolio Companies to build exceptional operating teams who know how to seize them.

We can match your Portfolio Company with executives who can navigate economic downturns, build sustainable revenue generation, perfect your organisational structure and up-skill existing teams to ensure your company evolves in a constantly changing market. In the unlikely event that we can’t, we’ll offer you your money back.

That’s how we offer Private Equity executive search, without the risk.

Browse our live roles across some of the most exciting Portfolio Companies that the world has to offer and see where your next role could take you.

Reach out to us to discover more about our automation platform and how we can assist you in reaching your business objectives.

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We're passionate about connecting great companies with the talent they need to thrive. To attract top talent with our targeted sourcing strategies.

We connect talented professionals like you with exciting opportunities at industry-leading companies.

Hiring Private Equity talent

Advancing Your Private Equity Career

<p>As we often say, your people are your greatest assets. Here we unfold what you can expect from each of our three levels of service and the investment required.</p>

We offer executive search without the risk, Here’s what else you can expect.

<h2>OUR CLIENTS</h2>

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Are you a leader in the private equity industry with valuable insights and experiences to share? Be our next guest on The Private Equity Podcast. This is your opportunity to join an exclusive group of industry pioneers who have inspired thousands with their stories and expertise.

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Join a fast-growing Portfolio Company and make it happen.

Portfolio Companies serve as a launchpad to success, offering unparalleled exposure and autonomy that allow executives to make a big impact.

Typically boasting small teams with flat structures, working within a Portfolio Company means access to stakeholders, a voice in strategic decision making and less bureaucracy.

You can also expect to receive higher compensation with incentive plans and bonuses tied into the long-term performance of the company, something you can help shape into success.

Raw Selection works with some of the fastest-growing Portfolio Companies across Europe and North America and they need senior executives like you to turn their ambition into a reality.

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We have built a thriving ecosystem of c-level executives with proven Private Equity-backed experience across Europe and North America. Get in touch today to see how they can take your portfolio company to the next level.

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Private Equity firms are an intellectual playground. They pave an exciting career path for competitive, entrepreneurial and dedicated individuals who are excited by working with some of the brightest investors in the world.

With high compensation and an opportunity to play a hand in some of the largest and most exciting Private Equity deals in history, Private Equity can offer a phenomenal path to success.

Raw Selection works with some of the brightest investors and most successful Private Equity firms across Europe and North America. Browse our live Private Equity roles today and see if you could join them.

Do you want to work with some of the best and brightest investors that Europe and North America have to offer?

Hosted by Alex Rawlings the Founder &amp; Managing Partner of Raw Selection, a specialist executive search firm. Join us as we interview the leading experts in Private Equity, unlocking their secrets of success to share with you.

Discover how some of the top Private Equity executives rose to success and learn from their journey to ascend yours.

Alex is straight-talking and to the point and aims to unlock real gold you can build into your firm or portfolio companies.

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At Raw Selection we are subject matter experts first, recruiters second. We work collaboratively behind the scenes to find exceptional talent for your Private Equity firm and Portfolio Company. All while removing the risk from Executive Search of course.

The One Question Most Operating Partners Get Wrong in Private Equity Interviews

At A Glance

How to Nail Your Answer

1. Identify Key Constraints

2. Measure ROI Before Acting

3. Leverage Your Playbook

4. Coach, Don’t Just Execute

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6. Reflect & Adapt

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Blogs

3 Common Resume Mistakes HVAC Services CFOs Make (and How to Fix Them)

3 Common Resume Mistakes HVAC CEOs Make (and how to fix them)

Five Essential Questions to Ask Every Operating Partner in a Private Equity Interview

The One Question Most Operating Partners Get Wrong in Private Equity Interviews