The job market looks very different today than it did 20 years ago-even just ten years ago. If you are starting an executive job search, chances are it has been a while since you last had to look for a job.
There are a few things to consider when embarking on this new adventure (it is an adventure). In order to conduct the quickest and most successful executive job search possible, consider the following tips.
An Executive Job Search Requires Preparation
Before you contact one person or send out your resume, spend some time thinking about the following things:
- Define your skill set and what you have to offer.
- Define the type of company, culture, and atmosphere that you want to work in and for.
- Define your personal brand.
Your most important tool is your resume
Most executives, C-level career people, and those with (or desiring) a “corner office” rely on professional resume writers to help them create the best resume. You can create a draft and then submit it for a Free Resume Critique with Career Resumes. Or you can contact us and we can help you from scratch.
Either way, do yourself a favor and enlist the help of an expert. You are an expert at your job and we are experts at ours–we will help you look spectacular, on paper anyway. The rest is up to you.
Update Your LinkedIn Profile
Your second most important tool is LinkedIn. Be sure you are using LinkedIn to its fullest potential, including creating a professional custom URL link.
Remember, LinkedIn is more than just an online resume. It is a networking and referral tool and a device to promote you as an industry expert.
Career Resumes also offers a LinkedIn Makeover and can help with things like building your connections and showing you how to use media in your LinkedIn profile and be AMAZING!
Network, Network, Network
LinkedIn is a great place to start with networking, but it doesn’t stop there. There is plenty of great advice out there about how to network and how to find networking opportunities. In today’s job market, you are more likely to find an executive job through someone you know rather than an impersonal job posting.
Related: Networking Tips: How to Make Real Connections
Don’t Use Online Job Boards and Postings
This brings us to our next point: Job boards may be a waste of your time with an executive job search. For one thing, there are a lot of job search scams out there that could distract you from real opportunities.
Job boards also contain a lot of old and outdated job postings. You could end up chasing dead-end listings. In addition, you have no way of knowing how many other candidates are applying for the same job. It could be thousands!
Job boards can be good to peruse to get an idea of what types of jobs are out there and what employers are looking for. However, when it comes to actually applying, stick to your networking strategies.
Research companies you want to work for
Once you find an ideal company to work for, keep in mind that even if they do not currently have a job opening that interests you, you can still submit your resume without a job posting.
Related: How to Research Companies You Want to Work For
Most importantly, have fun with your job search. Use it as an opportunity to really define what you want to do. Work on making great connections you can use now or later in your career. Don’t forget to take time out for the things you really enjoy!
Happy job hunting. We are here for you!
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