OK, so you have been employed for the last 10 or more years. Just now you are beginning to search for what is next. Maybe your career is in flux because you experienced a reduction in force, or perhaps your company is moving and you are not, or you just need to do something new for someone else. There are new rules that will impact your job search methods. Some things really have not changed about job search, and others are all new.
Job hunting for executives has changed over the years and these ideas may help you improve the speed and results of your job hunt:
- Networking is still king! Set aside time to network with everyone you know. Most jobs are filled by contacts with people you know or by referral.
- Don’t ignore online applications and job board searching, but make sure it is not your only method of job search.
- Do not expect a response to every online application. It seems reasonable to expect one, but reality says it will not happen. If you see a great fit opportunity, try taking to the phone or email to get a direct conversation going.
- When networking, focus your search efforts. Research and identify targeted companies and sectors you want to work for. Remember, it is tough to change careers from a sales VP to a research director…not likely to happen. Focus your search where you have experience to offer.
- Perfect your LinkedIn profile. Make sure it is complete and perfect. Add presentations and content that shows your expertise and ability.
- Make sure all your contacts know you are looking. A search requires many contacts…make sure you are not writing off or missing people that need to know you are searching.
- Make looking your full-time job. Put a plan in place that makes sure you are meeting face-to-face with 2 to 4 contacts a week. Make these sessions about learning and brainstorming not about what job they can offer you.
- Don’t burn bridges and keep all contacts in play.
- Use your university or alumni network as a advantage. People like to help people that are of similar backgrounds and have educational experiences in common.
These may seem like common sense. I hope they do. If you have not looked for a job recently, make contact with others that have successfully been hired and ask them to offer even more fresh ideas. As the leader of a recruitment network, I always believe having a relationship with a professional recruiter that works your niche is a great strategy for success. Remember, recruiters get paid to provide top talent to open positions. If your skills or track record are not superior, you will get less attention from recruiters. They get paid for success, by client companies not by job seekers. You can sometimes make yourself more desirable and obvious by joining LinkedIn groups in areas you are expert and posting messages. Be active, stay positive! Try posting your resume/CV on https://searchnpaworldwidejobs.com. This makes you visible to more than 1200 recruiters.