If you’re about to embark on an executive job search, or are currently in the middle of one now, you’ve landed in the right spot.
Finding and landing an executive position requires a distinct strategy and plan compared to looking for a traditional management role.
The executive job market is tough, and your resume, LinkedIn profile, networking conversations, interview preparation, and mindset all must evolve as you climb the corporate ladder.
How To Get An Executive Position In The Current Job Market
The following strategies will help you successfully search for an executive-level position as well as avoid common pitfalls when vying for top C-suite roles.
A quick note: Although I specialize in helping executives find jobs in the tech industry, these tips and strategies apply to nearly any senior-level search.
1. Educate yourself on what goes into a modern-day executive job search.
For starters, if it’s been several years (or more) since you last looked for an executive role, or if this is your first time targeting senior-level positions, you must educate yourself on the current job market and hiring processes for top management opportunities.
The following are a few considerations to keep in mind when looking for executive positions:
- Networking is a critical executive job search ingredient, since many positions are never formally marketed. This is not the time to hold back. You need to put yourself out there to land your next leadership role.
- Your resume, LinkedIn profile, and interview stories must reflect your unique value proposition as a leader.
- Executive job searches tend to take longer than traditional job searches, often in part due to lengthier interview processes and more complex salary negotiations.
Let’s dive into these further…
2. Don’t underestimate the power of networking.
One of the biggest differences with an executive job search is the importance of networking.
If you’re an introvert or simply uncomfortable with the idea of putting yourself out there, your job search is the perfect opportunity to step outside your comfort zone and connect with decision-makers at your target companies.
Fortunately, as an executive or C-suite leader, you likely have dozens, if not hundreds, of former managers, colleagues, vendors, and clients you can leverage as you search for your next role. You can also tap fellow alumni from your alma mater, friends, and even family members for support.
3. Do tap into the “hidden job market.”
Speaking of which, many senior-level job opportunities are never formally posted online. This can be because the role is highly visible, the company is highly scrutinized, or the incumbent is unaware they’re being replaced.
Building and sustaining relationships across your industry can help you tap into this “hidden job market.”
Additionally, many companies use executive recruiters and headhunters to fill their most senior roles, so you’ll want to spend time maintaining those contacts.
4. Don’t expect overnight results.
Because so many executive positions are landed because of who you know, and relationships take time to cultivate, it’s important not to seek overnight results from your job search.
Additionally, executive job searches can take longer because there are fewer open positions on the market compared to traditional roles, more stakeholders tend to be involved in the interview processes, and salary negotiations can be more complex and drawn out.
It’s not uncommon for an executive interview process to last several months, from the initial recruiting screening call to receiving your offer letter.
5. Do learn how to write an executive resume.
Although many top leadership opportunities are never publicly posted, you’ll still need to have a resume ready to share with recruiters and hiring managers.
Importantly, though, today’s executive resumes look different than traditional ones, which means you’ll need to update yours if you’ve been using the same one since your entry level or grad school days.
Your resume needs to communicate:
- Your work history
- Your biggest career accomplishments
- Your ability to deliver results and impact the business
- Your unique value proposition (AKA your fabulousness)
[Read: “Should I Pay Someone To Write My Resume?” Answered]
6. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
As you write your resume and launch your executive job search, don’t be afraid to ask for help with the process.
Even if you feel confident in your materials and presentation, keep in mind that you’re competing with the best of the best when vying for executive-level roles, which means small tweaks to your strategy can make a major impact.
Important: You want to avoid relying on generic job search and career advice you find online, since it’s usually not written with executives and C-suite leaders in mind. Instead, you want to turn to resources that are specifically designed for senior-level leaders.
7. Do take time to optimize your LinkedIn profile.
In addition to learning how to craft a high-impact resume, you’ll also want to update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your career trajectory, most significant career wins, and unique value proposition.
Optimizing your LinkedIn profile will help you get found by recruiters and headhunters on the platform. Additionally, you want your profile to be updated when you go to network and meet with interviewers.
Pay special attention to your headline, About section, and Experience section, as optimizing these will help you appear in additional searches on the platform. Also, ensure you have a recent, professional profile photo.
8. Don’t undersell yourself.
One of the biggest mistakes executive job seekers make is assuming their accomplishments will speak for themselves.
However, your wins can’t speak for themselves, especially if you’re looking externally for another opportunity at a place where the interviewers don’t know anything beyond what’s written on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
Your job hunt is not the setting in which to be humble. This is the time to own your accomplishments and what sets you apart from other leaders.
If you struggle to identify and articulate your strengths, you can review your LinkedIn recommendations, revisit past performance reviews, and ask those you trust for insights and inspiration.
9. Do practice your interview skills.
Regardless of how skilled of a speaker you might be, you don’t want to wing executive job interviews.
Remember that you’re competing against fellow senior leaders who are similarly qualified and credentialed, and they are likely talented speakers.
Meeting the position requirements isn’t enough for a successful interview. You must clearly articulate what sets you apart from other candidates vying for the same role as you.
Consequently, you want to spend time identifying your key talking points and practice responding to common leadership interview questions. Additionally, you want to prepare for the different types of conversations you’ll likely encounter at the executive level, like recruiter screenings, peer interviews, and presentations.
10. Don’t expect perfection.
You want to avoid setting the bar too high for yourself and your job search, which can be difficult since executives are accustomed to seeing consistent results.
However, before getting too deep into your search, know that it’s unrealistic to expect that you’ll talk to every person you try to contact, hear back on every application you submit, or convert every interview into a job offer.
While easier said than done, you’ll be much more successful, and much less stressed, in your search if you focus on what’s in your control. In other words, optimize what you can control, and try to ignore what you can’t.
11. Do carve out dedicated time for your job search activities.
As a busy leader, it can be challenging and stressful to balance all the moving pieces for your executive job search when you already have a job.
Setting aside time each day or week on your calendar for your job search and treating it like an important business meeting can be incredibly effective.
Moreover, consider developing a tracker to organize your networking efforts, job applications, and interview processes to prevent any balls from being dropped throughout the process.
[Read: “Can I Outsource My Job Search?” Answered]
How Long Does It Take To Find A New Job As An Executive?
While every situation is unique, the typical executive job search lasts between three and six months.
Several factors can impact how long it will take you to find your next executive role, including your job search strategy and plan, how much time and energy you dedicate to finding your next opportunity, and the current state of the economy.
Your job search parameters can also greatly impact the length of your job search. If you’re targeting more niche roles, which have fewer open roles on the market, you can expect your job hunt to last longer. Conversely, if you’re targeting more generalist roles, which have more vacancies, you may find your job search to progress more quickly.
Final Thoughts On A Successful Executive Job Search
Don’t throw in the towel if your search is taking longer than you expected. Finding a senior-level job takes a clear plan, time and effort, and consistency. Please remember that all you need is one job offer.
On a final note, if you’re struggling with your executive job search, or simply want to speak with a trusted advisor about how to more effectively find your next leadership role, please don’t hesitate to reach out or schedule a consultation. I’m here for you! You’ve got this!
