Can’t Fail Techniques To Improve The Results of Your Executive Job Search
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The jobs picture in the U.S. has been fairly static for quite some time. Despite conflicting claims by politicians as to the reason for high unemployment, they all agree that times are tough, jobs are hard to come by and the unemployment rate will likely stay in the neighborhood of 8 percent for the foreseeable future. For those out of work or looking to change jobs, this is not an environment conducive to a quick change in circumstances. Those with executive experience are finding it particularly difficult to find a new job or switch from the one they have.

Conducting an executive job search is difficult during the best of times. Potential openings are limited and the marketplace is full of qualified candidates. When unemployment is high, the openings are fewer and the pool of candidates tends to get much deeper.

Improving the results of your executive job search then, takes diligence, ingenuity and some techniques that are easy to employ, so to speak, including:

• Have a coordinated social media strategy. It is almost unheard of for a business professional not to have an online presence using at least one social networking site (SNS, although several is better). If you use LinkedIn (definitely recommended for executives) be sure your profile is complete, current and accurate. Verify your information. And update when warranted. In fact, update it anyway. There’s always something new you can add.

• Build Your Brand. When it comes to executive job search, creating, controlling and distributing your brand are key to being found. Executive recruiters find potential candidates, not the other way around. If you have expertise, display it. Whether you blog, post to industry websites, Q & A on a company site or use an SNS such as Twitter or Qwiki, the more you put yourself out there, the more likely you are to be found.

• Keywords are the Key. Now that you’ve got an online presence, focus on search engine optimization (SEO). The only way people will find you online is if you’re the keywords you use are the ones that are applicable to your industry or profession.

• “I’m mad as hell, and I’m not going to take it anymore!” Why the quote from the movie Network? Well, two reasons, actually. The first is to remind you that networking is a critical component of any executive job search. Know that everyone you meet or come in contact to during the course of a business day (and perhaps even socially) is potentially a reference, a referral, a recruiter or even a potential employer. The second reason we use that quote? To remind you that, no matter the setting, anything you say/do can and will be used against you in the court of public opinion or by a prospective employer. Road rage? What if the person to whom you’ve displayed your displeasure is the person across from the desk in next week’s interview? Mad at the ref in your child’s soccer game? Stay classy. Many a reputation has been damaged by a YouTube video or, heaven forbid, cell phone picture that someone took at the most unflattering moment possible.

• Be Responsive. To leads, job postings, inquiries. Know that if a recruiter reaches out to you, you are likely not the only candidate for the position. As the saying goes, “you snooze, you lose.” Respond timely. Professionally. You will not have a second chance to make a first impression.

•Fake It Until You Make It. Perception is reality for most people and if you are perceived to be a successful executive, you’ll be treated as such and be more desirable.