As a corporate leader, searching for a job is no longer as simple as seeing a We’re Hiring! sign in a storefront and submitting an application. To improve your chances of finding the best corporate leader job, it’s important to have a plan in place before you start. You should have a clear vision for what you want from your next position: Are you seeking more money, greater responsibilities, flexible PTO, less travel? Know what you want before you start looking so that you can more efficiently focus on how to get there.
Here are 3 top job hunting strategies for corporate leaders:
1. Set Goals – Set specific, measurable, result-oriented goals so you stay focused and can track your progress. You can easily accomplish this by setting aside a specific time frame (e.g., two hours a day) to search for a job and the same amount of time – or choose a particular day of the week – to work on your resume and LinkedIn profile, as well as practicing interview responses.
Resume and LinkedIn
In order to make your resume and LinkedIn profile stand out from the other executive leaders who may also be looking for a job, quantify your accomplishments by including content that focuses on the results you’ve achieved, rather than your duties. Follow best practices to get the most out of your LinkedIn profile and use the PAR (Problem, Action, Result) technique on both your resume and LinkedIn. PAR also provides an easy structure for answering behavioral interview questions. Here’s an example of how to use PAR:
- Define the Problem or situation that you had to handle
- Explain the Action you took to address the problem
- Describe the Result of your actions and decisions
Interview Prep
As for virtual interviews, conduct mock interviews with a colleague, record the interviews, and then review them to see how you answered, looked, and acted so you can figure out where you can improve. This can be even more effective if you are able to assemble a small group of colleagues who practice panel interviews, with each person acting as the job applicant one at a time. You can also simply practice interviewing with someone face to face, as well. Utilizing assertive communication during interviews works well to give a glimpse of your leadership skills, so be sure to incorporate these skills.
2. Stay Organized – Trying to remember all the details of your job search can be confusing and time consuming; increasingly so if the process takes longer than anticipated. Organize the details of your job search with a spreadsheet like this one that lists these items to stay on track:
Date Applied
Company Name
Job Title
Company Website Link
Connection/Referred by
Application Status
Recruiter Name
Action Items
Interview Info (dates, results, etc.)
Being able to quickly see the progress you’ve made for each job in a single spreadsheet is much more efficient than trying to find information buried in many different email messages.
3. Network – The likelihood of your finding another job – and especially being referred for a position – significantly improves when you inform others of your status. Ask your network if they have any leads or if they can refer you for a position at a company with which they have a connection.
Define the Role
Develop and refine a list of target organizations you are interested in working for. This allows not only you to narrow your focus, but also lets your connections understand exactly what you’re looking for.
Elevator Speech
Practice your elevator speech so you can be succinct and clear on your goals. This “speech” will eventually become second nature the more you practice it and it can be used during networking events – in-person and virtual – as well as a summary during interviews.
Where to Look
Since corporate leadership positions are not always listed on job boards, look for sites that cater to C-Suite level job applicants. Consider joining Albert’s List on Facebook, which connects recruiters and job seekers for more productive conversations around careers across the United States.
Additionally, “Google for Jobs” is a great resource. Simply type the job title you’re interested in into Google, plus the word jobs, and the location. For example, “chief financial officer jobs Phoenix.”
Schedule a Breakthrough Session
Having a solid strategy maximizes your success and setting small but achievable goals, leveraging your network, and practicing interviews can help keep you motivated. I hope the tools I’ve suggested will better prepare you in your search for your next job as a corporate leader. If you still need guidance to take that next step in your job search or you need help defining your focus, schedule a Breakthrough Session so together we can get you that much closer to achieving your goals.