A lot of my clients have been successful in securing executive level jobs. Although, situation of every executive job seeker is different, I am going to share some thought provoking strategies that can help chief executives successful lead next level of executive career transition.
- Focus on what you want to target: Identify the motivators for your job search-industry, location, compensation. Check the economic strength of the industry you want to enter/remain. You should be able to answer the following questions:
- If the industries you are targeting are in growth stage/growing, do they have growth potential in your selected geographical boundaries?
- Which all sectors/industries are strong/growing in your selected target market.
- Are you looking to target niche sector/industry with preference for global market
You should be well equipped to find answers to these questions since it will act as stepping stone for your next transition. Without these answers, you cannot create an appropriate marketing resume/collateral & align job search strategy with your career goals
2. A well written & designed executive resume: An awfully written & designed resume can irritate recruiters & decision makers even if it populates all skills, competencies & expertise required for a particular role you are targeting. You should make sure that the reader should be easily able to figure key value points from your document. All you need is to create a framework that satisfies the perception of the reader.
You should be clear with industry/sector/size/scope & offer as an argument snapshot of the target. This should be clearly specified on the top of your resume. Lots of executives would have 5 page resumes since they would include everything they have accomplished over the last 2 to 3 decades. You resume piece should be written & designed to reflect “ WHAT YOU WANT” not “ FROM WHERE YOU HAVE BEEN”.
A good design creates a differentiation from other candidates in the mind of the audience & makes them read your resume a little longer, diving deep into your experiences & success stories.
3. Showcase your ability to understand the importance of metric driven achievements: By front loading your metrics driven accomplishments, you clearly demonstrate that you have the ability to communicate the value you have created clearly & painlessly. For example: Led top line growth by 30% in 1.5 years by doing XXX.
4. Demonstrate your leadership: Leaders make sure that the interview is an open two way dialogue & make the interview an interactive one. They do not allow the interviewer to fire questions. Leaders demonstrate their traits such as internal strength, kindness, wisdom, discernment, respectfulness which help interview develop a confidence & trust in them. When you are being interviewed for an executive role, you have to remember that you are being watched closely by those on the other side of the executive table. You have to showcase that you are a gracious leader with an excellent personality, possess strong business foundation & who does not get bogged down when hard questions are asked.
5. Never share exact compensation figure: You have to be clever enough to not share exact salary figures but rather share salary ranges & enquire about the figure they have budgeted for this position. Leaders never say that they make $ 500K plus some X %! Their focus is to drive the discussion towards the real discussion- value they carry/bring to the table.
