Throughout the past year, many executive candidates have come to me with questions about whether or not there are opportunities for the types of jobs they’re looking for. Often, they’re discouraged, because they’re not seeing many relevant positions posted.
Yet, throughout the global pandemic we’ve been experiencing, I consistently have high-level clients getting incredible job offers!
How are so many people still having success in their job search, despite the lack of executive jobs on the market?
One of the answers to this question may be more of a reflection of the candidate’s experience, rather than a result of the current economic climate. I’ve noticed that many clients, who have been in their most recent role for several years, may not have had significant experience finding positions at this level. If, for example, they’ve had only one VP position, they may not be aware that transitioning to a new company at this point in their career is quite different from making a career change as a Manager or Director.
Because your initial job search experience begins with entry level roles, it’s easy to lose sight of the changes that occur as you work your way up in your career. Suddenly, the strategies that used to be effective for finding your next opportunity don’t work in the same way.
How are so many people still having success in their job search, despite the lack of executive jobs on the market?
The reality is that as you advance in your career, the way you go about searching for your next position changes – regardless of the economic situation.
No matter what industry you’re in, or what career level you’re at, the very best way to unlock job opportunities is through people you know. While it is true at any level, this reality becomes more pronounced as you reach Senior Management and the C-Suite.
Networking continues to be, without a doubt, the biggest key to positioning yourself for success in a career transition.
The reality is that as you advance in your career, the way you go about searching for your next position changes – regardless of the economic situation.
You may have been able to land some fantastic roles in the past, simply by submitting online applications, but as you advance, that becomes increasingly unlikely. The fact that you’re seeing fewer jobs that are appropriate for you may be less about the current job market and more about the level you’re at.
What does this mean for C-Suite candidates?
Networking continues to be, without a doubt, the biggest key to positioning yourself for success in a career transition.
In many ways, the path to an Executive role remains the same. It’s grounded in a foundation of relationships, proof of leadership, and an executive presence that inspires confidence.
The key to unlocking your next opportunity is to communicate effectively that you will galvanize a high-performing team, fostering a supportive environment where each member grows and excels. You will use your ability to influence to bring about transformation that impacts the success of the organization. You will lead from a place of integrity and competence.
If you build your professional connections and communicate your value clearly, you will start to attract the type of opportunities you’re looking for.
In many ways, the path to an Executive role remains the same. It’s grounded in a foundation of relationships, proof of leadership, and an executive presence that inspires confidence.
That’s why my clients continue to have success in their career transitions, even when it seems like there are very few job openings at the appropriate level.
There are C-level positions available, even in the middle of a struggling economy. There are companies looking for the type of leadership you can provide!
If you build your professional connections and communicate your value clearly, you will start to attract the type of opportunities you’re looking for.
If you’ve been discouraged at the lack of jobs you’ve been seeing in your job search, it doesn’t mean there’s not a great opportunity for you! You just might not be looking in the right place.
For tips on building your professional connections, download my free Networking Hacks guide.