Companies do not look for job boards while they search for best executives or leadership roles.
So, the big question is, how to find – or be found for – senior executive jobs? Why these positions are not advertised? There are a plethora of reasons behind this.
First and foremost, some searches are designed to replace an existing executive employee and can have a paramount impact if this gets leaked out. To be precise, the replacement needs to be handled very carefully. Furthermore, the companies take a long time for hiring these candidates, and several candidates are under consideration.
Now, how do we find these executive positions?
1) Have specific profile visibility: Make sure that the profile is accessible to recruiters and it has certain privacy restrictions for colleagues or the company.
2) Recommendations and word of mouth: Recruiters or headhunters often check recommendations in your resume or online profile including Linkedin. They also look at your certifications, speaking at seminars, events, etc. Be a Thought Leader on LinkedIn
3) Linkedin profile optimization: Linkedin is one of the best sources of candidates for recruiters. Be a Thought Leader on LinkedIn. Optimize your profile to have all the required skills, keywords and certain buzz words.
Some tips include:
– Professional photo
– Complete profile
– Full professional experience listed
– Achievements, certifications
– Highlight unique skills
4) Tactics: Create a list of niche or companies for targeting. Think of how to sell yourself, and find your unique selling point. Be ready for a story or introduction. Recruiters want to hear about where are you coming from and going to and why are you changing.
5) Rebrand yourself: The first step is to make your desire for a promotion known.
6) Network: We all know that networking is helpful and need to put the effort into it. There are more chances of securing a job if we know the person on the other side.
7) Upgrade: Always keep on upgrading your skills. Use good skill testing tools.
8) Follow up after interviews: This will ensure your interest in the position and recruiters mostly appreciate that.