How to Handle an Executive Job Search That Isn't Panning Out
- By Heather Eagar
- Published 02/7/2010
- Jobs
- Unrated
Heather Eagar
Recognized as a leading expert in the employment search industry, Heather Eagar is passionate about providing working professionals with current, reliable and effective job search tools and information. Check out reviews of the top resume services in the industry at http://www.ResumeLines.com
View all articles by Heather Eagar
There is often nothing more frustrating than spending many hours each day searching for a job only to find that your hard work doesn’t seem to be paying off. Of course, most people are aware that job searches (and particularly executive job searches) take some time, but sometimes, you just want things to move a bit faster.
There's no definitive, certain way to get an executive job tomorrow, but there are certainly ways to refined and clean up your approach to ensure that you've got the best possible chance of getting a job. If you find that your executive job search is beginning to stall, keep it going with a few of these tips.
Make Some Unique Adjustments to Your Resume
If your traditional resume isn’t pulling in the attention you want, you may have the wave the red flag at the bull. In other words, you may have to say some things that may get a recruiter or employer’s attention. Try a change in your resume's title if you're applying online. Instead of just re-typing the position you're applying for (i.e. “Executive Sales Director), you might use one that draws people in (i.e. “Executive Sales Director at 123 Trading Led Team to Record $1 Million Revenue in 2008”).
Another unique resume strategy would be to list the logos of past (or current) employers on the left-hand side of your resume. You can also show the logos from universities you've attended, including pictures of any awards you've received. These images would give quick insight to your background without having to search for words. You might also try using regular mail if you'v
e been using email to deliver your resume--sometimes, it can make a huge difference.
Consider Adding a P.S. to your Cover Letter
In a continued effort to stand out among your competition, you might also consider adding a “p.s" to your resume's cover letter. One reason is that in this section you can add one or two tidbits about yourself that the employer may not know. Also, it will create an impression, and if nothing else is read in that important front page, the "p.s” will – in fact, it may draw the employer in first then intrigue him enough to work backwards and read the entire cover letter.
So what do you say in your “p.s.”? You may take a chance and namedrop. Use some subtlety and engage the hiring manager's interest with something like "Contact me to find out why Dr. John Brown from Ivy League University said I’m the best Executive Sales Director he’s ever met.” Or you might consider adding in very briefly why you have such a passion for what you do – but make it personal.
Broaden Your Contact Scope
After years as an executive, you may have a healthy list of contacts to connect with as you seek job opportunities. But if your job search has so far led you to brick walls, it may be time to expand your contact list. LinkedIn and ZoomInfo are great web resources that can help you expand your list by contacting millions of professionals from every field of work and industry.
A dragging executive job search isn’t the end of the world, it just means that you may have to light a fire – better yet, a towering inferno – under your own you-know-what. By pushing passed your own limits, you’ll be able to supercharge your executive job search in no time.
There's no definitive, certain way to get an executive job tomorrow, but there are certainly ways to refined and clean up your approach to ensure that you've got the best possible chance of getting a job. If you find that your executive job search is beginning to stall, keep it going with a few of these tips.
Make Some Unique Adjustments to Your Resume
If your traditional resume isn’t pulling in the attention you want, you may have the wave the red flag at the bull. In other words, you may have to say some things that may get a recruiter or employer’s attention. Try a change in your resume's title if you're applying online. Instead of just re-typing the position you're applying for (i.e. “Executive Sales Director), you might use one that draws people in (i.e. “Executive Sales Director at 123 Trading Led Team to Record $1 Million Revenue in 2008”).
Another unique resume strategy would be to list the logos of past (or current) employers on the left-hand side of your resume. You can also show the logos from universities you've attended, including pictures of any awards you've received. These images would give quick insight to your background without having to search for words. You might also try using regular mail if you'v
Consider Adding a P.S. to your Cover Letter
In a continued effort to stand out among your competition, you might also consider adding a “p.s" to your resume's cover letter. One reason is that in this section you can add one or two tidbits about yourself that the employer may not know. Also, it will create an impression, and if nothing else is read in that important front page, the "p.s” will – in fact, it may draw the employer in first then intrigue him enough to work backwards and read the entire cover letter.
So what do you say in your “p.s.”? You may take a chance and namedrop. Use some subtlety and engage the hiring manager's interest with something like "Contact me to find out why Dr. John Brown from Ivy League University said I’m the best Executive Sales Director he’s ever met.” Or you might consider adding in very briefly why you have such a passion for what you do – but make it personal.
Broaden Your Contact Scope
After years as an executive, you may have a healthy list of contacts to connect with as you seek job opportunities. But if your job search has so far led you to brick walls, it may be time to expand your contact list. LinkedIn and ZoomInfo are great web resources that can help you expand your list by contacting millions of professionals from every field of work and industry.
A dragging executive job search isn’t the end of the world, it just means that you may have to light a fire – better yet, a towering inferno – under your own you-know-what. By pushing passed your own limits, you’ll be able to supercharge your executive job search in no time.