After searching for a job for three months, and in some cases, being interviewed by members of the senior management team, Thomas gave up. He was tired of being rejected or being told he was a close second. As a former vice president of a Canadian subsidiary, and with a string of successes, he thought his job search would be a walk in the park, but it wasn't.
Many executives shudder when told it can take anywhere from six to eight months to find a job. That’s frightening, especially if someone hasn't looked for work in 15 years. If you find yourself in a situation like Thomas', it may be time to re-evaluate your job search strategy. Here are eight tips that can help.
1. Go Back To Basics
The first step in your job search or career transition is to go back to basics. Start with a self-assessment: Ask yourself: "Who am I? What do I want? Where do I want to go?” Sometimes a formal self-assessment might be necessary to confirm or give you a more in-depth understanding of your strengths and passion. The more you know about yourself, the better you'll be able to articulate your strengths and value.
2. Document Your Accomplishments
Most job candidates (executives included), don't document their accomplishments. They assume that people will know their capabilities based on their years of experience and titles. Spend time reflecting on the roles you've had inside and outside of work and the contributions you've made before settling down to write a resume. This is the time to toss modesty to the wind, reflect on your strengths and engage in strategic self-promotion.
While I was coaching the general manager of a pharmaceutical company recently, he spoke glowingly about his team. When asked to shine the light on himself and reflect on some high points in his career, he reluctantly mentioned the value he creates for companies and how he's been recognized as a master of culture change. He even remembered being a youth basketball coach for one of the best current players in the NBA when that player wasn't a household name. This exercise not only brought out his on-the-job accomplishments, but it also elicited skills and abilities he developed outside of his formal work environment.
3. Conduct A Targeted Employer Search
Not every employer is for you, and you're not for every employer. Find the right employer who will value your value. Start with (at minimum) a list of 20 candidates. In addition to reviewing the companies’ websites, find out whether they've recently made the news, and for what. Have they made a "best places to work" list? Who's been promoted? Who's left? Armed with this research, you'll be ready to craft your executive resume and job search collateral.
4. Develop A Robust Career Marketing Portfolio
Contrary to popular opinion, the resume is alive and well, and is still being requested by employers. A brief cover letter is important too, and it's not a repeat of your resume. Rather, use it to give a summary of your suitability for the position and address employment gaps, if any. Executives can benefit from adding a one-page biography or a networking resume — a shorter version of a regular resume — to their portfolio as well. A strong, attention-grabbing LinkedIn profile ensures that you have an online presence and completes your portfolio.
5. Follow the Rules, But ...
Once your career marketing portfolio is ready, it’s time to start the application process. If you're an executive, connect personally with key decision makers in your target companies, but most employers still require candidates to apply online. Follow their rules. That said, sending a hard copy of your resume and cover letter to the person responsible for hiring for the position may not hurt. Try to get the name of that person so you can customize your cover letter. Let them know in the first paragraph that you followed the rules and applied online, but since great candidates sometimes get passed over by the applicant tracking system, you took the liberty of sending a hard copy as well. When addressed to a specific person, your resume stands a good chance of being read by a human. Most people like to see their name in print and will quickly open an envelope addressed to them.
6. Make That Dreaded Cold Call
Despite many companies stating that “only those selected for an interview will be contacted,” you don’t know whether the person to whom you sent your application wouldn’t welcome a quick call. It takes guts to make such a call, and what do you have to lose? In addition to confirming that they received your application, make sure you have your elevator pitch ready to convince them why it would be worth their while to invite you to an interview.
7. Build Your Network To Tap Into The Hidden Job Market
While job boards have a place, many executives find jobs through networking. Some people wince at the sound of the word "networking," but this activity, both online and offline, can open up the hidden job market and consistently yield results. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people you don't know and schedule coffee meetings — in person or virtually. Not everyone will accept your invitation, but it’s worth a try.
8. Retool Your Elevator Pitch Or Brand Statement
This is the 30-second, one-minute or five-minute pitch that tells a brief story of who you are. It can be used as an introduction or in interviews when responding to the “Tell me about yourself” prompt. Make your pitch clear, concise, coherent and unique so that it distinguishes you from everyone else. Make sure you're able to articulate your strengths, and include one personal piece of information about yourself so they realize that you're not only about work. The client referenced above could include his story of coaching the then-unknown NBA player.
While the above advice isn't all there is to conducting an effective job search, it can be enough to re-energize your campaign when you're not getting results. Are you ready?
