Executive Search

Conducting an executive job search can be one of the most challenging, yet rewarding goals you will ever accomplish. While the big picture may seem a bit frustrating at times, it is important to remember that it gets much easier when you break it down into smaller steps and goals. While it certainly isn’t all systematic, there is some strategy involved. You have to know where you are going before you can figure out how you will get there. This article will outline eight of the most important points that should be addressed before, during, and after your executive job search.

There are several places to search for jobs, from the newspaper, to company publications, to cold calling, and now, of course, the Internet. The Internet has, in fact, become one of the most popular methods for conducting job searches, and there are many ways to search. Using the right keywords, as well as a variety of them, can help you acquire numerous job listings. You can also be directed to a particular company’s website where you will be able to “do your homework” so to speak, and learn more about the organization before ever writing your cover letter or going on the interview.

Your resume and cover letter are two of the key ingredients to your job search, as they very often are the determining factors of whether or not you actually get an interview. You will be able to acquire resume and cover letter tips online, as well as see samples of well-written resumes and cover letters all before the initial contact is even made. This will all help you when preparing for the interview, and in following up afterward.

Conducting a search for an executive job is now less complicated than it has been in the past. This is, in greater part, because of the Internet. Now there are literally hundreds to thousands of job sites around the globe that constantly update job postings, many of which are geared specifically for executives. Many of these employment sites include positions ranging from entry level to supervisory, and are designed to help you find the perfect job in a variety of highly competitive markets.

The Internet also allows you the opportunity to network with other executives in your field, so you may share ideas, obtain information from those who have been in the business longer than you, and learn of potential job opportunities that may interest you. You may also learn about other positions in your field where you might have a good chance of starting out, and what you can do to begin your climb up the corporate ladder. Remember, as in any chosen field of employment, networking is essential. It not only lets others in your field know who you are and what you can do, but it can also help give you access to a wealth of information and possible opportunity in your future.

Keywords are essential to your search, as they specify exactly what it is you would like to find. They can be general or specific. For example, if you are searching for any position in advertising, you could generalize your keyword search by using words such as “advertising” or “marketing.” When you do this, your results will most likely be broad, thereby encompassing many different types of advertising positions. If, however, you would like to search for a specific position in advertising, such as a media buyer, you could use the keywords “media buyer.” Doing this would narrow your results and make it easier to find the media buyers’ positions that might be available.

There are a variety of employment websites that allow you to search for executive jobs using a host of different criteria. For instance, you may be asked if you would like to search by keyword, a specific position, or a particular field. The option you choose will depend on how broad or narrow you want your results to be, and how much you know about your desired search. It allows you to find what you are looking for quickly and easily, or to peruse the available positions and employment information for ideas.

Before you begin searching for an executive position, it is important to understand how it all works. Know as much as you can about the job duties that will be required of you should you get the position, and how your skills will be an asset to the company. The better able you are to explain your qualifications, the higher your chances are of getting the job. Because you are often competing with other executives for a particular position, you will want to know as much as you can about the job, the company to which you are applying, and exactly what will make choosing you an asset to the organization.

Frequently, interviewers will ask what you know about the company. If you have done your homework; i.e., you know who the company is, whom they serve, and exactly what they do, the person conducting the interview will likely see you care about getting this job. You might also look up statistical information, such as company sales figures and ranking. This type of information will also help you when answering the question of why you wish to work for that particular company, a question you will probably be asked during the interview.

The first step to searching for an executive position is to write an exceptional resume. This will provide a potential employer an individual declaration of your educational and employment history, as well as information about your present and future employment goals. A great resume can quite literally mean the difference between landing the interview and having your resume passed up or discarded altogether.

The first section of your executive resume should include your name, address, phone number, and E-mail address. This will tell prospective employers who you are and how to contact you. Leaving it out may cost you an opportunity, as the employer or recruiter may not continue to look through your resume. The next item to include is an objective. This briefly outlines your current employment goal, and can be tailored to fit a specific position. For example, if you are applying for a advertising position, your objective might read “To obtain employment with a reputable company in an advertising position that will allow me to utilize my communication skills and sales experience to help promote and market products.” If you are not targeting a specific company, you could write a more generalized objective, but be sure it directly explains your intentions.

The next section of your executive resume could include any special skills or attributes that could set you apart from other potential candidates. These might include: being self-motivated, self-disciplined, possessing excellent communication skills, and able to work well with a variety of different personality types. Be sure the skills and attributes you use are accurate and to the point.

The next section of your resume could include your education information. Be sure to include all colleges or schools you have attended, with the most recent listed first, then continuing in reverse order so that the last school listed is the first you attended.

The final section should include your work experience. As with education, you should list your current or most recent job first, then work backwards from there. You can add a section listing references, or, since most job applications ask for them, include a statement telling the employer that references are available upon request.

The cover letter can be just as important to your job search as your resume. It is, in fact, often the element the employer or recruiter will see before ever viewing your resume. The cover letter should literally sell you. In just a few paragraphs, you should outline who you are, the position for which you are applying, and what attributes you possess that make you the right candidate for the job. A great cover letter will go a long way, so you should put significant thought into writing it.

When writing your cover letter, be sure you know who will be reading it. While there are instances where you are unable to acquire a name, often times you will be able to find out by making a phone call or visiting the company website. Addressing a specific person also adds a personal touch, and shows you have taken the time to obtain the information.

When initially contacting a company about an open position, there are several factors to consider. The first is that you will be competing with others who want the job as much as you do, so the more prepared you are, the more well-versed you will sound on the particular subject. Be willing to discuss your current and past job experience, and tell the employer or HR recruiter about your resume and portfolio, where applicable. Remember, this is the conversation that will introduce you, and first impressions mean everything.

Be sure to tailor your cover letter to the specific position and company and speak directly to the reader. If you have previously spoken to this person, consider mentioning your conversation to show its importance to you and relevance to the particular job. Doing so will probably spark the memory of talking with you, and can further bolster that good first impression.

Be sure to write the cover letter right after talking to the interviewer. If you wait too long, he or she could forget who you are, or assume you are not interested in the position, so stay on top of it in order to show your interest. Also, be sure to follow up any information you have sent with a phone call or E-mail, as the employer might have several applications to go through. Your diligence here may just pay off.

Once you have submitted your resume, you are in the running for an interview. This is another crucial part of your job search, as now you will combine your written information with the face-to-face experience. You will probably be asked a series of questions directly pertaining to the job, your experience, and any attributes that will make you an asset to the company. Your answers are crucial here, so be as prepared as possible. Keep in mind there may be several people applying for the same position, so the more questions you can answer that will show you have done your homework, the better off you’ll be in the near future. Since, most of the time the most important factor is job experience and/or education, these two factors will probably speak for themselves. You should, however, be prepared to answer specific questions about them.

You may also be asked questions pertaining to how and why you feel you can help the company, and why you wish to work in the particular position. You should always be ready to give an answer, especially about why you have chosen that job. This is often just as important as explaining why you are right for the job.

Always ask questions. At the end of the interview, the interviewer will probably ask if you have any questions. Think of something you would like to know about the company, the job, or even the interviewer that would pertain to the job and interview, as this will show your interest in all three. It could also open up a new discussion that could further increase your chances of actually getting the job.

After you have completed the interview, you will want to be sure to follow up. Before leaving, ask the interviewer if he or she will contact you, or if and when you should make the contact. Always write a thank you letter that express your appreciation. Thank the interviewer for taking the time to interview you, and state that you look forward to speaking with him or her soon. This not only shows your appreciation, but also your interest in the company and position once again. It can make all the difference, and be a determining factor in your getting or not getting the job.