An executive job search can feel incredibly daunting. This saturated job market is full of highly qualified candidates just like you seeking the same job opportunities as you. This fact generates anxiety and uncertainties surrounding how to stand out in an executive job search.
The good news is that you can make adjustments in how you present yourself to ensure you stand out above the competition. Here’s how:
Do Some Investigation
Just as if you are launching a product, you want to present yourself to potential employers as someone who can help the company solve its biggest problem. How will you come in and make a difference? How will your experience and perspective help the company overcome its challenges? You want to figure out those problems and/or challenges and and map a business case on how you will use your knowledge and expertise to address those issues.
Communicate Your Value
Once you have unlocked the company’s needs, align your communications to highlight your value. Your unique perspective and experience will allow you to highlight how your skills, experience, and expertise will benefit the company. Additionally, when you acknowledge a company’s challenges and how you can make a positive impact, you show an understanding that speaks to the people within that company and, therefore, makes you stand out.
Be Intentional
Networking is undoubtedly an essential part of a job search. However, it is not enough to network with as many people as you can and expect that will help you stand out. Instead, you must be intentional about whom you network with. Your chances of standing out improve when you research people and recruiters within the companies or industry you are focused on. Then, it’s critical to build authentic networking relationships with those people. Take the extra time and effort to meet face-to-face whenever possible. The best first impressions are those made in person.. By doing so, you build solid relationships, and position yourself as the “go to” candidate when they hear of a job opportunity.
Ensure Your Personal Brand is On Point
As you perfect your resume and LinkedIn profile, it is critical that your personal brand is clearly communicated and resonates with potential employers, recruiters, and others within your network. Use keywords that clearly describe your value, experience, and expertise. Ensure the keywords you choose are the skills commonly searched by people within the market and industry you are targeting. Likewise, ensure your LinkedIn profile is job search ready.
Leave a Reply