There is a misnomer out there that all C-level and other senior appointments come through executive recruiters. It is a cardinal sin of career management to think this way. As we stand here today in November 2015, all of my last 15 C-level clients captured their next opportunity through networking.
North America is the most networked continent in the world, and if you fail to embrace networking, your advancement up the career ladder can be diminished or even halted.
There are two elements that contribute to discovering hidden executive appointments. First, we cannot deny luck – being in the right place at the right time can generate profitable and viable leads.
Next, and here is the secret, job search is and always will be a numbers game. The more people you network with, the more leads and ideas you will generate. That means that the path to discovering your next executive opportunity will look something like this:
Planning
You must have a clearly defined career plan. It astounds me how many people who are let go have no idea where they want to go next. Then, set a viable networking plan for how you will reach your defined network.
Using a combination of online, telephone, and in person platforms
Embrace social media, with a strong focus on LinkedIn, and support these online networking efforts by reaching out over phone and email.
Crafting a strong message
Have a compelling and direct message to relay to everyone you meet – in both your professional and personal life. You never know who might be able to introduce you to your next boss or your boss’s boss.
Persistence
You cannot sit back and expect a job to fall into your lap. WRONG! Finding a job is your full-time job, and how you should be spending the entire work day, even when you don’t feel like it.
In North America, the percentage of hidden jobs is exceedingly high. In Canada it is a little under 80%, and in the U.S. it is a little under 70%, so the stakes are high and the challenge to secure your next executive appointment rests squarely on your shoulders. Are you ready to become a detective and find your next job?
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