Are you wondering what’s holding you back from that promotion to C-level executive? You know you’re doing a good job where you are now, and you’re ready…so why is your career not progressing?
Often, hiring influencers both internal and external to your organization are looking for candidates who take initiative in their careers. They prefer candidates who don’t sit back and wait to be noticed, but seek out those who have been steadily working to become the perfect candidate for the next C-level position.
Here are some things both executive recruiters and HR professionals look at when choosing someone for a first time C-level position:
- Mentors. Have you cultivated a mentor who does the job you want? Are you preparing yourself with all the skills and information you need to perform and succeed at the next level? Networking at this stage of your career can include finding a mentor or mentors to help you grow into the position you desire.
- Subordinate success. Are you developing your direct reports? It’s not just about your job performance, but also what you are able to do and teach those who report to you. Hiring influences are hoping to see that your whole department or team is consistently exceeding expectations because of your leadership.
- Lateral moves. Have you taken lateral career moves to fill in the gaps your mentor has helped you identify? Hiring influencers can see those additional positions you’ve held as signs you are serious not only about your own career advancement, but about your organization’s advancement. Lateral career moves can be a way to expand your knowledge and skills, and show interest in the organization as a whole, beyond your first position or team.
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