You’re ready for an executive career change. It’s now time to advance your career. While it’s tempting to pursue any position that might seem like a fit, this is not the best approach. Applying for a variety of positions can have a negative impact on you and your search. It can lead to an unsatisfying job, as well as cost you in terms of time, money, and damage to your self-confidence. Having a clear career target focuses your executive job search and empowers you to best position yourself for a successful transition.
Each time you pursue a new executive career opportunity, you compete with other highly qualified executives. To compete effectively, you must genuinely believe that you are the right executive for the position and you must successfully communicate this to your target audience. When you broaden your career options, you lose the ability to speak powerfully about your fit for the role.
Start your search by evaluating your career. Where are you now? Where would you like to go next? Where do you want to be in 3-5 years? Identify your current skills and leadership qualities, focusing particularly on areas that differentiate you from your competition. List your accomplishments and determine what skills you used to achieve them. How do your skills and accomplishments uniquely qualify you for the role you want?
Once you are clear about what you want to do and why you’re the right fit, ensure that your marketing strategy completely aligns with your career target. Your resume, social media presence, and messaging must all consistently support your career direction and establish you as the best candidate for the executive role you seek. If you struggle with how to market yourself for the job you want, seek the help of a career expert.
Remember, an executive job search is not a numbers game. Keeping your career options open merely shifts your attention away from your target. Zeroing in on the right executive opportunities will strengthen your confidence, message and candidacy.