Executives: Is 2019 the right time to change career paths?
According to a recent post on Forbes.com, this is the right time for you to set your eyes on your ideal executive position with a new employer.
Although this is a ‘jobseeker’s market’, you shouldn’t settle for any job right now. Take advantage of the opportunities this year and design a strategic career marketing campaign that will bring the right job to you. Here is how you can prepare to attract the job you truly desire.
GET FOCUSED, AIM, AND FIRE
Before you spruce up your executive resume you must answer the following questions:
What is next for you?
What job title and/industry interest you?
The above questions are important because the more you focus your resume, the more likely you are to hit your mark.
REVERSE ENGINEER YOUR EXECUTIVE RESUME
Back in the olden days, it was enough to list your career history in chronological order, with an objective statement and your contact information and the interviews came pouring in. In today’s global work environment, your resume must soar above others as a personal marketing tool, and as such, you must market your strengths, promise value, establish your distinction and then prioritize career accomplishments to support your personal brand.
What is a personal brand? It means going beyond qualifications to offer a unique signature and that extra “it’ factor that will draw employers to you.
UNCOVER THE HIDDEN JOB MARKET
Don’t just wait around for job ads to make their way into your email inbox or LinkedIn stream. You must go out and uncover opportunities. Many top-level opportunities aren’t even advertised. So, make your own luck.
You could network your way into a new job by connecting with your existing roster of friends and colleagues and sharing your job search goals.
You could contact hiring managers on LinkedIn by looking up company business pages and contacting hiring authorities directly.
PREPARE A COVER LETTER
Don’t believe that cover letters are a waste of keystrokes. Not for a second. When a cover letter is written creatively and intentionally it is truly an ace in your pocket.
Use the cover letter to explain any gaps in employment, any lateral moves, and any unusual path in your career history.
Target your cover letter to the needs of your employer: Have you learned that the target company you wish to work for is making a different strategic move? Perhaps they are expanding overseas? Launching a new product? This is your time to show them you know what they need and are ready to deliver.
Talk about company culture: Does it align with your leadership philosophy? Why do you wish to work there?
DIAL UP SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE
You probably have a LinkedIn profile. No? Well, get one pronto. Once you have your LinkedIn profile set up—become active. Don’t just set up a tent.
You could share insights that demonstrate your expertise in your field.
You could also author articles on LinkedIn. Most articles that perform well on LinkedIn answer questions and include on-topic images. Note that longer posts attract more readers, and so make your articles long-form (1000+ words).
Ensure your LinkedIn profile is set to public view so that those not linked to you on LinkedIn can read your qualifications.
BOTTOM-LINE
In a market where opportunity is abundant, you can maximize your potential by launching a well-planned job search that will help you capture the job of your dreams.
Good luck!