How Executives Search for Jobs Today

Most people think searching for a job is hard enough. Try again. If you're an executive searching for a job, it can be even harder. Executives face the stiffest competition from others in the workforce. All job seekers in executive roles have the skills, the resumes and the achievements. As a result, getting a job as an executive can feel more like a gladiator match between twin brothers. There's not really much difference, but one might have the more desirable personality when it comes to winning the battle for employment.

The job market's also tough now because many companies have slashed executive positions to please the government, retain lower-level employees, or save overall costs. When faced with tough competition and fewer jobs, executives need to break out all their tools to find a job. Below is a look at how executives get the job done in a job search. The one word answer: Networking.

Networking
Networking is always listed as the number one method for job search at any level. It's never more important than with executive jobs. The reason for this is that most executive jobs do not get posted on traditional message boards. Executive jobs are advertised inside the company, or through word of mouth. So if you are an executive on the outside looking in, you may never know there is a job open. Therefore, networking is essential. For many executives, they've forgotten how to network while on the job search, because it's been several years or even a decade since they had a need to do so.

• Meet with colleagues, clients and contacts at your home. Networking is about business relationships that share a personal feeling like a friendship. Develop that personal relationship, and see them as often as you can. The more they see your face, the more they'll remember you when a job opens up.
• Send greeting cards, holiday cards and emails to all your friends. Don't mention the job search, but just put yourself in their memory, so they will call you, and then you can drop the hint that you're looking at job options.
• A business card is essential to networking. Hand your business card to anyone and everyone you do not know well. Hand your card to everyone you would like to know better, or who works at a company you desire to work with. Print out personal business cards in this instance and include all the vital contact information.
• Be social. If you're invited to a party, a dinner, or any gathering where you can network, take it. Take each opportunity as a chance to make the connection that will land you the job. The more connections you have with each company, the better chance you have to get a job there.

Executives who search for jobs contact everyone they know. It's simple networking. That's how serious professionals job hunt. Beyond networking, there are a variety of executive job posting boards.

Additionally, there are a number of for hire agencies that help executives with the job search. These often cost money, but make the job search easier and do some of the legwork. The agencies can be a good way to network with other executives in different fields, because many group their services based on employment fields and or salaries. Even with these agencies the key remains networking.

Remember it is rare for most companies to bring in outsiders for executive positions. As a result, it helps to have an "in" at the job. Networking is the way to get your "in."