8 Top Tips To Secure An Executive Job

April 7th 2016 | Posted by phil scott

8 Top Tips To Secure An Executive Job

Are you motivated and driven, with your sights set on the top?

As a leading executive recruitment agency, Executive Recruit understands having the ambition to secure an executive job.  We see this every day and are proud to support our candidates to achieve their ambitions.

Here are 8 of our top recommendations for securing an executive job!

1) Identify your skills

One of the first steps towards securing an executive role is to really understand your own individual skill set.  What is it that makes you unique?  What personal skills and characteristics can set you apart from the competition? What transferable skills do you have that will enable you to excel? Are you an exceptional communicator or a charismatic and inspiring leader?

At this stage in your career you will probably have a firm idea of where you shine, but it pays to take some time to review your previous job roles and the skills you have used in these, selecting the strongest areas on which to focus.

Make a note of these and more importantly, think about how you will communicate to others, why they are important and why they make you stand out!

2) Hone in on your ideal role

The scattergun tactic to job hunting should be avoided when it comes to searching for an executive role.  Jobs with this level of seniority require a much more bespoke approach.

To be successful, it is important to fully consider the type of role you are interested in – review the sector, job function, the responsibilities and the environment.  You will need to make sure that your aims, ambitions and expectations match the roles you are going for.

Not only will a much more targeted approach reap more rewards during the job hunt process, it will also mean you are much more likely to end up working in a job and environment that is perfect for you.

3) Tailor your approach

Following on from above, once you’ve honed in on your ideal role, it makes sense to tailor each approach.

Look at the specifics of the executive role available and tailor your application to demonstrate how you can exceed expectations for each area of responsibility.

Review the key skills and competencies required and accurately illustrate how your experience and individual skills are exactly what they need!

4) Keep your CV up to date

Your CV is the first impression you give to any potential new company and it’s vital that this is the best reflection of yourself and your experience.

If your CV isn’t kept up to date and is only added to on an ad hoc basis, it is easy to overlook key achievements or activities that stood out for you in past roles.

Avoid having a CV that is too general by regularly updating it and including the most important elements from each job role – specific responsibilities, notable successes and special achievements.

Most importantly, when an opportunity presents itself ensure your CV is up to date and ready to go.

5) Make the most of LinkedIn

LinkedIn is an exceptional tool for career development.  It allows you to make contacts across various industries, not only keeping in touch with past colleagues but also forging new contacts and growing your LinkedIn network.

Use this tool to expand your network, build connections from within companies and industries that appeal to you and follow updates from them.  All of this should bring into your arena more career opportunities than if you simply use LinkedIn as an online version of your CV.

6) Build relationships

While online networking certainly brings opportunities, the benefits of building concrete relationships in person should not be forgotten.

Attending industry events and building strong relationships with colleagues and contacts throughout your sector, is a good way to learn about upcoming opportunities.

In addition, having solid working relationships in person mean people fully get to know you and your qualities and experience.  This is great for when you may need somebody to vouch for you and recommend your skills.

Investing time in building these relationships will place you in good stead for the future.

7) Look internally

Don’t forget that progression internally is also an avenue for securing an executive job.  The pros of internal progression are that you are already well known and very well respected in your company.

This places you in a strong position when going for a senior role.  As well as this, you already have an advantage against external candidates in that you know the lay of the land of your company and have an inside experience of how it works, their aims, plans and what they are looking for.

8) Be open to opportunity

Finally, as well as working hard in all of the above areas, never underestimate the value of a positive mindset and optimistic outlook.  Adopt the idea of being open to opportunity and there is every possibility that new ventures may find you.

View regular activities in your career as a way to bring opportunity into your working life.  Striving to make new connections or taking on a new project in your current role for example may bring new opportunities into your path or help get you ready to seize a new venture when it arrives.