Many executives who have not looked for a job in years are struggling to adopt to the new job search landscape. It can be an enormously frustrating experience.
Here are four points to keep in mind:
If you are in transition, some of the major search firms will NOT consider you for a position. Some search consultants tell their clients they should never interview anyone who is between jobs.
- Do NOT sit back and wait for recruiters. If you are in transition, some of the major search firms will NOT consider you for a position. Some search consultants tell their clients they should never interview anyone who is between jobs. It may not make sense but getting upset is like trying to have an argument with someone who is not going to listen. Do not waste your time
- Search firms do not handle all the best jobs. In fact, search firms handle only about 30- 35 percent of the executive listings. More and more, large corporations and health systems, for example, are using internal resources for all but their most senior positions
- Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are posing hurdles for job applicants. Your resume is your first interview. The irony is you will not be there and, typically, no one from the employer side will be there. The machine does the initial work
- If you are not customizing your resume for each job you are probably wasting your time. Using the right key words in the professional summary and throughout the resume is critical.
- Hire a career advisor. Most people will not buy a house without hiring a Realtor. Hire a career advisor who understands the landscape. Typically they are less expensive than the Realtor and the knowledge they share will serve you well in later years