I held a free teleseminar (listen to recording) on December 1, 2008 to provide executive jobseekers with a deeper understanding of sneaky, deadly mindsets that set you on the wrong path to your dream job.
We have to agree that it takes a lot more effort hese days to stay focused, motivated, and determined when launching an executive job search. First of all, you need to embrace the notion that you are essentially executing a personal marketing campaign and that YOU are the product.
However, if you have been conducting a jobsearch for more than three months with absolutely no positive results, can you still honestly blame it on the economy?
Often, we are the ones standing in our own way - what deadly mindsets or mantras can you be holding on to that are slowly but surely sinking your executive job search campaign?
The Renegade: Jumping into an array of job search activities without a structured plan or process
Your executive jobsearch should be treated like a project with specific deadlines, smart goals, deliverables, and a monitoring process. Have a plan with clearly defined activities that you follow over and over again.
The Internet Addict: Spending hours on the computer everyday searching career sites, posting resume profiles, and completing online applications.
Overdependence on the internet job search technique will leave you frustrated - its success rate is only 1-2%. Engage in a wide variety of job search activities that best suit your needs including networking, direct mail, executive recruiters, career fairs, and even trade shows.
The Resume Blaster: Depending on resume blasting programs and mass mailings to reach key decision makers and specialty recruiters.
Targeted, well researched job search campaigns are the way to go - resume blasting programs are often screened as spam mail and end up in the trash. Executive recruiters also assume you are not focused when they receive your resume through these programs. Remember a lack of digital presence is just as harmful as digital dirt.
The Online Phobic: Being highly resistant to social media and online networking strategies
More than 85% of potential employers and executive recruiters will "Google" you before contacting you for an interview. Maximize sites like LinkedIn, Visual CV, Facebook, and Twitter to increase your online presence.
The Tunnel Visionary: Limiting career documents to a one-dimensional, flat executive resume
A successful executive job search campaign will require multifaceted search techniques, so you will need a presentation resume (hard copy), a PDF resume, and an ASCII (text) resume. In addition, situations will call for a networking resume, PowerPoint resume, career biography, and even a short career biography. Develop various documents for different audiences.
The Recluse: Staying internally focused and completely missing industry trends and changes
Explore advanced educational and certification, and training opportunities to make sure that your skills and capabilities remain current with market transitions. Use the Internet to find free or low-cost online training programs and seminars.
The Introvert: Avoiding all online and in-person networking activities unless forced to participate
More than 85-90% of high paying job opportunities are NOT advertised - while networking does not reap instant rewards or job offers, it MUST be an active and ongoing aspect of your executive job search campaign.
So, where are you stuck in your job search? Remember, you must have a target, know your audience, create the marketing materials, develop a structured plan, and have a process to follow consistently and repeatedly.
