: executive career briefcase
Planning a Job Search at the Executive Level
While it's true that hiring for full-time positions generally slows during the holidays, there's still plenty that can be accomplished in advance of a New Year's job search. In fact, doing some preparatory work now can pay big dividends once you're ready to proceed. Here are some tips for financial executives who expect to seek new positions in the near future:
Stretch Your Goals
Before embarking on a job search, stop to consider all of your options. Will you pursue work similar to what you're doing now or do you want to investigate other possibilities? Could other industries benefit from your financial skills? Given the recent emphasis on corporate governance and revised accounting standards, exploring ways to apply your expertise in new areas of specialization could open doors for you.
Network Effectively
Meeting and maintaining relationships with as many professional contacts as possible increases exponentially your exposure to potential job opportunities. Staying in touch with others in your industry can also lead you to important information on potential employers. But networking is not something that's accomplished overnight. Start building and reinforcing your circle now by taking advantage of professional association meetings - and don't skip those receptions preceding business functions. Make sure your network includes professionals at varying experience levels as well as those outside your industry.
Know the Company
Advance research on potential employers is important in applying for any position, but it's essential at the senior level. Although hiring managers will weigh heavily the experience you bring to a position, even a stellar past record is not enough by itself. You must offer a vision of what you can do for a new company - how you can manage a crucial financial project, help in a business turnaround or contribute to maximizing profits. None of this can be addressed without first identifying and thoroughly analyzing the issues facing the firms you are targeting. The more you can uncover about a business' strengths and weaknesses as well as its corporate culture, the better you'll be prepared to offer innovative ideas and solutions when it comes time for the interview. Seek as much information as possible about companies that interest you by accessing the Internet, reading business publications and consulting your professional network.
Consider Relocating
Decide whether you're willing to move to a new city for the right opportunity. While much of this depends on the circumstances of what you're eventually offered, of course, consider ahead of time the implications for your lifestyle and family and whether relocating is a realistic option.
When assessing executive candidates, companies look for individuals who can make a significant difference in their businesses' success. Preparing for a job search by expanding your horizons, researching promising companies and formulating in advance ideas for contributing to the bottom line can greatly enhance your prospects when you begin to meet with potential employers.
|