Written by Partner Ben Lyons
The executive search market continues to change and grow, with developments such as Artificial Intelligence and economic conditions impacting the talent acquisition process for candidates and consultants alike.
One constant throughout these ever-changing times is the demand for executives. While this is good news for those seeking their next role, we appreciate that the market can be challenging, and embarking on a job search can be daunting.
Here, GRG Executive Search Partner Ben Lyons shares his advice for executives seeking their next senior role. From utilising contacts, to following up after an application, Ben’s guidance is sure to put you in good stead to secure your next role.
1) Firstly, consider your next move
Before you embark on your job search, put some serious thought into the type of role, sector and organisation you are looking for. Discuss ideas with people in your network, family and friends, then approach the right individuals and companies accordingly. This will ensure you are focusing your energies in the right direction.
2) Utilise your network
Your professional network is a great place to start when embarking on your job search. They can act as confidants; lean on them for advice, discuss ideas, and ask them to share any insights they may have on roles you are interested in. They may also be able to put you in touch with contacts who are on the lookout for executives. Searching for a new role can be difficult when already working full-time, so making the most of your professional network can be invaluable.
3) Get in touch with agency contacts
You will have likely built some strong recruitment agency contacts over the years, and now is the time to take advantage of these relationships. When I recently embarked on my own job search, a trusted agency contact put me in touch with an interesting organisation that I otherwise would not have considered. I also relied on these contacts to act as a sounding board for opportunities I had sourced directly.
4) Make the most of LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a useful and often underused tool. Don’t underestimate the power of this platform when searching for new roles. It is particularly useful for identifying the right points of contact and finding out more about the organisation you are applying for. However, it is important to remember that LinkedIn isn’t the holy grail. While social media is a useful resource, there is nothing more valuable than picking up the phone or approaching contacts directly, at a networking event for example, and building those relationships directly.
5) Remind yourself of your achievements
List all your achievements and career highlights. This is a great way to remind yourself of everything you have achieved and boost your confidence, a key skill needed when applying for new roles. It will help you understand the unique areas you can add value to a potential employer.
6) Ensure your CV is up to date
Your CV is your key sales document. It should be concise, well written and impactful with a clear layout that makes it easy to read, as typically CVs get scanned by the reader on first review. Responsibilities and achievements should be well articulated and quantified wherever possible. There are several very reasonable books available that will be just as useful as any professional CV writers. I would recommend ‘How to Write a CV that really works’ by Paul McGee, and ‘The CV Guru’ by Emma Alkirwi.
7) Follow up with a call
Any applications made to job adverts, whether direct or via an agency, should always be accompanied by a follow-up call. This shows tenacity and will let the employer or recruiter know that you are serious about the role. It is a good tactic to help you stand out from the crowd and can avoid the risk of your application being lost in a black hole, especially if the role is very competitive.
8) Do your research
It is vital to research the company you are applying to work for. It will allow you to demonstrate your dedication and interest in the role, and is also a good way to understand whether the organisation is right for you. Dig into financial reports and any other news stories or data you can find on the company. If it is a private company, check out the most recent accounts on Companies House. If it is a public company, look at their investor reports. You will likely find information that will interest you and help you decide whether the company is the right for you.
9) Maintain good communication during the process
Communication is key, and staying in touch with the company or the recruiter throughout the process demonstrates your commitment. Whether it’s following up to ask for interview feedback or communicating a summary of the meeting, get on the front foot rather than waiting for a call.
10) Continue to learn and develop
During your job search, and throughout your career, it is essential to continue learning. Markets change and the advancement of new technologies mean professionals need to stay on top of key trends and developments to be considered a top candidate. Read books, listen to podcasts, complete training courses and meet with fellow professionals to gain insights from outside your industry. Building your skills, knowledge and awareness will ensure you stand out as a candidate.
The current market certainly has its challenges, but there are many strategies and techniques that can help executive candidates to conquer their job search and secure a role to elevate their career. Invest your time in self-improvement to ensure you can bring your best self to your chosen role. Nurture your professional relationships, and build new ones, too. The importance of a professional network cannot be underestimated.
You can find more advice and insights from our GRG Executive Search team on our website. Read our Divisional Managing Director Daniel Yates advice on making the transition to a Non-Executive Director, or explore whether the move from permanent to interim leadership is right for you.