By Tony Crosby
If you are an executive entering the job market, your goal might be to wind up in a recruiter’s résumé database..not so now in the second decade in the 21st century. Now it’s all about meeting people and making new friends who will get you in the door, plus managing connections via social media. These are some of our tips that might help you:
Build your portfolio
Your portfolio is the second most important resource to your CV. It is a “living thing” that you keep updated ready to use at any time to validate your career achievements, education and history.
Actively network every week
Failure to network is the major contributor to “executive career atrophy”. Attend, connect and nurture with your network regularly and you probably will never have to apply for another job.
Take leadership positions in professional associations
Being seen is an executive’s major marketing tool. The higher your public profile within your sector the more career opportunities are going to come your way.
Write articles and do presentations
Your personal profile can be directly promoted through articles in professional journals, websites and blogs. Don’t be shy; let the world understand your expertise on important industry topics and trends.
Maintain your ongoing professional development and qualifications
The single most important executive career management need is to keep you qualifications up to date, plus undertaking continual professional development of at least 30 hours annually (documented in your portfolio).
Understand and research your competition
Current intelligence on the people you will be competing against can give you a significant edge to maximise your next career move.
Provide support and assistance to people in your network
Your contribution to others will enhance your situation when you need assistance or information critical to your next career move (remember The Godfather movie).
Keep up to date with the employment market in your sector
Understanding whose hiring and firing is fundamental. Always know your worth and value to another employer and have your “elevator pitch” ready to fire at any time.
Perfect your interviewing, negotiating and similar skills regularly
These soft skills are an executive’s tools of trade…practice, practice and practice!
About the Author:
Tony Crosby is Managing Director at Associated Career Management Australia & Executive Pay Advocates Australia. You can reach him via his website www.career-manage.com.au
