A senior executive’s network is an essential part of his or her career management plan, and is a very powerful, yet still underestimated, tool for job search.


Whether in an active executive job search or developing an ongoing career management plan, senior executives should develop a solid network and build good relationships so they can best communicate their aims and goals to these useful contacts when in transition.

Many executives need a little help when deciding who to approach in networking for executive opportunities and how best to explain their situation, so read on for BlueSteps’ top tips:

 

  1. Analyze your strengths and your ambitions, so you know what you can offer to an employer before you begin to sell yourself as a candidate for an executive position. Decide what unique values you can bring to a particular company, market or business.
     
  2. Analyze your chosen market carefully, so you are fully prepared when attending industry conferences, events and other self-marketing opportunities.
     
  3. Ask your friends, family members and colleagues to suggest a useful set of contacts for you to begin networking with. While these people may not be able to offer you an executive position, they may provide valuable industry information to help your job search, so ask them for a short meeting to discuss their opinions and experiences.
     
  4. Submit an article you have authored to an industry magazine, or offer your services as a guest speaker at an industry event or local networking meeting - this will raise awareness of you within your area of expertise and open doors that may otherwise be closed to cold calls.
     
  5. You can now use your new contacts to connect with other leaders and decision makers within your target industry. Your publications, presence within the industry and contacts within business will be of interest to them, and remember to be of assistance if you are able to help them.
     
  6. Soon, you will be viewed as an expert in your field, and the meetings and events where the decision makers meet should be open to you. Talk to your peers, telling them about your enthusiasm and success. Don’t dwell on your executive job search, but indicate that you are available for new opportunities.

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