Build and maintain your network. Make sure you build and maintain a strong network of industry and executive recruiter contacts. While joining industry-specific organizations and clubs can be useful, try not to surround yourself with other CFOs. Instead of being one of many in a crowd of financial professionals, try to find places and events where your unique skills and experience can really standout. And of course, make sure your LinkedIn profile is well populated and up to date.

Know yourself. When you actually begin your job search, whether it is as a passive or active candidate, it is vital to know yourself. Think carefully about what you do well, what you most enjoy, and the infrastructure and culture you need to perform at your best. Do you wish to focus on finance and accounting or do you prefer to head multiple administrative functions across the organization? Do you enjoy turning around underperforming operations or enhancing existing growth? These questions are particularly relevant for CFOs as the role can vary greatly across firms.
 
Do your research before the interview. When it is time for the executive interview, it is as important to ask in-depth questions about the organization and the position, as it is to sell yourself and highlight your past achievements. Sometimes the most important queries can be sensitive and require a great deal of tact. For example, many firms expect the CFO to complement the skills of the COO or Controller. To determine whether an opportunity is truly a good fit, you have to find out what the strengths and weaknesses of these individuals are. Examine the financial health of the organization. If it is in financial distress, is there a turnaround plan? Is the CFO expected to lead the charge? While questions like this can be difficult to ask, they are often well received in the interview process. And of course, it is well worth doing your own due diligence externally.
 
While most CFO positions are challenging in numerous ways, those individuals who have taken the effort to carefully evaluate their own strengths and areas of interest when considering new opportunities are much more likely to find the right fit and be happy in their new positions.

Gulnar Mewawala

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