1. Define, Expand and Explore. Before a successful job search can begin you must define your personal brand and relate your skills to target roles. Look beyond your current career trajectory. Too often executives consider themselves pigeon-holed into one option when there is an expanse of directions available with their experience. Define and document all potential career paths and track progress towards landing your next executive position. You should also consider expanding your geographical search area to ensure you are considered for the top positions in your industry.

2. Network and Find Supporters. Network professionally both online and offline through trade gatherings, networking events and websites such as LinkedIn. However, don’t forget personal connections, which can often be the most effective. Ask family members and close friends to mine their networks for potential connections as these are the people who will be able to offer the highest quality contacts and advocacy for your abilities. Remember to track any contacts and progress as related to your target positions using separate spreadsheets. Ex-colleagues can also be great sources as they can vouch for your skills and often work in target organizations.

3. Submit Your Resume. BlueSteps is a database of 60,000+ senior executives that is accessible to over 300 executive search firms worldwide. Add your resume and increase your visibility to the top recruiters in the business. However, all of these firms also use their own databases to source candidates. While personalized networking and outreach is far more effective, dedicating some time to adding your resume to the databases of quality AESC search firms will only increase your chances of being found.

4. A Source and a Candidate. Target executive recruiters in your target function and industry by sending personalized messages with your resume attached. Avoid email blasts asking for a job with 'to whom it may concern' salutation. Instead, concisely highlight your skills and experience, and offer yourself as a source for any searches they are working on. State that you are well connected in your industry and can assist in developing potential candidates. As a source and potential candidate, you position yourself as a partner to the recruiter. Use the BlueSteps International Search Firm Directory to target search consultants by region, function and industry and do not mass email – consultants at the same office will know if you send emails to all of their colleagues.  

5. Get Published. Make your name known to the leaders in your industry by building your online presence and being published. Seek industry leading publications, websites and blogs, and offer yourself as a guest writer. Include a career profile summary at the bottom of each article and an email address to get in contact. Create your own blog and personal website, along with updated social media profiles on LinkedIn, Google and the many other networks out there.

Gain International Exposure to Executive Search Firms
BlueSteps is the exclusive service of the AESC that puts senior executives on the radar screen of over 6,000 executive search professionals in over 70 countries. Be visible, and be considered for up to 50,000 opportunities handled by AESC search firms every year. Find out more.