An executive search is no ordinary job search. Executives are among some of the top professionals in the market and the most influential thought-leaders. As a result of this, executive positions aren’t always open. When the time comes that there is an opening, an executive needs to be ready. The name of the game is being proactive. For any executive looking for a change, the time to start is now. Here are 5 tips for a successful executive job search.

What brands and what companies would you like to work at? When you have identified which company would suit your specific skills, interests, and overall sense of purpose, take the steps to be a part of that company. Identify who the executive team is at the company and connect with them. For instance, if the brand is putting on an event, make sure you attend. Research the numbers, business strategies, and any other data that gives you an advantage as you start talking to this company. Your preparation and knowledge of the brand won’t go unnoticed.

Every professional has a unique personal brand. Is yours strong and defined? Or weak and lack-luster? Take the time to clearly define your personal brand and make a plan to build it. A great place to start is looking at your strengths and past wins in your career. Maybe you are the innovative leader that discovered a more profound way to create a unique culture. Or are you the adaptive leader that led your past companies out of a rough patch. At this point in your career, you have clearly identified your strong suits. Build your personal brand around those and supplement it with success stories and though leadership.

The old adage “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know” very much applies to executive searches. You can have the most incredible success stories and have done great things at past companies and still find it hard to find a new job. Be proactive in networking and building relationships. Attend as many events as you can. Don’t be shy in trying to actively develop relationships with executives and leaders that currently work for your target brands. You never know when an opportunity will arise just because you know the right person. Take that one step further. Be generous in helping others in your network find jobs or connect them with other members of your network. No good deed goes unnoticed.

LinkedIn is a great place to show yourself as a thought leader and build professional relationships. Try to be as active as you can on LinkedIn and other places that professionals frequent. However, you don’t have to be somebody you are not. Talk about what you know and what you are passionate about. It may surprise you how strong your voice is in a certain area and how innovative you really are.As a result, it’ll be easier to be found by companies looking for candidates like yourself. Plus, you’ll be on the radar of every executive recruiter.

Finally, who is your best friend as you start a job search for executive level positions? An executive recruiter of course! Executive recruiters are always aware of open executive positions at top companies. If you are on an executive recruiter’s radar, that’s a good sign. Reach out to a recruiter and see what opportunities they are working on. Once you’re connected, they will connect you with top companies. Even if there is nothing in the pipeline at the moment, you’ll be on their list to call the next time they are working on another search.

Recruiting Connection was recognized on Forbes America’s Top Executive Recruiting Firms for in both 2020 and 2021. Reach out to us if you are looking for your next job or if you need to fill any open positions.