Is Your Executive Job Search in Limbo?

Executive job seekers have learned over the past few years that a search at any professional level can be challenging in a tough job market. If enough time passes, it could seem like the search is in complete limbo.

Of course, no job search is perfect. No matter how amazing your qualifications appear, it can be tough to secure a job against other highly qualified candidates. But by refining your resume writing and networking skills, you may be able to improve a search that seems to be stalling.

Tweak Your Executive Resume

If your standard executive resume isn’t getting any attention, it’s a good idea to consider making some specific tweaks to your resume that will get it noticed. First, be sure that you have moved away from the objective statement and adopted the branding statement, which serves as a marketing tool used to describe why you’re the right person for the job.

Also, consider adding a quick-response (QR) code, which is a 2-dimensional bar code containing data that can be read by a person with a QR reader (this is easily downloadable on just about any smartphone). The code may contain a link to a website, contact number, professional profile, or any other piece of information you’d like to share. It offers a unique way to help your resume stand out from your competition.

Expand Your Network

If you’ve been working at the executive level for some time, it’s possible that your networking contacts are listed in some electronic contact list. But these contacts are likely still used for phone and e-mail communication.

If this is the case, it is time to expand your network so that some of your contacts exist online. Sites like LinkedIn and Google Plus are excellent tools for helping you meet and greet with other executives while giving yourself a chance to learn about new opportunities available in your field.

A stalled executive job search can be pretty frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the world. Instead, view it as a challenge—then invest your energy in writing a great resume and expanding your network to increase your chances of finding that next amazing position.

It’s important to remember to brand your resume before applying to each new position for more information on branding check out my recent article 5 Key Areas to Target When Branding Your Resume. You can also get additional job search and career related advice by checking out our blog or following us on Twitter @GreatResume.