You are a smart and accomplished executive but let’s face it the job search is hard even for the best of us.
That is because the standard job search process doesn’t work.
You hop online and apply to jobs that range from interesting to somewhat interesting to why not. If you’re lucky you might get a few interviews but they aren’t at companies you are excited about.
But for the most part, you don’t hear back from anyone and it destroys your confidence.
Don’t worry, there is nothing wrong with you. It’s just the nature of an ineffective job search process.
As a former lawyer who successfully went through a big career change to find a more fulfilling new career, I understand what works for job seekers and what stands out to employers.
I use that understanding to help executives in various industries find the clarity and confidence they need to do the job search better so they can land their ideal role and not leave it up to chance.
Most of my clients come to me after they have wasted months sending out 100’s of resumes using hope as their strategy. At their senior level, they crave a more strategic and intentional job search process. They are done winging it and hoping for the best.
However, an intentional and strategic job search requires a new way of thinking and acting. This is why my client below, a senior-level consultant who was on the job search for 9 months hired me to help him. My program combines the mindset, strategy, and accountability he needed to show up more confidently and land his ideal role.
Whether you’re looking for a new job that aligns better with your values, exploring opportunities for a career change, or navigating the transition to a higher-level role, the process can feel overwhelming.
As your coach, I specialize in helping senior professionals like you break through these challenges and land your ideal role. Here’s an overview of how I support executives through every stage of their job search.
1. Clarifying What You Want
One of the first and most important steps in the job search process is clarifying what you truly want. Many senior executives come to me feeling uncertain about the next step in their careers. They might have a vague idea but lack clarity on the type of role, company, or industry they want to pursue. This can lead to frustration and a sense of being stuck.
Through targeted exercises and in-depth discussions, I help you define your career vision. We explore your values, interests, and long-term goals. We look at what you've enjoyed in your past roles, what you want more of, and, just as importantly, what you want less of.
For one client, a VP of Marketing at a tech firm, we worked together to discover that they craved a more creative and mission-driven role, rather than continuing to work in a fast-paced, corporate tech environment. We identified that they wanted to leverage their marketing skills for a nonprofit or social enterprise. This clarity helped them focus their job search and ultimately land a senior leadership position with a purpose-driven organization.
2. Overcoming Insecurity and Self-Doubt
Insecurity and self-doubt are some of the most common barriers executives face when transitioning to a new role. Many of my clients feel insecure about their qualifications, worry they’re not competitive enough, or fear failure. These thoughts can hold you back from taking bold actions and pursuing the opportunities you truly deserve.
I work with you to reframe these limiting beliefs. By examining your past accomplishments, skills, and experiences, I help you build confidence in your ability to succeed. We also address any imposter syndrome you may be experiencing, so you can approach your job search with a renewed sense of self-assurance.
A client who had been a Chief Financial Officer for a large corporation had doubts about her ability to transition into a board-level role. Through coaching, she learned to see the value of her strategic thinking, leadership, and financial expertise, and we worked on positioning her strengths to align with the needs of the boardroom. She ultimately landed a high-profile board position at a global company.
3. Building Your Network
Effective networking is essential for landing top executive roles. However, many senior leaders feel uncomfortable with networking or don’t know how to leverage their existing connections. This often leads to missed opportunities and slow progress in their job search.
I guide you through the process of expanding and nurturing your network in a strategic way. We craft outreach strategies that feel natural and authentic, so you can build genuine relationships with key decision-makers. I also help you refine your elevator pitch, making it compelling and concise, so you can confidently introduce yourself in any professional setting.
One client, a Senior VP in a manufacturing company, was struggling to make meaningful connections within his industry. After several networking calls and follow-up emails, he was able to secure an introduction to an executive search firm, which led to several interviews for roles at top manufacturing companies. His networking strategy directly resulted in multiple high-level opportunities.
4. Researching and Validating Career Opportunities
With so many job opportunities out there, it can be overwhelming to know where to focus your efforts. Many executives struggle with identifying companies or roles that align with their values and goals. Without a clear strategy, you may end up applying for positions that aren’t the right fit, wasting valuable time and energy.
I help you conduct thorough research on potential employers and roles, ensuring they align with your aspirations and career vision. Together, we build a list of target companies, industries, and positions that will truly challenge and fulfill you. We also develop a framework for evaluating opportunities to ensure they meet your personal and professional needs.
A client, a CTO in a large software company, felt disconnected from the industry he was in. After we researched various companies that prioritized innovation and social impact, he found a tech startup focused on renewable energy. He transitioned into a CTO role that perfectly matched his technical expertise and his desire to make a positive impact on the world.
5. Building Your Personal Brand
In a competitive job market, it’s essential to stand out from the crowd. Building a strong personal brand can be the key to getting noticed by recruiters, headhunters, and decision-makers.
I work with you to refine and enhance your personal brand. This includes optimizing your LinkedIn profile, curating a portfolio of accomplishments, and developing a narrative that positions you as a leader in your field. We also focus on creating content and thought leadership that showcases your expertise and vision, making you a go-to authority in your industry.
One client, a CEO of a retail chain, had not paid much attention to her online presence. After we worked together to revamp her LinkedIn profile, create strategic posts, and engage in thought leadership, she started receiving unsolicited job offers from top companies. Her online persona now accurately reflected her leadership style, and she became highly visible to recruiters in her industry.
6. Interviewing with Confidence
Interviews at the executive level are intense. They require not just technical knowledge but the ability to communicate your vision, leadership skills, and strategic thinking. Many of my clients struggle with presenting themselves confidently in interviews, particularly when it comes to addressing challenging questions.
We conduct mock interviews, where I challenge you with tough questions and help you craft compelling responses that highlight your achievements, leadership style, and vision for the future. We also work on your body language, tone, and delivery, so you appear calm, confident, and articulate in every interview scenario.
A client, a senior director of operations, had several rounds of interviews for a C-suite role but struggled with delivering clear, concise answers. We conducted mock interviews where we simulated real-world interview scenarios and crafted responses that highlighted her strategic impact on her current company. With these improvements, she successfully landed the C-suite role.
The journey to finding your dream job as a senior executive doesn’t have to be daunting. By working with me, you gain the clarity, confidence, and tools you need to navigate each phase of the process. From clarifying what you want and overcoming self-doubt to building your network, personal brand, and interviewing with confidence, I’m here to help you achieve your career goals.
If you're ready to take the next step in your career and land a role that aligns with your aspirations, let's talk. Together, we’ll design a path forward that leads to your ideal job.
Sign up for a free consult here.