In today’s social climate, developing a personal brand is critical to finding a new career. A great supplement to a tailored, professionally written resume is attending social networking events and managing your reputation through online networking resources such as LinkedIn. But even the most experienced business executives make networking blunders. As you work with an executive resume writer to develop a strong resume and LinkedIn profile, consider these common mistakes executives make when developing career connections.
Misinterpreting Social Opportunities
If you’ve experienced success in your industry, you’ve likely developed close industry relationships on both a personal and a business level. Strengthening friendships and business connections while you transition careers may keep you apprised of industry developments, but executive career coaches agree that focusing too much on established connections is detrimental to a job search. The majority of high-level executives find job opportunities through second and third degree network connections rather than from friends, family members, or former coworkers. To cultivate strong new business relationships, reinvent your networking approach at social events.
- The most effective networking at business events occurs during cocktail hour, not dinner.
- Experienced networkers touch base with established connections before meeting new executives.
- Effective networking stems from focusing your social energy on the leaders in only your industry.
- Reciprocate the power of networking by sharing career opportunities with others.
- Solidify connections made at networking events by following up with an email, phone call, or thank you note.
Mismanaging Social Media
Personal branding is not a new concept, but the advent of social media has moved reputation management into a sphere requiring constant mindfulness. Social media channels such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter require executive job seekers to project an air of professionalism, inject a dynamic personal presence, and avoid delving too deeply into life outside of the office. Effective LinkedIn and Facebook business page profiles bring freshness and vitality to an executive’s personal brand while remaining consistent with his or her established reputation. A strong social network often leads to new industry connections and job opportunities; however, executives changing careers should closely monitor their privacy settings to protect current positions until they establish a new opportunity.
Developing an intricate professional network begins with personal branding. To showcase your professional history, unique leadership style, and career goals through a dynamic, accomplishment focused executive-level resume, call Colleen at Executive Resumes Atlanta.
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