By the time most people reach the executive job search level, they’ve long since dismissed job boards as irrelevant. The higher you climb the corporate ladder, the less useful traditional job search means become. Professional networks, headhunters, and a thriving digital footprint have replaced cold calls and emails as the best tools for finding fresh career opportunities. In fact, only 10% of C-suite jobs are found through career boards.
So why are we talking about them?
3 Benefits of Job Boards in an Executive Job Search
Get insider info. Many companies don’t list executive positions on job boards — or if they do, it’s often a show of compliance while they perform internal interviews to fill the role. Don’t let that dishearten you. Even if a job listing doesn’t get your foot in the door, it’s a good opportunity to study the terminology, skill sets, and experiences other companies may be looking for. That knowledge gives you an edge — maybe enough of an edge to land you a similar executive role.- Know who you’re dealing with. Job boards might not lead you to your next big career move, but if you’re already on the right trajectory, they can provide invaluable insights. Job boards aren’t simply a collection of job listings; they aggregate reviews from past and current employees, salary projections, and a reasonable forecast for company growth. Before leveraging your network to get an in at a company you’d love to work for, do your research to make sure their culture, goals, and expectations align with yours.
- Land a position tailored to you. It may not be feasible for a big-name corporation to find their next CEO on LinkedIn, but execs with highly-focused goals might have more luck. If you have a wealth of leadership experience in a niche role, search industry-specific job boards for opportunities you wouldn’t find on more general listings sites. Not only will you have less competition, but your qualifications will be in higher demand by companies looking to hire an industry pro. If you find a promising listing, don’t just drop an application into the inbox of whoever posted the ad. Take the extra time to research the hiring manager on LinkedIn and reach out with a warmer, more personal introduction. It might be the difference that clinches a first meeting.
In today’s digital job search climate, it’s more important than ever to make a great first impression. The wordsmiths at Executive Resumes Atlanta lend decades of expertise to C-level professionals, crafting career documents that make an extraordinary first impression. Call today for a free resume and career strategy consultation.