4 Tips For Executive Job Seekers

Searching for executive jobs is a whole different ball game than the typical job search. Job seekers who want these positions must have extensive résumés and cover letters tailored to the executive suite. Typical applications simply will not cut it for these highly sought after jobs.

Job hunters should also update their tactics if they want the best chance of success. Louise Kursmark and Jan Melnik, co-authors of "Executive's Pocket Guide to ROI Résumés and Job Search," wrote that candidates should use the following four strategies to get a leg up on the competition:

• Elevator Speeches: An elevator speech is a brief (usually 30 seconds) summary that is given as introduction to individuals who may be able to help you in your job search. Kursmark and Melink explained that a successful speech will include these four elements: Who you are, what you do, what you're seeking, and any other relevant information.
• Networking Scripts: Always have specific questions at the ready when you attend networking events. You never want to be caught hesitating when asking questions to those who could help your cause. The perception of being unprepared can be a real killer to your hopes of landing an executive position.  An example of a good question to ask would be "Who in your network would be interested in someone with my experience?"
• Leadership Initiative Document: This is something that is unique to the executive level job search. It is a one- or two-page document that will list three to five career-defining stories that describe specific challenges you have encountered, and what steps you took to solve them. You should bring this to your job interviews or leave it behind at any meetings you attend.
• Professional Biography: As the title suggests, this document is used to provide more extensive information about you to the organization. The professional biography has use even after the job search, as it can be the basis for your bio on the company website and press releases.