EXECUTIVE JOB SEARCHES.
2 Keys To Securing Success
The rules for executive job searches are vastly different from the traditional path. The stakes are higher, the competition more intense, and many leadership roles are filled through behind-the-scenes channels and are not publicly advertised.
In this landscape, LinkedIn has emerged as a crucial tool for executives making their next career move. Using LinkedIn effectively can mean the difference between landing your dream role and being overlooked.
In this article we look at two keys to leverage to position yourself for success on LinkedIn.
Know and Understand Your Target Market
It’s crucial to remember that your LinkedIn profile is an active marketing tool, and like any successful marketing campaign, the message must resonate with the right audience. As an executive, you’re speaking to multiple stakeholders – potential employers, recruiters, and clients – and what appeals to one group might alienate another.
Take the example of one of our clients, an executive who was recognized for leading the most profitable consulting group in their firm.
While this accomplishment is impressive and valuable when applying for an executive role, boasting about exceptional profitability could backfire when dealing with existing or potential clients.
A client might interpret this as being overcharged or feel that the relationship is more about the consultant’s bottom line than delivering value.
The One-Second Rule
First impressions count should be your guiding principle. Eye-tracking studies show that recruiters spend an average of six seconds reviewing résumés. On the LinkedIn platform though first impressions are made even faster, often in less than a second.
For example, a profile that includes a blurry photo or no photo can immediately turn away potential connections.
LinkedIn’s own data reinforces this: profiles without photos see a 10x decrease in outreach.
As executive expectations are even higher you must maintain a strong online presence, just as you would present yourself professionally in a face-to-face interview. If your LinkedIn profile isn’t optimized, that in-person meeting may never happen.
Remember – your profile is your first chance to showcase your leadership, professionalism, and attention to detail: don’t let it be your last.
At PeakProfiles, we understand the complexities of the executive job search and we’re here to help.
If you are ready to invest in your personal brand, let’s have a conversation about how you can stand out from the crowd with a professional LinkedIn profile.
Schedule your free consultation call and let us show you how we can help Supercharge your LinkedIn profile.