Even top managers may lose their jobs. On average, they remain unemployed for more than one year. The reasons include non-compete clauses in their contracts, a limited number of job offers in top management, and that hiring for top management is costly. How can you shorten this period and find an appropriate job faster? Eight recommendations were published on Forbes.com.
1. Regularly assess your job search process
At regular intervals, such as every three months, analyze the problems and obstacles that have been preventing you from getting a new job. Questions like these may help you: What is not going well and what should I change? Do I get responses to my CV? Am I getting job interviews? Am I getting to the second round of job interviews? Do I get any offers?
2. Unify the documents presenting yourself to potential employers
Use the same format of your name and surname both in your CV and your LinkedIn profile. Also use your name in your email address. If you do not have an email address consisting of your first name and surname, create one. Your name should also be written in the names of the files you send with your CV or cover letters. That will make it easier for recruiters to find your documents on their computers and on the Internet.
3. Work as a volunteer or as a self-employed consultant
A long pause in your CV does not look good, even if you are a top manager who can afford to be unemployed for a longer period of time. Find temporary work in the form of volunteering or consulting.
4. Show that others are interested in hiring you
If you have had several interesting offers which for some reason did not result in you taking the job, talk about it subtly. Potential employers will become more interested if they learn the competition is interested. Job interviews are ideal opportunities to mention this. However, it is important to be honest when you explain why you did not accept the offers.
5. Do not show you need a job
A potential employer should not see your despair even if you feel desperate. Definitely do not mention that you need the job. Maintain maximum professionalism. You should not mention that you are free all week. When they ask if you can come for an interview on a certain day, first take a look in you diary.
6. Expand your possibilities
Consider broadening the geographic area in which you are looking. The demand for top managers at a regional level may be very limited. Also think about other jobs you could apply for, even if you did not previously consider them as an option.
7. Prepare for tough questions
If you have been looking for a job for a long time, be aware that your potential employers will ask why. They will be interested in the circumstances of your departure from your previous position and you should be able to answer and maintain your credibility. Avoid any expressions of anger and negativity. Your answer should show that you are a capable leader with a high level of experience.
8. Do not look for the perfect job
Do not wait until you are offered a perfect opportunity. Do not forget that there are no perfect jobs. Even a not-so-ideal job offer can be a good new beginning.
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