Executive Job Search Isn’t Panning Out? Here’s What to Do Next

There is often nothing more frustrating than spending many hours each day searching for a job only to find that your hard work doesn’t seem to be paying off. Of course, most people are aware that job searches (and particularly executive job searches) take some time, but sometimes, you just want things to move a bit faster.

While you can't guarantee a perfect job search, you can certainly refine and renew your approach and your resume to keep it on track. A few of these tips might be just what your executive job search needs if it seems a bit slowed down or stalled.

Make Some Unique Adjustments to Your Resume

If your traditional resume isn’t pulling in the attention you want, you may have the wave the red flag at the bull. In other words, you may have to say some things that may get a recruiter or employer’s attention. Your resume's title is a particularly potent place to change your language in order to get some attention, especially if you're applying online. Instead of just re-typing the position you're applying for (i.e. “Executive Sales Director), you might use one that draws people in (i.e. “Executive Sales Director at 123 Trading Led Team to Record $1 Million Revenue in 2008”).

Another unique resume strategy would be to list the logos of past (or current) employers on the left-hand side of your resume. You can also show the logos from universities you've attended, including pictures of any awards you've received. These images would give quick insight to your background without having to search for words. You might also try using regular mail if you've been using email to deliver your resume--sometimes, it can make a huge difference.

Try Adding a P.S. to your Cover Letter

In a continued effort to stand out among your competition, you might also consider adding a “p.s” to your cover letter. One reason is that in this section you can add one or two tidbits about yourself that the employer may not know. But an even more important reason is that, if nothing else gets read in the cover letter, the “p.s” will – in fact, it may draw the employer in first then intrigue him enough to work backwards and read the entire cover letter.

So what do you say in your “p.s.”? You may take a chance and namedrop. Use some subtlety and engage the hiring manager's interest with something like "Contact me to find out why Dr. John Brown from Ivy League University said I’m the best Executive Sales Director he’s ever met." You might simply give a personal call to action for your possible employer by simply telling them of your interest in their industry, but be sure to be personal.

Broaden Your Contact Scope

After years as an executive, you may have a healthy list of contacts to connect with as you seek job opportunities. But if your job search has so far led you to brick walls, it may be time to expand your contact list. LinkedIn and ZoomInfo are great web resources that can help you expand your list by contacting millions of professionals from every field of work and industry.

A dragging executive job search isn’t the end of the world, it just means that you may have to light a fire – better yet, a towering inferno – under your own you-know-what. When you approach your job search as a challenge and work past your limits, you'll be able to find and land an executive job in no time.