Behind the scenes of your job search

In this blog, I talk about why job searches go wrong and how sticking to conventional tactics could hold you back.

Recruiters and LinkedIn play a part in a job search, but it takes more than a slick CV and knowing how to rock a mock interview, to stand out in a crowded market

And in case you didn’t know, my background is in recruitment. I was an executive search headhunter and strategic partner for many well-known brands and retailers. I’ve been guiding and shaping careers for more than 25 years. I know what it takes to be a successful job seeker and it’s more than you’ve been told.

I help senior executives and C-Suite leaders land great jobs with my career coaching services.

If you are ready to kickstart or reboot a failed job search, I’ve written this specifically for you.

What’s the problem?

When anyone contacts me for help I ask two questions:

What’s the problem and how have you tried to solve it?

This is when I’ll hear about needing a new challenge, feeling stuck, bored or at loggerheads with the leadership or company culture.

I hear that people are looking for more security, more authority, that redundancy is looming or that they’ve lost their job and they’re struggling.

They tell me that they’ve done the obvious stuff, looked on LinkedIn and tried contacting recruiters – maybe it’s their CV that’s holding them back.

Often what’s driving that initial call is that they don’t know where to start, or they’ve lost confidence, or feel overlooked.

The problem with LinkedIn job boards

Job boards are the easiest option and they feel like a safe bet. You can see what’s being advertised and whilst it can be incredibly time-consuming, you do feel like you’re doing something productive towards your job search. Unfortunately, you can’t rely on LinkedIn as a strategy. You apply for things and all you hear is the sound of crickets. It’s a guessing game which could ultimately end in you feeling inadequate.

The problem with recruiters

It’s great to work with recruiters. They’ll do a lot of the heavy lifting for you – introducing you to companies, shortlisting you and even preparing your CV.

But first, you’ve got to get past the gatekeeper. Recruiters are always in meetings or on calls and they are often ‘in the moment’ working on their current assignments

You may only get one shot with a recruiter so make it a good one and if you’re wondering if I can advise you on that too – the answer is yes.

The problem with networking

If you were to look back over your career how many of your previous roles came through contacts and recommendations? IRL or virtual coffees are definitely a good idea. But not everyone feels comfortable about asking for help, so this approach is often neglected.

What’s getting in the way of your job search?

Work gets busy and other things in life take priority. There’s got to be a real hunger for newness or a drive to get away from a difficult situation that fuels a search.

CVs can slow things down too. If your CV is holding you back, it’s time to carve out some of your precious time to get it done or pay a CV writer.

Recruiters also get blamed somehow. Getting in touch and sending your CV isn’t a job done. You need to get creative and tenacious.

Someone told me that there were no jobs because she’d been looking for six months, do you struggle to keep momentum and keep yourself motivated?

Coffee catch-ups and networking are great and highly recommended but what happens when the potential leads and the coffee have dried up?

What’s really holding you back?

What assumptions are you making?

What are you telling yourself?

What’s beneath the surface?

Real talk

Senior-level job searches can take 6-12 months or more. There are fewer jobs at your level and it will feel more competitive but that just means you need to be well prepared.

Some jobs won’t even see the light of day because they’re handled confidentially behind the scenes. If you feel like you’re being overlooked by recruiters, how can you get on the radar?

You need a strategy which keeps you focused and buoyant even if you are handling rejections and feeling anxious about the future.

Word of warning – don’t let the media headlines trick you either. Companies need great people.

The secret to your successful job search isn’t so much about having a slick CV, or ticking boxes on the job description, and it’s not even a numbers game. It’s about feelings – how you feel and how you make others feel.

It’s personal

There’s a reason why marketers aren’t great at marketing themselves and sales and commercial directors aren’t good at selling their experience. And why creative directors aren’t so creative with their career strategy – it’s personal. You’ve been trained to be a company person. Selling yourself goes against the grain.

Career success is an inside job. It’s about having confidence in yourself, your strengths, and your value.

Feeling connected to your work and your purpose with or without a job title is the shift that needs to happen. And with that subtle change of perspective, we will create the tools and strategy that you need to take your job search to the next level.

The Career Accelerator

This is private 1:1 career coaching for senior executives and leaders who want to land their next role with confidence and ease.

Designed using my knowledge and experience I’ll take you behind the scenes of executive recruitment so that you know what to expect. But more importantly, I’ll help you to clarify and strengthen your position. The job search process has its highs and lows but you will be well prepared to navigate the journey.

The Career Accelerator is tailored for you and it’s all about you.

Get in touch or contact me directly Tracy@tracyshortandco.com and let’s have a conversation.

About me

I’m Tracy, Career Consultant, and former Executive Headhunter. I help senior executives and leaders land great jobs and be successful at work through 1:1 coaching.

I work with clients around the world from my London-based Zoom office.

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