Earning an Executive Title

Most successful people in the workforce become interested in advancing their careers at one point or another. Unfortunately, not everyone is able to make the upper echelon, this way the hierarchy of employees, management and executives is popular among most major corporations operating today. Often times, employees simply lack the skills, credentials or a reliable plan for earning the next executive job or acing the big interview. There are a number of simple steps that any employee can follow in order to increase their chances of landing the next executive opening.

Most of the top executive recruitment firms agree on the advice professionals need to follow upon entering a pivotal interview. Executive recruitment professionals usually tell clients the focal points of the interview are based on employers’ inquiry if you are able to the job, if you are willing to the job and whether or not you will fit in with the current office dynamics. Understanding that fit, motivation and professional strengths are the core competencies that most employers look for can be extremely beneficial when preparing for an executive interview.

Step 1: Be Prepared

The first step in earning an executive title is proper planning and preparation beforehand. It’s imperative to ensure that the resume stays updated. Focusing your efforts is also an important aspect of preparation, develop a niche or skillset that distinguishes you from your peers.

It’s wise to review that resume to make sure it’s both detailed and well-structured as well. Putting your resume and credentials on places like LinkedIn is always wise as well. Many industry professionals looking for an executive position take it a step further and build web pages to promote their services and accolades. Doing so will help increase the likelihood opportunities come your way opposed to sensing time searching for them constantly.

Once the resume and personal webpage or blog setup, begin networking and promoting yourself on sites like Twitter and Facebook, in conjunction with LinkedIn. Perusing through old industry contacts is another great way to network yourself into the next executive opening. In order to quickly and efficiently find the next executive opening, create a hierarchy system for cataloging all your network contacts. Creating an organized system for reaching out to network contacts will ensure you make the most of your time and efforts.

Responding in a prompt and courteous manner may be the most important step of all. The fact is, executive positions fill quickly, and the expectations are always high. Try to avoid creating a reason for them not to pick you; interviewees that are late or respond late are typically discounted. Craft your responses to potential employers so they stand out without being overly aggressive or boisterous. Always provide a cover letter when dealing with potential employers hiring for an executive position. If you don’t hear from them in a reasonable amount of time, don’t be afraid to call and follow up about the interview.