{"id":6245,"date":"2020-02-24T08:33:00","date_gmt":"2020-02-24T13:33:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/?p=6245"},"modified":"2025-02-06T09:39:41","modified_gmt":"2025-02-06T14:39:41","slug":"want-a-successful-executive-job-search-run-it-like-a-small-business","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/want-a-successful-executive-job-search-run-it-like-a-small-business\/","title":{"rendered":"Want a Successful Executive Job Search? Run It Like a Small Business"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/get-primed-to-land-a-great-fit-new-gig\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/hand-1915350_960_720-1.jpg\" alt=\"successful executive job search\" class=\"wp-image-6246 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/hand-1915350_960_720-1.jpg\" alt=\"successful executive job search\" class=\"wp-image-6246 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/hand-1915350_960_720-1.jpg 960w, https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/hand-1915350_960_720-1-300x197.jpg 300w, https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/hand-1915350_960_720-1-768x504.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Did you ever think about how much alike successful executive job search and successful small business management are?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019ve been in a job search for a while, and not much is happening, you\u2019d be wise to re-jig your strategy, and start thinking of running your job search like it\u2019s a business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>That\u2019s what wise job seekers do.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They know that, when you\u2019re job hunting, you\u2019re essentially a solopreneur . . . a company of one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Consider what Tom Peters, a business management guru credited with inventing personal branding 20 years ago, said in his article &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.fastcompany.com\/28905\/brand-called-you\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">The Brand Called You<\/a>&#8220;:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p><em><strong>&#8220;You\u2019re branded, branded, branded, branded.<\/strong><\/em><\/p><p><em><strong>It\u2019s time for me \u2014 and you \u2014 to take a lesson from the big brands, a lesson that\u2019s true for anyone who\u2019s interested in what it takes to stand out and prosper in the new world of work.<\/strong><\/em><\/p><p><em><strong>Regardless of age, regardless of position, regardless of the business we happen to be in, all of us need to understand the importance of branding. We are CEOs of our own companies: Me Inc. To be in business today, our most important job is to be head marketer for the brand called You.&#8221;<\/strong><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>His advice perfectly applies to <a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/the-power-of-qualified-references-in-executive-job-search\/\">job search and career management<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Think of your <a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/5-common-executive-job-search-dilemmas\/\"  data-wpil-monitor-id=\"184\">job search<\/a> as a business. The more you do, the faster you\u2019ll land a job you deserve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019ve been a solopreneur for more than 20 years, and I often write about the similarities between <a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/top-10-executive-job-search-posts-from-2015\/\">executive job search<\/a> and running my business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The things I do to promote and grow my business are the same kinds of things <a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/the-lazy-c-level-executive-job-search\/\">job seekers need to do to accelerate their search<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-color wp-block-heading\" style=\"color:#0d7b14\"><strong>9 Steps To a Successful Executive Job Search by Being the CEO of Brand You<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In the first seven steps, you&#8217;ll first see business-building strategies and then the corresponding <a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/30-key-executive-job-search-faqs\/\"  data-wpil-monitor-id=\"360\">job search strategies<\/a>. The final two items are the same for both <a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/executive-job-searc-the-old-way-networking-still-works-best\/\">successful executive job search<\/a> and business:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Know your products and\/or services intimately.<\/li><li>Understand your target audience.<\/li><li>Know why your target audience needs your products and\/or services.<\/li><li>Create marketing communications about your products and\/or services that promote what they will do for your target audience.<\/li><li>Market your products and\/or services across multiple channels.<\/li><li>Network your way towards decision makers within your target audience.<\/li><li>Prepare to communicate the good-fit qualities of your products and\/or services face-to-face with your target audience.<\/li><li>Track and measure the results of your efforts.<\/li><li>Cultivate a &#8220;personal board of directors&#8221; to support you.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Know your products and\/or services intimately.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Define Your Personal Brand<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, the product and\/or service you\u2019re selling is you . . . The things you will do for your target employers . . . Your potential value to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>How do you go about thinking of yourself as a product (sort of)?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After all, you\u2019re so much more than that. You\u2019re a multi-faceted living, breathing being, with so much to offer the right employers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But that\u2019s the beauty part of authentic personal branding. It helps you generate chemistry, and keeps your written and verbal communications interesting and lively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because branding is built around targeting and research \u2013 <em>Steps 2 and 3 below<\/em> \u2013 defining and understanding your personal brand will get you to a place where you can succinctly communicate your unique value to the companies you want to work for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll see how it all comes together by completing my <a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/the-new-10-step-executive-personal-branding-worksheet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">10-Step Personal Branding Worksheet<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Understand your target audience.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Target Specific Employers You Want To Work For<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In an interview with small business marketing expert Andre Palko about <a href=\"http:\/\/www.smallbusinessrainmaker.com\/small-business-marketing-blog\/personal-branding-expert-shares-her-small-business-success-strategies\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">personal branding and small business<\/a>, I answered his question &#8220;What was your biggest mistake in business?&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p><em><strong>&#8220;I wish I had niched my business sooner. It took me several years to move from working with ANY job seekers to narrowing my focus to ONLY c-suite and senior-level executive job seekers.<\/strong><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p><em><strong>The big turnaround came for me and my business when I came to understand what true personal branding is all about. It&#8217;s not just knowing what my best qualities, qualification and areas of expertise are. It&#8217;s wrapping these things around meeting the specific needs of a specific target audience, so that I\u2019d know how to write business marketing content that would resonate with and attract those specific people.<\/strong><\/em><\/p><p><em><strong>So I embraced branding to help me market and grow the business. I went through an intense personal branding process which pushed me to niche my client base and narrow the services I offered.<\/strong><\/em><\/p><p><em><strong>Niching seemed counterintuitive to me at first. Why not keep myself wide <a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/should-you-display-opentowork-on-your-linkedin-profile\/\"  data-wpil-monitor-id=\"628\">open to work<\/a> with any and all job seekers? Turns out niching is a smart move. With research, niching helps you put yourself in your target market\u2019s shoes. You learn their pain points and what problems of theirs you\u2019re uniquely qualified to help them solve. <\/strong><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>In job search, this translates to narrowing the companies you will target, as much as possible. When you focus on a select few, you can better zero in on their needs and what makes you a good fit for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>See this post for more information, <a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/7-tips-to-build-your-executive-job-search-target-companies-list\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">7 Tips to Build Your Executive Job Search Target Companies List<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Know why your target audience needs your products and\/or services.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Research Your Target Employers for Market Intelligence &amp; Company\/Industry Insight<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As noted above, you need to identify their pain points and how you will help them problem-solve those issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In his blog post, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.smallbusinessrainmaker.com\/small-business-marketing-blog\/how-to-get-more-customers-by-reading-their-minds\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">How to Get More Customers by Reading Their Minds<\/a>, Andre advises:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p><em><strong>&#8220;It\u2019s important to know what customers and prospects are thinking. In short, when we understand their worries and know what they\u2019re looking for, it\u2019s easy to talk to them and to connect emotionally.<\/strong><\/em><\/p><p><em><strong>We need that emotional connection before we can ever make a sale. Mind-reading is a way to make all your sales and marketing efforts connect.&#8221;<\/strong><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Researching is also necessary for your due diligence. You don\u2019t want to zero in on an employer and get into interviewing rounds, only to find out that this company is not a mutual good fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>See this post for more advice, <a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/best-ways-and-places-to-research-your-target-employers\/\">Best Ways and Places to Research Your Target Employers<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Create marketing communications about your products and\/or services that promote what they will do for your target audience.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Write Compelling Content for Your Resume, Biography and other Career Documents<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In the first 3 steps, you were gathering information and digging deep into what makes you a good fit for your target employers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Now it\u2019s time to sit down and begin writing your call to action.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When preparing for <a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/todays-executive-job-search-toolkit\/\">executive job search<\/a>, your mission is to create content for various purposes, and build an executive brand communications plan that reinforces your unique promise of value to your target employers, across diverse channels online and off-line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond the first 3 steps \u2013 personal branding, targeting and research \u2013 here are the other <a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/5-things-you-probably-dont-know-about-executive-resumes-and-job-search\/\">things you&#8217;ll need to pull together for successful executive job search:<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Get feedback from others<\/strong> <\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Talk to people at work and in your personal life about the value you offer \u2013 the true measure of your brand is the perception of you held by the external world. Annual performance reviews are a great resource.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Build out your career history<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>For each job, detail your scope of responsibilities and key areas of expertise (using the relevant keywords you\u2019ve uncovered) that align with target employers\u2019 current needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Complete the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/how-c-a-r-storytelling-gives-executive-resume-branding-zing\/\" target=\"_blank\">Challenge-Actions-Results<\/a> (C-A-Rs) exercise<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Detail your top contributions to past employers (with metrics whenever possible) that will resonate with target employers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For details on writing the content see my post, <a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/how-to-build-personal-brand-content-for-executive-job-search\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">How to Build Personal Brand Content for Executive Job Search<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Market your product\/services across multiple channels.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Communicate Your Unique Value via Social Media and In-Person<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Executive recruiters and hiring decision makers routinely search for <a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/social-proof-where-online-presence-meets-personal-branding\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">social proof<\/a> (or online evidence) to corroborate the claims candidates make about themselves in their personal marketing materials (resume, biography, cover letters, etc.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These people will assess your candidacy and evaluate your personal brand based on what they find about you online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They want to find as much information about you, and the value you offer, as they can . . . <em>before funneling you into the interviewing\/hiring process.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Build a personal website or other home base online<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Set up a home base online where people can find all the needed information about you. A personal website is best, but LinkedIn can be a great substitute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether or not you have a website, devote a good chunk of your <a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/5-ways-to-keep-your-executive-job-search-confidential-on-linkedin\/\"  data-wpil-monitor-id=\"637\">job search time to LinkedIn<\/a>. If you have time for only one social media outlet, it should be LinkedIn. Go well beyond just setting up a good LinkedIn profile and waiting for people to come. Get busy with all LinkedIn has to offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Use video, just like businesses do<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Incorporate video into your marketing communications. Entrepreneurs and business owners have been using video for many years. They know what a good job videos do for marketing and promotion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I don&#8217;t mean video resumes. They present several problems. Videos that do NOT feature you on camera usually work better. Videos with animation and other visuals will powerfully showcase your personal brand and the unique value you offer your target employers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This kind of video is not job-searchy like video resumes. They&#8217;re not likely to &#8220;out&#8221; the fact that you&#8217;re job hunting . . . a necessity for most job seekers. Where do you find videos like this? Check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/xi117.isrefer.com\/go\/jobsearch\/ecbrand\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CareerBrandVideos&#x2122;<\/a> \u2013 affordable, customized videos for job search and career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/xi117.isrefer.com\/go\/jobsearch\/ecbrand\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/CareerBrandVideos-\u2013-Customized-Videos-for-Job-Search-and-Career-640.png\" alt=\"video for job search and career\" class=\"wp-image-10396 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"335\" src=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/CareerBrandVideos-\u2013-Customized-Videos-for-Job-Search-and-Career-640.png\" alt=\"video for job search and career\" class=\"wp-image-10396 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/CareerBrandVideos-\u2013-Customized-Videos-for-Job-Search-and-Career-640.png 640w, https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/CareerBrandVideos-\u2013-Customized-Videos-for-Job-Search-and-Career-640-300x157.png 300w, https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/CareerBrandVideos-\u2013-Customized-Videos-for-Job-Search-and-Career-640-150x79.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Another important factor \u2013 Being active on social media demonstrates that you\u2019re up-to-date with the digital age and the new world of work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And don\u2019t forget to market your brand in your email signature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But don\u2019t just rely on online communications. Talk to people you know about how you\u2019re targeting your <a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/no-summer-vacation-from-executive-job-search\/\"  data-wpil-monitor-id=\"261\">job search<\/a>, and encourage them to tell others. You never know who may know someone in a position to help you with your career goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>More in my post, <a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/how-a-robust-online-presence-helps-you-land-the-best-jobs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">How a Robust Online Presence Helps You Land The Best Executive Jobs<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6. Network your way towards decision makers within your target audience.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Network Purposefully To Get To the \u201cHidden\u201d Job Market<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t waste much, or any, time responding to job postings. Networking gets the job, not mindlessly hitting the \u201cSend\u201d button on job boards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An estimated 80-90% of jobs, especially top-level <a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/how-to-network-into-executive-job\/\">executive jobs<\/a>, are never listed anywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Besides, when you respond to online job postings, your resume is likely to be sucked into (and lost in) the black hole that is <a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/ats-and-the-executive-resume-black-hole-what-you-may-not-know\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Applicant Tracking Systems<\/a> (ATS).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>The perfect job for you may never be posted anywhere! It may only exist in the hidden job market.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is this mystical world of the hidden job market?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Jobs created to accommodate specific candidates, once they connected with and had dialog with companies\u2019 hiring decision makers.<\/li><li>Existing positions in which an incumbent is replaced when someone better comes along.<\/li><li>An open slot, waiting to be filled, that isn\u2019t advertised outside the company. Only internal people know about it.<\/li><li>Jobs that, for whatever reason, are not advertised or visible, and can only be uncovered and accessed through networking.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Again, rely on your initial targeting and research, in which you identified the hiring decision makers (or their circles) at your target companies. Network your way towards them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>More in my post, <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"How to Network Into the Goldmine of Hidden Executive Jobs (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/how-to-network-into-the-goldmine-of-hidden-executive-jobs\/\" target=\"_blank\">How to Network Into the Goldmine of Hidden Executive Jobs<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>7. Prepare to communicate the good-fit qualities of your products and\/or services face-to-face with your target audience.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Master the Executive Job Interview Process<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019re going to land interviews . . . <em>if you\u2019ve followed the 6 steps above.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t blow it because you\u2019re not prepared to speak intelligently about what makes you the best hiring choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember that many interviewers are not particularly good at it. Help them along \u2013 <em>and boost your desirability factor<\/em> \u2013 by being ready to insert key points about yourself into the conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Here\u2019s what you need to do before, during and after interviews:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Before Interviews<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Get ready to answer the hard questions \u2013 like the dreaded <a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/best-ways-to-answer-tell-me-about-yourself-in-job-interviews\/\">\u201cTell me about yourself\u201d<\/a> query \u2013 and brand the interview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rely on your branding, targeting and research work to arm yourself with the questions YOU should ask, and information about the value you offer that you want to tell them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>During Interviews<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Be confident and psyched. Let your enthusiasm rule the interview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Be mindful of your <a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/power-pose-to-ace-executive-job-interviews\/\">body language<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t make any of the typical mistakes, like checking your iPhone or forgetting to turn off your ringer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t wait to be asked for specific examples of contributions you\u2019ve made to past employers. Work them into the discussion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>After Interviews<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Follow up every interview with <a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/thank-you-notes-executive-job-search\/\"  data-wpil-monitor-id=\"217\">thank you notes<\/a> to each person you spoke with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lots more details in my post, <a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/how-to-land-brand-and-ace-executive-job-interviews\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">How to Land, Brand and Ace Executive Job Interviews<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>8. Track and Measure Your Results<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Social Media for Job Search expert <a href=\"https:\/\/careersherpa.net\/your-job-search-requires-sales-marketing-skills\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Hannah Morgan (opens in a new tab)\">Hannah Morgan<\/a> advises monitoring your success, by measuring these activities:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>How many people you reached out to this week<\/li><li>How many new leads or contacts you got<\/li><li>The number of jobs you applied to<\/li><li>How many interviews you had<\/li><li>How many hours it took you to do all this<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Make adjustments to your <a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/deftly-organize-and-track-your-executive-job-search\/\"  data-wpil-monitor-id=\"52\">job search<\/a> strategy, based on which activities were the most successful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>9. Get a Personal Board of Directors<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Career coach <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Lisa Barrington (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/forbescoachescouncil\/2018\/02\/20\/everyone-needs-a-personal-board-of-directors\/\" target=\"_blank\">Lisa Barrington<\/a> noted in a Forbes article that, just like companies large and small have a board of directors to support and guide them, so should job seekeers and career-minded people. She suggests that you include in your personal board of directors someone:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>In your field (e.g., in your profession or industry)<\/li><li>Who is in or has been in your circumstance (e.g., single parent, transitioning careers later in life)<\/li><li>Who is one of your greatest cheerleaders<\/li><li>Ready to critique you (your decisions\/actions)<\/li><li>Who is a leader in the area in which you aspire to grow or succeed (e.g., professional, spiritual, personal)<\/li><li>From another generation (one person from a generation older and one person from a generation younger)<\/li><li>Who can introduce you to others (e.g., in your profession or community)<\/li><\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Did you ever think about how much alike successful executive job search and successful small business management are? If you\u2019ve been in a job search for a while, and not much is happening, you\u2019d be wise to re-jig your strategy, and start thinking of running your job search like it\u2019s a business. That\u2019s what wise [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4,6],"tags":[112,181,195],"class_list":{"0":"post-6245","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-executive-job-search","7":"category-executive-personal-and-career-branding","8":"tag-executive-job-search","9":"tag-personal-branding","10":"tag-small-business-marketing","11":"entry","12":"has-post-thumbnail"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Want a Successful Executive Job Search? 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Read about the comparisons.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/want-a-successful-executive-job-search-run-it-like-a-small-business\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Executive Career Brand\u2122\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/megguiseppi\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2020-02-24T13:33:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-02-06T14:39:41+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/hand-1915350_960_720-1.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"960\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"630\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Meg Guiseppi\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@megguiseppi\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@megguiseppi\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Meg Guiseppi\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"11 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/want-a-successful-executive-job-search-run-it-like-a-small-business\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/want-a-successful-executive-job-search-run-it-like-a-small-business\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Meg Guiseppi\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/#\/schema\/person\/8f77ad4251f6cc47790139bc14483711\"},\"headline\":\"Want a Successful Executive Job Search? 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