How do I prepare for the job search at the senior executive level? I have been in the same company for over 20 years and I have never had to look for a job. How do I make myself attractive and accessible in the best way possible without over branding/marketing myself?

Start by preparing for the job search process by doing a self assessment and review your motivated skills (areas of your career where you felt most satisfied/dissatisfied) and reevaluate your values. This may seem obvious but many executives don’t spend enough time on this process. After 20 years working for one company, you may not have thought much about yourself in this way and your values have most likely changed. This is a good time to rediscover yourself. 

You look “attractive” when you can articulate your story in a way that others understand it. What prevents you from over branding yourself is the ability to express a quick summary or “movie preview” in a concise and articulate way. Often called the Elevator Pitch, you can use this unique tool to describe the initial process of selling yourself.

You should highlight your unique selling points and the most pertinent and relevant things you want your prospective employer to know. What do you want to do now? You should have three to five of your major accomplishments prepared and be able to answer the following questions:

• What problems or challenges did you overcome?
• What action did you take and how did this benefit the company?  

Some other tips:

• Break down your roles to show how each position could be viewed as a separate company, as you were required to adapt to new mini cultures within different divisions and functions. Mention the new experiences you gained from each and how you adapted to working with new management.
• Initially attend interviews that are not your top choice in order to initiate yourself back into the process without having so much at risk. Ask for feedback if possible.

A few books that may also be helpful are the following:

Should interviews be followed up with a letter of thanks and continued interest? Absolutely and feel free to email a note or send it the old fashioned way via mail. Make your note short and reinforce why you think you would be great for the job. Express your continued interest and enthusiasm. If you think there might be any objection to the company hiring you, this would be the time to address the issue. For example, if they think you really are not ready to move to Boston as a Native New Yorker, you could say, “Since our discussion I have thought even more about moving to Boston, spoken to a real estate agent and my wife and I think it would be quite affordable. We have even found a great school for the kids!! “

Categories: Rubin's Cube - Career Q&A
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