3 Steps to Kick Off Your Executive Job Search

3 Steps to Kick Off Your Executive Job SearchSometimes getting a good start with an executive job search can be challenging. Its often difficult to know which steps to take to make sure youre finding the right employers and lages to apply for. While every job search is unique and there is no specific template available that ensures an executive job search will flow perfectly, there are some steps you can take to start on the right track. Here are three to consider1. Know the Specifics of the Position You Want At the executive level, its possible that you qualify for a number of roles, possibly in more than one industry. However, like any project you have initiated that ends successfully, your job search requires a narrow focus. A great way to acquire this focus is by getting specific about the position you want, including the industry youd most like to pursue if you have more than one option available.2. Choose Ideal EmployersAfter youve identified the position youre looking for, tak e time to identify ideal employers youd like to work for. Think about your overall career goals, including where youd like to live, which organizational culture you are most suited for, and even whether you hope to retire from your next employer. Then begin researching employers that can meet your ultimate career objectives, while determining whether you can meet their goals for the positions theyre offering. Finally, compile a list of about 15-20 companies or organizations that you feel will meet your needs.3. Identify Key Decision Makers and Company IssuesOnce youve compiled your list of employers, begin to target your audience by locating key decision makers in each company you expect to work closely with if hired. Also, closely examine the issues your chosen companies have faced in recent months or years that you would like to address.Taking these steps can help you to determine who you need to connect with if you choose to inquire about positions, or outright apply for jobs wit hin the specific companies youve targeted. These steps can also help you to create resumes and supporting documents that will help you score the interviews you want.Its important to remember to brand your resume before applying to each new position for more information on branding check out my recent article 5 Key Areas to Target When Branding Your Resume. You can also get additional job search and career related advice by checking out our blog or following us on Twitter GreatResume.

How Moms Can Support Each Other At Work A Story From The Trenches

How Moms Can Support Each Other At Work A Story From The Trenches When we had our first child, I welches shocked by how hard it welches to be a parent. Where are the public service announcements informing us of the trials and tribulations of being a new parent? In my new role, my daily goal welches to brush my teeth each day and hope to even take a shower. This welches a big change for me, as historically, my goal was transforming organizations to better meet their customers needs. My client was now a 9-pound dictator who didnt know how to negotiate and wasnt willing to follow my processes, although she was very cuteStarting the parenting journey was hard enoughnow I had to return to work, freshly showered and with clean teeth every day At first (and still today), I was struggling to figure out how to make everything work without feeling totally overwhelmed and failing at everything. Did all new moms feel this way? Was it my level at work? Was it is my job? Was I losing my edge?I sta rted to ask other new moms how they were doing. It was the worst best-kept secret Everyone was struggling, but no one was openly discussing it. I invited a few women at my workplace to a conference call to share some ideas for making it work, what they were struggling with, how we could help each other, etc. And, I said, Feel free to forward this invitation to other moms. This call became the start of the Mothers on the Move (MoMs) group, which currently has 200+ new moms and even a few dads.We meet monthly and continue the vision of helping each other. Equally important, we have become the voice of the needs of parents at Accenture. Weve asked for numerous things to help make easier choices between our families and our jobs. We asked for more maternity leave, and it was doubled. We asked for more backup care when we need coverageit was doubled, and we got an extra week the year a baby was born. We asked for help for nursing moms on the road, and we got breastmilk shipping services. The list goes on and onbut, it was clear, when this group spoke, leadership listened. Our leadership team now actively seeks input from our MoMs group to generate new and fresh ideas.This journey into being a working parent has taught me many things, but there are three important lessons that I would like to share1)Everyone finds being a new parent hard. Add a second child, and smoke will come out of the top of your head2)No one cares if you have baby vomit on your suit jacket or have your hair in a ponytail, as long as you show up and give it your all.3)Most importantly, if you dont tell people what you need and where you are struggling, youll never get the support you need to be successful. No one says no to a new mom trying to find her way in the working world.A version of this article was originally published here.Fairygodboss is committed to improving the workplace and lives of women. Join us by reviewing your employer