Balanced Job Search Strategy for Executives

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Recruiters can be helpful in your job search, but they shouldn't be your sole focus. A well-rounded strategy includes 20% cold applying, 20% working with recruiters, and a substantial 60% tapping into the hidden job market, where you'll find the most opportunities.

Cold applying involves ensuring your resume is ATS optimized and being among the first to apply for open roles on websites like LinkedIn or Glassdoor. This method is highly competitive since everyone knows about it, but it's still worth incorporating into your strategy as a numbers game.

Working with recruiters has its pros and cons. They have contracts at various companies and get paid based on filling those positions; however, their loyalty lies with their clients, not you. Recruiters might ghost you or prioritize other candidates over you because of this dynamic. Additionally, they may lack an understanding of racial dynamics that could affect black men seeking senior leadership roles. To maximize success when engaging with recruiters, proactively seek out ones who specialize in placing Black men in executive positions within your industry.

The remaining 60% of your job search should focus on uncovering opportunities within the hidden job market for executives by identifying industries you're interested in and making connections to obtain internal referrals for ideal roles. You're five times more likely to secure a position through this approach while also having greater control over negotiating compensation packages.

Relying solely on recruiters puts limited control over your career prospects into someone else's hands—someone whose interests don't necessarily align with yours. By taking charge of all aspects of your job search—including cold applying, strategically partnering with specialized recruiters, and exploring the hidden job market—you'll significantly increase your chances of landing an executive role tailored to both personal preferences and professional aspirations.

Written by Jewel Edward Love, Jr.

Founder and Executive Coach, Black Executive Men

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