DEAR ABBY: I’m now looking for a job at the controller, director, vp, cfo level, and it’s going much slower than I expected – any thoughts or advice?
Why High-Level Job Searches Take Longer
I’ve been having this conversation with quite a few of my higher-level job seekers and team members at Prospex Recruiting! The job search generally feels different at different levels of your career. SO MUCH of the higher-level search is timing dependent and can (not always) take longer than what you may have initially expected.
Think about it – most organizations have a triangle hierarchy with only 1 CFO/VP/Controller to multiple staff underneath them. Because of this, there are more available roles at the entry-to-mid level. Those professionals then continue to rise and climb the corporate ladder, and there becomes more competition for the higher-level roles in the market. These roles have the widest range of applicants ranging from the up-and-comer, to a lateral move, to experienced CFOs. At these higher comp roles, hiring managers are usually more particular on specific skillsets and experiences they want in a candidate.
How to Stand Out as a High-Level Candidate
So…WHAT CAN YOU DO TO SEPARATE YOURSELF as a candidate??
🐮 Update your LinkedIn profile to make yourself easy to find! Have good detail on your roles, software you’ve worked with and proficiency, implementation experience, industry experience, PE/VC-backed company experience…anything that highlights you as a professional!! Also – make sure you have an updated picture on your profile.
🐮 Ensure your LinkedIn and resume align and include your most relevant experience in both!
🐮 Respond promptly to hiring managers or recruiters. When our team reaches out about a role, we are generally sending candidates to a company that day. A delay in your response can cause you to miss the opportunity.
🐮 Network strategically. Connect with people at the company and check if you have mutual connections who can vouch for you. (Prospex Recruiting comes in clutch with our strong network!!)
Managing Expectations and Staying Positive
🐮 Be patient. When a search takes longer than expected, it can feel deflating. Understanding that this level takes time can help you stay mentally positive in your search.
🐮 Consider the time of year.
- Q1: YE and audits can slow things down.
- Q2: End-of-school activities, graduations, and early summer vacations may delay hiring processes.
- Q3: Generally a good time for hiring as summer winds down.
- Q4: The holidays can slow things, but there are still great opportunities each quarter.
Pay attention to seasonal external factors that may impact hiring timelines and adjust your expectations accordingly.
Thanks for Reading!
This was lengthy…but hopefully helpful! What else have you found helpful in your advanced-level searches?
Reach out to anyone on our team to discuss current hiring trends and how we at Prospex Recruiting can help in your search!!
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