Keeping the Faith in Your Search
If you are like me, you need a faith capable of destroying all the obstacles that this world presents. No doubt that there is a real storm wind out there that is driving our sails. Are you going to furl your sails in order to take shelter in the port, for fear that going will get too rough, or are you going to allow yourself to sail out into the open sea and keep the faith in your job search?
Through twenty-five years of experience in the world of executive search or as an executive agent, I have witnessed the dot.com bust, the horrid events of 9/11, the 2008 financial crisis, Hurricane Helene, and the trials and tribulations of boot strapping and launching a firm that has evangelized and proven a better way to recruit executive talent. Through those times I had to resist the temptation to be afraid and only look at the present state of things. I could either let it destroy me or I could forge ahead. I chose the later – faith that could tear up and move mountains. I encourage you to choose the later and press on with your search.
There are Positives
If you have a unique skillset or expertise that plays to times of unprecedented change, now is the time to reassess where your unique value is and elevate your profile to a market in unparalleled times. This applies to the C-Suite leader and honestly anyone who is layers down in an organization.
Now is the time to dig deeper and determine if your expertise lies in areas such as in disruptive situations, innovation and strategy, business and digital transformation, cybersecurity, AI, risk management, financial crisis management, catastrophic events, emergency response, corporate restructuring, organizational change management, and workforce strategy, among many others.
Although it might not feel so good right now and may be completely unsettling, perhaps this change is a good thing – a great opportunity to reflect, plan, and execute on your next great role and perhaps in an area entirely different than before. This can be an opportunity to chart a new path.
What You Can & Cannot Control
Take it from someone who likes to have control, it is true that there are many things that are out of our control. However, we can control how we choose to personally handle it. Reflect and recall the variety of other circumstances and events that were out of your control and that put you in transition such as an acquisition, merger, sale, consolidation, right-sizing to mention a few. You came through those then and you will come through this now.
The key is to survive this very stressful time is to take control and start on your search. If you have held back on starting, do not waste any more time – get started! Now it is a terrific time to reach out to your network. Perhaps there are relationships in your network that you have not given much attention to. You may be surprised with what you find!
Tools to Ensure Success
Now that you have picked yourself up and brushed yourself off, there are a number of tools through Summit’s blog that are there to help you –
- How to Build Your Network
- Effective Networking for Introverts
- Interview Preparation –
- How to Negotiate an Offer
Remember, more than often, it is your network who gets you in the door. Have a plan, work your plan and make a full-time job out of finding your next role. Time is of the essence – whether in this time of change or your search. So, don’t furl your sail, get out there into the open sea, go and tear up and move mountains!
**Melissa A. Henderson is the disruptive thinker behind a revolutionary new model in executive search — the executive agent. As founder, president, and CEO of Summit Executive Resources, she helps companies and Boards of Directors find highly qualified executive talent swiftly and at no cost, while providing coaching and preparation services for candidates seeking new leadership or board of director opportunities.
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