⏰ Executive Job Search Timeline (30-90 Days)
Week 1-2: Preparation
- 🔍 Update resume (executive-level format)
- 💼 Build executive LinkedIn profile
- 📝 Prepare executive summary
- 🎯 Define target companies & roles
- 📅 Set up job alert notifications
Week 3-4: Outreach
- 📧 Cold email executive search firms
- 📊 Network with 20+ peers/mentors
- 💼 Apply to top 15-20 target companies
- 🤝 Schedule coffee chats/connections
- 📝 Follow up on all applications
Week 5-8: Interviews & Offers
- 🧠 Prepare for executive interview questions
- 📊 Prepare to present executive strategy
- 💼 Complete interview rounds (usually 3-4)
- 💰 Analyze compensation packages
- 🔄 Evaluate multiple offers side-by-side
Week 9-12: Decision & Negotiation
- 🏆 Make final decision
- 💰 Negotiate salary & equity
- 📑 Prepare executive-level documentation
- 🎉 Accept offer & plan transition
🏆 Top 5 Job Platforms for Executives
1. LinkedIn Executive
Best for: Direct applications, executive networking, company research
Key features: Salary estimates, company insights, recruiter messages
Where to look: LinkedIn Jobs → Filters: Location, Role Level: C-Suite/VP/Director
2. Glassdoor
Best for: Company reviews, salary data, interview insights
Key features: Executive review section, salary reports, interview questions
Where to look: Glassdoor → Filter: Executive level
3. Indeed (Executive Boards)
Best for: Volume of postings, specialized executive boards
Key features: Executive-specific boards, salary filters
Where to look: Indeed → Specialty Boards → Executive
4. ZipRecruiter
Best for: Quick applications, AI matching
Key features: One-click applications, salary brackets
Where to look: ZipRecruiter → Executive positions
5. Executive Search Firms
Best for: Unadvertised roles, confidential searches
Key features: Headhunter reach, personal branding
Where to find: Korn Ferry, Russell Reynolds, Heidrick & Struggles, Egon Zehnder
🤝 How to Work with Headhunters
Research Headhunters First
Before contacting, research which firms specialize in your industry and experience level.
Send Cold Email Template
See example below. Be concise, professional, and include specific information.
Be Responsive & Available
Headhunters often work on client timelines. Be quick to respond to calls and meetings.
Build Long-Term Relationships
Many executives keep contact with headhunters even after landing a job. They'll help with future opportunities.
📧 Cold Email Templates
Template 1: Contacting Executive Search Firms
Subject: Executive Search - [Your Role] - [Your Background]
Hi [Headhunter's Name],
I'm writing to introduce myself and explore potential opportunities. Based on your firm's work in the [Industry] sector, I believe there's a strong fit for my background as [Your Experience].
Key Highlights:
- Role: [Current/Last Position - e.g., VP of Sales at Fortune 500]
- Experience: [Number of years, e.g., 15+ years in sales leadership]
- Track Record: [Key achievement - e.g., Led team to $50M revenue growth]
- Target Companies: [List 3-5 specific companies you're interested in]
I'd welcome the opportunity to connect and discuss how I might contribute to your client's needs.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Current Title] | [Company]
[LinkedIn Profile] | [Email] | [Phone]
Template 2: Initial Connection Message (LinkedIn)
Subject: Introduction - [Your Name] - [Current Role]
Hi [Name],
I came across your profile and noticed our work in [Shared Industry/Topic]. I'm currently [Your Position] at [Company] with experience in [Key Area].
I'd love to connect and learn more about your work. I'm always looking to expand my network with other leaders in [Industry].
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Current Title] | [Company]
🔗 How to Build Your Executive Network
1. Identify 5-10 Peers
Reach out to former colleagues, classmates, or competitors' former executives who have made moves.
2. Professional Associations
Join industry associations (e.g., Young Presidents' Organization, EO, industry-specific groups).
3. Alumni Networks
Connect with alumni from your university. Many offer executive networking events.
4. Industry Conferences
Attend conferences. Executive panels and Q&As are gold for networking.
5. Mutual Connections
Use LinkedIn to find mutual connections. A warm introduction is 10x more effective than cold outreach.
📝 Resume Tips for Executives
⭐ Focus on Impact, Not Duties
Bad: "Led sales team of 50 people"
Good: "Led 50-person sales team, delivered $50M revenue growth over 3 years"
⭐ Use Action Verbs
Start bullet points with: Spearheaded, Directed, Executed, Orchestrated, Led
⭐ Quantify Everything
Include numbers: Revenue growth (%), team size, market share, cost savings, efficiency gains
⭐ Keep It Concise
1-2 pages max. Executives scan quickly. Highlight your most impressive achievements.
⭐ Executive Summary
Start with a 2-3 paragraph summary of your value proposition and experience.
🧠 Executive Interview Preparation
Questions They'll Ask
- 🎯 Tell me about yourself
- 🎯 What are your key achievements?
- 🎯 Why are you looking to leave?
- 🎯 Where do you see yourself in 3-5 years?
- 🎯 What's your biggest weakness?
- 🎯 How do you handle conflict?
- 🎯 What's your leadership philosophy?
- 🎯 How do you drive change?
- 🎯 What's your approach to budgets/departments?
Executive-Specific Questions
- 🎯 How would you turn around a struggling business unit?
- 🎯 How do you build and lead cross-functional teams?
- 🎯 How do you handle board-level presentations?
- 🎯 What's your experience with M&A integration?
- 🎯 How do you think strategically vs. operationally?
- 🎯 How do you measure success of your leadership?
Preparation Checklist
- ✅ Practice answers out loud
- ✅ Prepare 3-5 stories (STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result)
- ✅ Research the company (executive team, competitors, recent news)
- ✅ Prepare questions to ask them (their leadership philosophy, challenges)
💰 Salary Negotiation Strategies
Don't Negotiate Alone
Include your recruiter or headhunter in all negotiations. They can protect you and leverage their relationship.
Know Your Market Value
Use data from salary benchmarks above. Know what similar roles pay before starting negotiations.
Negotiate Total Comp, Not Just Base
Equity, bonuses, sign-on bonuses, and benefits can add $200k-$500k+ to your package.
Be Prepared to Walk Away
Say "I'm excited about the opportunity, but I need $X, which is outside my target range."
Get It in Writing
Before accepting, ensure all compensation components (base, bonus, equity, benefits) are documented.