News
How to Change Jobs? Follow These Tips to Land a Better Executive Position
One piece of advice from experts is to make a list of the companies you’d like to work for and identify what value you can bring to them.
There’s no better time to change jobs or re-enter the workforce. So, if you’re not happy with your current job—whether you feel stuck or are eager to take on new challenges—it might be time to start looking for other job opportunities.
Given the current situation in Peru, where there has been a significant number of mergers and acquisitions in recent years, it might be quite timely to consider such a change. A wave of corporate acquisitions can be beneficial for some mid- or senior-level executives (your company will acquire another) or detrimental for others (your position is eliminated by the acquiring company).
So, what should you do if you’ve already decided to find a new job? Below, two talent management experts offer advice on how to start your search, with a focus on mid- and senior-level executives.
See also: Which sectors and positions received the most applications from Peruvians in 2023?
WORK ON YOUR RESUME
Although it may sound obvious, the first thing you need to do is work on your resume. Vitorio Gotuzzo, an executive manager at Michael Page, recommends creating two resumes: one where you can go into greater detail and another that serves as an executive or summary version of the first.
In the more summarized version, Gotuzzo notes that the information should be tailored to the company you’re applying to: clearly list positions and time spent in each role, and include two to three key responsibilities per role and three to four achievements. Additionally, it will be beneficial to highlight the different areas of work you’ve been involved in, if that applies to you.
CONTACTS AND NETWORKING
It’s time to create your own networking list. This includes lifelong friends and colleagues you’ve worked with. It also involves connecting with recruiters and proactively setting up meetings. “Often, if we don’t put that list together, we aren’t aware of the powerful network we have,” says Gotuzzo.
But don’t overlook another aspect: seek out mentors in the industry where you want to work. This way, they can refer you to job openings and help you gain a lot of knowledge about the field that you may not have had before, notes Gotuzzo.
One additional detail: be careful about who you tell about your job search. “There’s a gray area when it comes to telling colleagues you’re actively looking for work, because your close network assumes you’re fully committed to your current job and, therefore, won’t be leaving—so they don’t mention or offer opportunities that might come your way. In casual conversations, this can lead not necessarily to a new job, but perhaps to a business idea, a startup, connections with people you might not otherwise reach, or (recruitment) processes you might not know about because they aren’t public,” says Gotuzzo. On the other hand, he warns that it’s best not to discuss the topic with people in the same industry or sector where you currently work, as this could create a conflict of interest.
It’s also important to mention that during these networking interactions, you should showcase your unique value proposition in the market. In other words, detail what makes you unique and special and how you contribute to the business, notes Paola Chocano, Partner & Managing Director at Cornerstone Peru. “That way, people will keep you in mind when they hear of a need where your value could be the solution. They’ll recommend you or talk about you,” she said.
MAKE A TOP 10 LIST OF COMPANIES YOU’D LIKE TO WORK FOR
One recommendation from Gotuzzo is to conduct a sort of “market research.” What does that entail? Compile a list of about 10 companies where you’d like to work and in which area. This research, combined with effective networking with people who work at those companies, will help you understand the company’s culture. Additionally, the specialist says, this will help you understand how you can add value as a candidate to the company of your dreams.
“It can also help you be prepared in case you hear that a position or hiring process opens up at that company. [By then] you’ll already know what the company and its culture are like and what they’re looking for. That also helps with the job search process,” he notes.
Also: What is the average salary Peruvian men and women ask for when applying for a job?
Additionally, you should also consider the possibility of working for a foreign company or one offering a regional position. Above all, notes the executive manager at Michael Page, this should be taken into account as mid-level or senior executives move into more senior roles.
“I always tell them to ask themselves if they’re looking for something purely local. It could be something regional or even outside the region. What I’m getting at is that they should [evaluate] whether they have the flexibility—both personally and within their family—to take on roles that may be based in Peru but involve a lot of travel (…). Having this flexibility can open you up to a larger market,” he adds.
USE SOCIAL MEDIA TO YOUR ADVANTAGE
Chocano points out that social media serves as a showcase to highlight our unique value in the market, as well as a channel to position ourselves. For this reason, they are definitely an ally in your search for your next job. “Job platforms and social media, especially LinkedIn, are essential tools for executives seeking opportunities. They allow you not only to apply for jobs but also to network, research companies and industry trends, and establish a professional online presence,” he adds.
SEEK SPECIALIZED HELP
Even after following these tips, you may feel like you’re not making progress in your job search. That’s why Gotuzzo recommends seeking advice from other specialists. You can look for an employability coach, for example, to help you develop the skills you need to strengthen your qualifications for the roles you’re seeking.
Along those lines, Chocano notes that mentoring and coaching are very powerful strategies that will help you enhance your employability.
