In career transition, it’s easy to fall into the habit of doing the same things, day after day, even if you’re not getting the results you want. But don’t let your executive job search drive you insane! If you find that your momentum has stalled and you’re not getting the leads, contacts, and interviews you need, follow these suggestions for getting out of your rut and moving forward toward your goals.

1. Assess your career marketing messages.

If your resume/CV is not a powerful marketing tool that positions you as a dream candidate for your ideal job, it is selling you short and stalling your search. And if you are not up to date on current trends in resume writing, LinkedIn profile presentation, and other career marketing communications, you will appear to be outdated.

2. Draw a networking blueprint.

It all starts with a plan, a well-articulated career goal, and some clearly defined targets. Without those fundamentals, you won’t have a purpose or a road map for the networking activity that should be the central component of your job search.
 

3. Get into the wide world (not just the world wide web).

The Internet has amazing power and reach – it is unmatched as a resource and tool for your job search. But ultimately, it’s people who hire other people, and it’s important to build your visibility and your network in live events and face-to-face meetings.
 

4. Recruit a personal board of directors.

It’s immensely helpful to have a team of trusted advisors to give you feedback, suggestions, and support during a career transition. Choose people who know your strengths, have their own areas of expertise (and their own networks), will be candid with you, and want to help you succeed. Listen to what they tell you!
 

5. Build your online personal brand 

Executive recruiters and employers are looking at your online presence. Almost 90% of recruiters use LinkedIn to check candidates, so it's vital your profile is up-to-date, relevant and clearly displays your key achievements. Additionally, you can boost your personal brand by presenting yourself as an industry thought leader via blogs, LinkedIn publisher and other platforms. This will help showcase your experience and increase your visibility to the right recruiters. Remember that having zero online presence can be as harmful as having “digital dirt.”
 

6. Refresh your interviewing skills.

Just getting to the interview stage of your job search is an achievement! According to Glassdoor, each corporate job offer attracts 250 resumes. Of those candidates, 4 to 6 will get called for an interview. Make it count. Ensure you have a sharp, polished, concise response to the “tell me about yourself” inquiry that opens many interviews and research the organization so you can clearly convey how your skills and experience will be valuable to the role. Additionally, make sure you have an answer to questions relating to salary and remember, even if you’re an excellent communicator, you need to prepare and practice!

7. Bring in the experts!

You don’t have to go it alone, and you don’t have to keep doing the same things without results. BlueSteps' executive resume writers and career coaches can be just the partner you need to help you escape the deadly cycle of an ineffective job search. Learn more.