By:  Alesia Benedict, CPRW, JCTC    www.getinterviews.com

There is a common misconception among the public at large that executives have an easier experience when looking for a new job than the average job seeker who makes less than $100,000. However, executives know differently! The reality is that job search for higher salaried individuals can take longer and be more complex. At the executive level there are fewer open positions, companies are much more specific about qualifications, and competition is more aggressive. Such conditions can make finding a job at the executive level even difficult, even well-qualified job seekers.

Job hunting is tough enough without adding to the difficulty through senseless job search mistakes. Senseless because they are simple mistakes that are easily rectified or avoided altogether if only some forethought is afforded. All of the mistakes discussed below are common ones that my firm sees in the job search efforts of our executive clients who come to us finally for help.

1. Email Addresses
Most people don’t think of an email address as something that can hinder the progress of a job search, but it can have a significant impact....Read More.

2. Executive Recruiter Mistakes
A high number of executives above the $100,000 salary level are placed in their jobs by executive recruiters. Smart executives establish strong relationships with reputable executive recruiters who can be an asset in their career advancement. Many of the highest level executives we work with have teamed with a particular recruiter or recruiting firm repeatedly, often having attained several positions over the years through the same recruiter....Read More.

3. Poor Presentation
Many executives only give passing attention to their resume because they focus their energies on the interview. Unfortunately, interviews will be few and far between if the initial presentation of the resume is less-than-stellar... Read More.

4. Over-concern about Age
 Age discrimination does exist but it is not as rampant as many older job seekers fear. The majority of companies realize that executive candidates who have the experience they desire are NOT going to be 22 years old, hot off the press, and looking for his/her first job.... Read More.

5. Not Being Job Search Savvy
Most executives dislike job search -- it makes them feel uncomfortable and uncertain. For this reason, many do not delve fully into the world of job search and only superficially coast along the surface.... Read More.

-Alesia Benedict,  www.getinterviews.com