Taking on a C-Level position requires a lot of dedication, commitment and performance, given the relevance of this position for corporate prosperity. In the face of a repositioning of these executives in the market, this process can become something complex, especially due to the smaller number of vacancies available compared to other positions. To ensure your employability, networking can be one of the biggest facilitators for entering these positions – something that, if used wisely, can open many professional doors.
There is a clear understanding in the market about the importance of building a good network of professional relationships in order not only to stay close to relevant people in the field, as well as staying attuned to the requirements and demands of their sectors, as well as the opportunities that are being explored and better paths that can be followed.
In the hiring process, this network of relationships is one of the strongest vectors for executives in a potential job placement – many times, more advantageous than searching for jobs on online platforms. According to a survey by The Adler Group, in partnership with LinkedIn, as proof of this, 85% of job openings are filled mainly thanks to networking. But, how can these executives invest time in building these networks, in a qualitative way?
Not all areas will bring a large number of events and meetings that are 'easy' to participate in. If we analyze the financial segment, as an example, what we see the most are forums and activities aimed at professionals in the field, carrying out a series of highly favorable initiatives to strengthen these relationships. Already in other sectors, the same amplitude is not so seen, what makes it more complex to identify these opportunities and participate in them, making the market recognize, see and value an executive – while this keeps its deliveries at the current company.
Reconciling this dynamic and investing time, correctly and with quality, to the more assertive meetings, it is a real challenge for C-Levels, at the same time it proves crucial for them to remain visible in the market, even without an immediate intention to change jobs. Therefore, besides needing to dedicate time searching for the most relevant forums and events in their sector, approaching headhunters is an important strategy to invest in.
Be open to discussing your career moment with these recruiters, knowing the open opportunities in the market and whether there is a position that might better fit your professional ambitions. Even if you don't want to prospect something new, investing a few hours in this relationship can be extremely beneficial in a more favorable scenario for your career goals. After all, how will a headhunter consider an executive with whom they have not spoken or do not know their profile and professional desires?
Active networking can be the master key to opening better doors in your career, able to contribute to an in-depth analysis of the market scenario, what they are offering and how each executive can navigate their career path. But, it is also important to remember that this is not the only unique tool for employability.
What ensures an assertive hiring is a combination of experience, knowledge, reputation and, clear, the contact network. This set of actions, when built early in your professional journey, it is what will reinforce the repositioning of executives given the scarcity of job openings in the market, staying prominent in front of recruiters for thematchideal between the company and its future C-Level.
