| you got what it takes to secure an executive role? | | | | experience, making everything you put on your CV |
| Job hunting is stressful. Just spending time looking for | | | | directly relevant to the position. The internet is |
| appropriate jobs in the paper or on the internet is | | | | awash with information on how to make your CV |
| frustrating and you know that when you find one or | | | | more presentable, but there are some key points to |
| two executive appointments that you want to apply | | | | remember: |
| for, you will be up against a lot of competition. | | | | • Keep it short |
| Standing out from the crowd is important at every | | | | • Keep it relevant |
| stage of the process. From your CV to your final | | | | • Put your contact details at the top |
| interview, you want to be the candidate that | | | | • Focus on things you've achieved, rather |
| impresses. Whether this is your first executive | | | | than your skills |
| position, or you are a seasoned senior manager, you | | | | 3. Your interview |
| still need to make your application and interview | | | | The interview for an executive appointment – |
| different enough to secure the job. | | | | either as a preliminary with the recruitment agent or |
| If you’re dealing with an executive | | | | a first or second interview with the company |
| recruitment agency, there are three key areas | | | | – is your best opportunity to show that you |
| where you need to be on top of your game in order | | | | will be an asset to the business. Self-confidence is |
| to increase your chances of success: | | | | important, but not to the point where it could be |
| 1. On the Phone | | | | viewed as arrogance. Use positive language and |
| Often, your first direct contact with a recruitment | | | | positive body language, give examples to show how |
| firm is on the phone. A telephone interview is a real | | | | you have achieved results in your current position |
| test of your skills, because you can’t use eye | | | | and ask intelligent questions. Make sure you have |
| contact of body language to reinforce what | | | | researched the company well before your interview |
| you’re saying; you have to rely on being | | | | and double-check the requirements of the job. |
| prepared, focused and flexible so that you create a | | | | The executive appointments market is a competitive |
| great impression. | | | | one, and following these steps could increase your |
| 2. Your CV | | | | chances of success. |
| The key here is to focus on your achievements and | | | | |