How to Find Quality Leads in Your Executive Job Search

One of the toughest parts of conducting a job search at any level, especially the executive level, is finding, and keeping track of, your leads. These leads might include all of the opportunities you’ve found online, running into people at casual events, serious networking functions and so on.

Of course, when you find a lead, you want to follow up on it. But it’s not easy to follow up on something if you forget that you found it. So let’s take a look at ways that you can not only find quality leads, but also keep track of them effectively so that you can follow up in a timely fashion.

Finding Your Leads

There are a number of ways to go about finding quality leads. Luckily, you have access to a great source for leads in the Internet. The first places to look are sites that are dedicated to executive-level job seekers like ExecuNet, 6 Figure Jobs and The Ladders. On these sites you can find great advice on ways to effectively search for jobs and elevate through your career. Also, you can search for high-level jobs on the sites.

But of course, finding leads doesn’t stop at the Internet. You should also be venturing out to networking functions in your area to meet new people. Whether you attend a board meeting, job fair or even the casual outing, you can connect with great people who can tip you off to new leads. Don’t forget your previous co-workers, long-term mentors and even prior clients. Any and everyone is game when it comes to finding leads, so don’t take anyone for granted as you compile your list.

Keeping Track of Your Leads

One great way to keep track of your leads is by creating a spreadsheet. You can sort the leads into categories that work best for you. For instance, you might create categories that focus on how you connected with your leads. In this case, you might create category titles like "Job Boards," "Networking Events," "Social Functions," etc.

Or you might categorize your leads according to how you would like to follow up with them. In this case, you might choose headings like "Immediately," "1-2 Days" or "3-4 Days". You can also sort them according to the format that you want to follow up with them in: "Phone," "Email" or "In Person". You get the drift. The point is that you want to make sure that you organize the leads you encounter in a way that allows you to follow up with opportunities and people in an appropriate fashion.

Following Up With Your Leads

Following up with your leads is both the easiest and most difficult part of the process. Now that you have everything compiled, you actually have to do the work of catching up with people via phone, email or in person. You might also have to shoot off your executive resume or biography via email or snail mail. It can be an exhausting process; however, it’s one that’s well worth the work.

There’s nothing more rewarding than reaping the benefits of hard work. When taking the time to find, organize, and follow up with your leads results in your next job, you’ll know how much your hard work has paid off.

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