Ever wonder how senior executives seem to effortlessly jump between high-level roles? Here's the truth: they're not scrolling job boards at 2am like the rest of us.
While you're perfecting your resume for the hundredth time, C-suite leaders are playing an entirely different game. And honestly, it's time you learned their playbook for real career growth.
The Executive Search Reality Check
Here's what blew my mind: 85% of senior executive positions are never posted publicly. They're filled through executive search firms, board connections, and industry networks.
Think about it. When a company needs a new CEO or VP, they don't post it on LinkedIn Jobs and hope for the best. They call their trusted headhunter who already has a shortlist of proven leaders.
This means if you're applying to executive roles on job boards, you're essentially fighting over the 15% that couldn't be filled through traditional executive channels.
The Relationship-First Strategy
Senior executives don't network—they build relationships. There's a massive difference.
They're not collecting LinkedIn connections like trading cards. They're having real conversations with board members, industry leaders, and executive recruiters months or even years before they need a new role.
My former VP spent two hours every Friday morning just maintaining relationships. Coffee chats, quick calls, industry events. When she decided to leave, she had three offers within a month—none from applications.
The Executive Search Firm Connection
Here's something most people don't know: executive recruiters maintain databases of potential candidates for years. They're constantly mapping talent, even when they don't have an active search.
Smart executives make sure they're in these databases before they need to be. They build relationships with 3-5 key recruiters in their industry and stay on their radar with regular check-ins.
It's not about being actively job searching. It's about being "discoverable" when the right opportunity comes up.
The Board and Advisory Strategy
Successful executives often serve on boards or advisory committees. This isn't just for the money or prestige—it's strategic career positioning.
Board members know other board members. They hear about openings before they're even approved. They can make introductions that skip the entire application process.
Plus, serving on boards proves you can operate at that level. It's social proof that other organizations trust you with strategic decisions.
The Industry Thought Leadership Play
While you're trying to get noticed by applying to jobs, executives are making themselves impossible to ignore.
They speak at conferences. Write industry articles. Share insights on LinkedIn that actually add value. They become known for their expertise, not just their job search.
When companies need someone with their specific expertise, guess whose name comes up in conversations?
What This Means for Your Career Growth
Look, you don't need to be a C-suite executive to use these strategies. You just need to start thinking longer-term.
Instead of just auto-applying to dozens of jobs, spend time building relationships in your industry. Connect with recruiters who specialize in your field. Share your expertise publicly.
Start acting like the senior leader you want to become, not the job seeker you currently are.
The Tactical Next Steps
Here's how to start implementing this executive approach:
First, identify 5-10 executive recruiters who place people in your industry. Follow them, engage with their content, and eventually reach out for an informational conversation.
Second, start contributing to industry conversations. Comment thoughtfully on LinkedIn posts. Write about challenges in your field. Get visible to the people who matter.
Third, look for advisory opportunities or professional association leadership roles. Start building that board-level experience, even if it's with smaller organizations.
Fourth, make sure your materials are executive-level ready. Use our free resume checker to ensure your resume reflects senior-level impact, not just job duties.
The Timeline Reality
Here's the hard truth: this approach takes time. Executives who seamlessly move between roles have been building these relationships for years.
But that doesn't mean you should wait. Start now, even if you're not ready to move yet. Future you will thank present you for planting these seeds.
The best time to build executive relationships was five years ago. The second best time is today.
Stop playing the application game everyone else is playing. Start building the relationships that will define your career growth for the next decade.
