Executives and senior level professionals have gotten jobs in the midst of the worst economy since the Great Depression. What do they know that you don't?

Executive Job Seekers Webinar

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What People Are Saying

“Working with Cheryl last year was one of the best experiences in a long time of pursuing my professional development. She was able to help me define my visions, focus my efforts, and guide me towards an efficient and successful job search. Even though she has not worked in my field, she provided me with plenty of tailored resources and taught me how to use social media tools for professional networking and growth. Even after finding a new job I continue to work with her on my career development goals, because she thinks out of the box and gives advice that consistently brings me closer to the 5-year goal that she helped me formulate. Cheryl always appears to be one step ahead of your thought process and is extremely talented at asking the necessary questions so you can reach your own conclusions as to what seems best for you. She is motivating, supportive, optimistic yet realistic, and one of the most positive forces you can have on your side while trying to reach the next goal.”

Susanne Ebling


Cheryl has been a pleasure to work with and she gets results. I found a new position, in a tough economic environment, through LinkedIn using the strategies that Cheryl taught me. I was in the job market actively looking for over six months. I was not using social media before the pilot program with Cheryl and was having very limited success. Once I started using social media based under Cheryl's direction, my success rate improved dramatically and the number of interviews increased resulting in multiple job offers. I highly recommend Cheryl as a career coach.”

Dave Becker


“I had been struggling with the umptenth rewrite of my resume for weeks, unable to get it to speak out for me. Then a mutual friend recommended Cheryl. I didn't call her right away since I stubbornly insisted to myself that I could do it without help. Finally, I realized that I needed a new set of eyes and some new thinking. Cheryl's response knocked me over. In a few short days I had a powerful resume that is exactly what I was looking for as well as a cover letter that I can easily customize. Cheryl delivers!”

Richard Floyd


“Cheryl wrote my resume, and after weeks of sending out my old resume and getting no phone calls, as soon as I got the first draft I sent it to a few job listings and was 5 for 6 in return phone calls- yes 5 for 6!!!..after no responses in the first 2 weeks; Cheryl's work made that much of a difference!! I know anyone looking to move on from where they are working and needs that GREAT resume should contact Cheryl immediately.”

Darrin Bailey
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YOUR RELOCATION QUESTIONS ANSWERED

If your network is local, how can you start your long-distance search?

Start with the people that you know and find out from them if they have any contacts in the city that you want to relocate to.  Also, try to expand your network through your professional association.  Most associations are national, but they have local chapters.  Try to connect with the local chapter in the city you plan to relocate to.  The local chapter probably has its own website, and they might have an online forum or discussion group that you can participate in.  This is a way to start to get acquainted professionally with people in your field who are in the location that you are interested in.

You can also connect online through social networking.  On sites like LinkedIn and Twitter you can find people who are local in any given geographic location.  By contributing your expertise in answer to posted questions on these sites you can expand your network and gain trust before you ask anyone to help you with your job search.

In addition, you can look for recruiters who focus on searches in your field as well as your chosen geographic location.  The Directory of Executive Recruiters has this type of information available.

Why should you be prepared to search for opportunities in a variety of geographic areas–especially as an executive or senior manager?

According to ExecuNet, a job board and networking site for senior level executives, “Executives in a job search now expect to spend an average of 10.1 months searching for their next position regardless of their employment status.”  (http://www.execunet.com/m_releases_content.cfm?id=4291)  Senior level job seekers will only lengthen an already lengthy job search if they confine themselves to only one geographic area.  In some states the unemployment rate is much higher than in others.  For example, Michigan has an unemployment rate of 15.2% whereas North Dakota’s is 4.2%.  (http://www.bls.gov/web/laumstrk.htm)

And of course all economists are predicting that it will be some time before the economy picks up and really starts adding jobs again at a faster pace.  So if executives/senior managers want to find a job more quickly, the best option is to widen the scope of their job search and be open to relocation.

What are some mistakes that job seekers make when looking at long-distance opportunities?

 Not all job seekers look at the cost of living before they decide to move for an opportunity.  While $100,000 may be an excellent salary in one location, it might not be so great in another.  Job seekers need to compare their current standard of living in the location where they are now with what it takes to live in another part of the country.

Also, job seekers don’t always adequately take into account the cultural differences between different parts of the country.  Someone who likes the fast pace of New York might find it difficult to adjust to a small Midwestern town, for example.

Another often overlooked consideration is the employment opportunities in a given field in another location.  There is always the possibility that if you move for a job, you might get laid off.  If that worst case scenario turns into reality, it will cushion the blow if there are other opportunities locally that you can apply for.  Otherwise, you will probably be looking at relocating at your own expense to find another opportunity in another location.

If you decide to go visit the area where you’re looking to get hired, what should be your approach?

You should go to find out if this is an area where you could actually live.  You should check out the housing market, the price of living, the schools (if you have school age children), the social scene.  This could potentially be a long-term commitment, so you need to do your due diligence first.

What is something you don’t see candidates doing but is essential to a long-distance job search?

Candidates absolutely need to network.  It may seem daunting to network long distance, but it can and should be done.

What should you keep in mind when doing a long-distance search?

 Many employers will look at local candidates first.  Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get a huge response to the resumes that you send out.  Be persistent.  If you are not an executive, employers will probably be less willing to pay for your relocation expenses.  If you are willing to relocate at your own expense, you can say so in your cover letter.

 If you’re willing to relocate internationally, where do you start?

It’s probably best to start with U.S. firms that have operations overseas.  You can research this type of information on Hoovers.  Also, many large corporations have their domestic and international jobs listed on their websites.  You can try networking with people that you know to find out if they have any connections to the companies that you are targeting.  It’s always best to come recommended.

Is it better to relocate for a job in the short term or to hold out for a job in your area?

In order to make this determination you have to objectively assess the job prospects where you are.  You can research your state and your county’s unemployment rates as well as the number of job openings that you see in your field for your geographic area.  If the numbers look good where you are, then it’s probably fine for you to hold on and look for something local.  But if the outlook is bleak, it’s best to relocate unless you have the financial resources and the mental stamina to tide you over until the recession ends.