When you’re completing an executive-level job search for six-figure jobs, it can be difficult to find suitable positions to apply for. After all, 85% of six-figure jobs are in the unpublished job market -- meaning that companies aren’t broadcasting these open positions, making them harder to discover and apply for.
As an executive career coach, it’s my job to help my clients maximize their six-figure job search and compete in all segments of the job market -- including the 5 segments in the published job market, and 3 segments in the non-published or “hidden” job market.
Today, we’ll discuss the published job market and how you can most effectively identify six-figure jobs in the extremely competitive published job market.
Finding Six-Figure Jobs in the Published Job Market
1. Use Employer Websites
There are approximately 63 million companies in the United States alone. Though smaller companies may not have websites, many of the larger ones with six-figure jobs will, and you should visit these websites to most fully tap into the published job market. Many companies will post open positions on their websites. If you need help identifying the companies that advertise their job market -- after all, depending on your location there will be many websites to sift through -- consider setting up a Google alert specifying your target industry, position, and location. You’ll get an email when your search terms come up, directing you to specific new job postings.
2. Check the Newspapers (Including Online Ones)
There are still 3,000 newspapers that include job listings, making them a great source for uncovering six-figure positions in the published job market. You can consult print editions and online newspapers, too, including Craigslist. Just be aware that there are scammers out there -- if a position seems too good to be true or any red flags appear during your search, back away.
3. Consult Trade Publications
With over 2,000 trade publications in circulation, these magazines and journals can be a great asset when you work the published job market -- particularly if you are intent on changing industries. Reading trade publications will help you discover industry associations to join for networking, as well as growing companies to target in your six-figure search. Additionally, you’ll learn about trends in the industry and get clued into industry jargon, which will make it easier for you to speak comfortably and intelligently in any interviews. The hiring manager will notice and appreciate this effort.
4. Work the Job Boards
In my experience as a six-figure career consultant, I’ve found that job seekers in general spend too much time on online job boards -- especially considering that only 4-7% of all positions in the job market are posted on the boards. This means that a high volume of job seekers are competing for a small number of positions, wasting energy that could be spent elsewhere in the job market.
So how can you make you tap into the job boards most effectively as you scour the job market? I recommend spending around 5% of your week using the job boards for “push” marketing, in which you actively pursue positions by sending your resumes to companies that are hiring. But I also suggest that you create complete profiles on all job boards, including your resume and desired positions. This “pull” marketing will draw recruiters and companies seeking talent to your robust profile, meaning that you may be identified as a desired candidate without even sending them your application. It’s like completing a job market search while you sleep -- just create a robust profile and let it work for you while you focus on other areas of the job market.
5. Find Recruiters
The last way to tap into the published job market for six-figure positions? Search online for job recruiters that post open positions online. Depending on the industry, recruiters hold 11-30% of all positions available on the published job market. Check out websites such as I-Recruit, Business.com, The Recruitment Network, Aerotek, and Reaction Search to find these positions. You can pinpoint the specific state, metropolitan area, and industry in the job market that you want to target.
Be aware when working with recruiters that their priority is not to find you a job -- that’s what I do! Rather, recruiters are dedicated to finding top-level talent for the companies they work for. Sometimes you may fit their criteria, but if you do not, they will move on to another candidate. Identifying recruiters and available positions on the job market will simply help you find six-figure positions to apply for.
Stay tuned for our next installment, in which I'll discuss how to find the six-figure positions in the unpublished or hidden job market!
Get More Help Mining the Six-Figure Job Market!
If you thoroughly explore the above five avenues of the published job market, you should have success identifying open six-figure positions that fit your specifications. Still, it’s a competitive job market -- so you might need some additional assistance in securing the executive-level position you seek. For even more help conquering the six-figure job market, contact me directly at (816) 600-2478.
