When a private equity deal is done, a merger, or a new management team comes in and it’s time to find a new executive level position, I hear “Dave, where do I start?”

It’s a fair question, you have been out of the job search process, and a lot has changed. In fact, a lot has changed, especially over the past three years since the pandemic started. 

When I first started working with one client and asked about his story, he said: “After selling my business to a competitor which forced me to make my first career change in 15 years, I was unprepared and anxious about the process. Where do I start? A lot had changed since the last time I looked for a job. Navigate my job search from company research, networking tips, interview prep, and follow-ups, making a career change was overwhelming at times. I felt like I was riding an emotional roller coaster of excitement and disappointment as every week the doors opened and closed on new opportunities”.

When I get asked, “Where do I start?”, my first question is “What are you looking for?”. So many individuals struggle to answer that question. This is when it’s time to take a step back and regroup. Making a career change is one of the most important decisions you will make in your lifetime. Making the wrong one can set you back.

Starting a job search is a comprehensive process. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the job search successfully.

First start with a self-assessment. Begin by identifying your skills, strengths, weaknesses, interests, and values. Determine your career goals, the type of work culture you thrive in and your purpose.

Next, you will want to define your target job. I always tell clients, help me help you. Be specific about what you are looking for. Are you looking for a public or private company, what industry, department, function, title, size, and salary range? Once you have a clear direction, it’s time to update your resume and tailor it to the specific job you're applying for. It might be a good time to look at your personal brand. What does your LinkedIn Profile say about you? Ensure your LinkedIn profile is complete and professional.

Now it’s time to get busy networking, attending industry events, networking mixers, and job fairs. Utilize online platforms to connect with professionals in your field. Create profiles on job search platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and others. Set up job alerts for your preferred positions.

Next step is to do some research, identify target companies and research their culture, values, and recent news. Check for job openings on the careers page of company websites. Once you start getting interest from employers, make sure you are prepared for interviews. Research common interview questions for your industry. Practice your response to highlight your skills and experiences.

For creative and technical roles, consider creating an online portfolio showcasing your work.

Listen to what hiring manager are telling you during the interviews. Identify any skills gaps and take online courses or attend workshops to enhance your qualifications.

Remember that job searching is a dynamic process, and adapting your strategy as needed is critical. Keep refining your approach based on your experiences and feedback, and don't be discouraged by setbacks.