#1 - EGO
- Loss of self-esteem, identity, self-worth, and self-concept
- Embarrassment, shame, and "tarnished" image
- Loss of control; feeling "out of control"
- Used to making BIG decisions and having MAJOR impact
SOLUTIONS:
- Keep your "usual life" going (family activities, volunteer, sports, hobbies, etc.)
- Develop/recognize your worth OUTSIDE of the job
- Be open to learning new things and taking small risks
- Recognize the value and power of "baby steps" (doing the right things over and over)
- Ask for support!
#2 - NO RESOURCES/SUPPORT/INFRASTRUCTURE
- Not accustomed to doing all the day-to-day administrative tasks yourself
- Lack some basic habits for details and logistics; organization of tasks, etc.
- Technology impaired
- Must think of everything/burdened with time-consuming planning and activities that used to be handled by support personnel
SOLUTIONS:
- Get over it and get busy
- Learn new behaviors and technical skills
- Leverage technology and basic organizational tools
- Respect and value the small tasks that support the whole process
- Possibly hire someone to assist part-time, or get a volunteer to help with some tasks (friend, family member, etc.)
#3 - HIGH-END JOBS HARD TO FIND OR TO DUPLICATE
- Search takes longer, and frustration can be greater
- Simply less opportunities at this level; sometimes only one or two appropriate positions open in the entire country
SOLUTIONS:
- Expand your scope, consider being more flexible, and possibly relocate
- Consider taking a short-term step back in order to eventually move ahead
- Explore consulting or starting/buying a business
- Be more creative in developing your Target Company List and personal marketing plan
#4 - MAINTAINING HIGH COMPENSATION
- Difficult at all times, but especially tough in a bad economy
- May be a threat to other senior employees
SOLUTIONS:
- Be prepared (job-seekers' toolkit!)
- Be sure you talk to the right people, i.e., the ultimate decision makers
- Research the target company and talk to contacts for compensation information
- Collect data on actual salary ranges for the type of position you are seeking (salary web sites, industry journals, directories, etc.)
- Do financial planning, including diversifying and developing other income streams
- Seek flexible financial arrangements, such as an equity position, bonus income, or employment contract with bigger upside
- Assume a "partnering" attitude rather than a "take control" attitude
- Be realistic about what you NEED vs. what you WANT
- Downshift your lifestyle to take the pressure off
#5 - REACHING THE APPROPRIATE CONTACTS
- Higher barrier of entry; difficult to get through senior executives' gatekeepers
- Human Resources is of little or no help
SOLUTIONS:
- Join and participate in executive networking programs, boards of directors, and venture capital groups
- Leverage relationships with search firms and other career contacts
- Use your senior-level references and referrals
- Focus on solutions and the added value you offer
- Call-in favors and get help from senior-level friends and colleagues
- Talk to hiring managers about ways you can help them reach THEIR business goals; positions are often created at this level
- Develop a "Proposal for Service" and quantify the real value of your contributions
#6 - JOBS FILLED INTERNALLY AT HIGH LEVELS
- Staff members have been "paying dues" for years at the company, and are already in line to get the top job
- Company does not want to take a risk bringing an outsider into such an important position
- Company does not want to spend the money to conduct a search for an outside senior executive
SOLUTIONS:
- Explain how being from the outside can be a strength; you can "broaden the gene pool"
- Focus on companies that are open to bringing in outside management, and that have done it successfully before
- Target troubled companies that might need your fresh perspective and specialized skills
- Leverage your professional referrals and contacts
- Research the internal structure of a company to determine how to best position yourself
#7 - THERE'S MORE COMPETITION AT THE TOP
- High-level job openings often get national exposure
- The more desirable the position, the more people are fighting for it
- There is only ONE President or CEO (and perhaps only FIVE Senior VPs, etc.)
- Leverage your professional referrals and contacts
- In a tough economy, top people "stay put," so turnover is slower
SOLUTIONS:
- Research a company's culture and weaknesses; understand BOTH and sell to the company's needs
- Be totally prepared. Sell yourself HARDER (job-seekers' toolkit, accomplishment stories, etc.)
- Do more networking with your "centers of influence"
- Learn how to "rise above the crowd" and get an edge
#8 - AGE!
- Perceived as being too old, "washed-up" or "over the hill"
- This concern can be expressed in many ways (i.e., "you're overqualified"). Listen and watch carefully for the clues!
SOLUTIONS:
- Refocus the employer on your qualifications, proven results, industry contacts, and experience - not age
- Identify REAL issue underneath the age concern
- Know the culture of the company: if no one there is over 40, don't try to get hired at 64!
- Target smaller companies that might appreciate your experience, contacts and credibility
- Maintain/demonstrate your health, vitality, energy, and enthusiasm
- Avoid "the R word" (retirement)
- Be "tech-savvy," up-to-date and informed about your industry
- Convey your intention and commitment to stay at the company long-term
#9 - LOCKED IN PARADIGM (of being The Boss)
- Losing a job at this level can be devastating ("the bigger they are, the harder they fall")
- Feeling "invulnerable" on the job ("layoffs won't affect me; I am IN CHARGE!")
- Don't feel comfortable asking for help
- Have been isolated and "cocooned" or "coddled" for too long
- Hidden fear that maybe you really CAN'T hack it on the outside (been at same company/job so long)
SOLUTIONS:
- Get over the DENIAL, "roll up your sleeves" and get busy
- Do market testing to assess the real worth of your qualifications
- Engage the services of a professional Career Consultant to get you on track and keep you accountable
- Prepare a great portfolio of job-seeking tools
- Pull your head "out of the sand" and deal with the reality of the situation
- Rely on the ability and intelligence that got you to the top in the first place
- Seek-out support as needed
#10 - PERCEPTION OF OTHERS
- Your failure seems greater - because you were higher up on the corporate ladder
- Not being taken seriously as a job candidate ("she doesn't really need to work")
- Others project their own fears onto you, so they feel threatened
- Others are in denial, not believing that your crisis is real
- People act like you're "contagious" (if YOU lost YOUR job, then no one is safe!)
SOLUTIONS:
- Tell the story about your departure from the company (get comfortable with it)
- Let everyone know that you're OK with the situation
- Gently "straighten people out" regarding your real situation (push back)
- Be genuine, humble, relaxed, and real
- Demonstrate positive attitude, faith, and perseverance in the search
- Tell friends and family how their reactions affect you (positively or negatively)
By gaining a better understanding of the special challenges they face, and implementing the solutions outlined above, my senior-level clients have dramatically improved their job search results and significantly decreased their levels of anxiety and frustration. More importantly, they have all landed wonderful, new jobs!