Have you made it to the top of the career ladder? Executive-level job candidates have a variety of options when they’re looking for their next career opportunity. Oftentimes, recruiters and headhunters have them in their sights, and many leaders have well-developed networks that can help them identify lucrative opportunities.
However, if those are the only job search techniques you use, you could miss out on an ideal position. It’s important to also utilize online resources. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve done all of the hard work for you. In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best executive job search sites to help you locate your perfect executive-level job.
Your resume is critical
If it’s been a while since you started job-seeking, we’ve got you covered. Applying through job boards‚ as opposed to sending your resume directly to a hiring manager or getting a job referral, puts more pressure on your resume, as this document will be your introduction to the new company. For that reason, it should communicate your unique value and leadership ability. Before you get started and apply for jobs, you need to make sure it’s saying all of the right things.
Best Job Search Sites For Executives
If your resume is up to scratch and you want to widen your job search, it’s time to start looking at some executive-level job search sites. The truth is that not every site will advertise these high-up roles. You don’t want to waste your time by scrolling through endless entry-level positions. For that reason, avoid using Google to find executive job boards. You'll be met with a fruitless and, frankly, tiresome activity.
Instead, choose a targeted approach, like the following top 10 sites for executive leaders.
At the end of this guide, we have three tips for you before you use a job board to find your next job.
1. CareerBuilder
For twenty-five years, CareerBuilder has been providing job seekers with access to executive-level career opportunities, market insights, career resources, and other career advancement tools. The well-known job site now boasts the largest U.S. market share for online employment platforms. There’s a whole load to discover here. That means that you are certain to find a wealth of executive-level job openings on the website.
As if that weren't enough, the platform is painfully easy to use. Simply head to the site, type in the name or industry of the role you desire, add your location, and click “search”. You can use the extra filters such as “onsite/remote” and “pay” to find a role that meets your criteria. In addition, you may choose to upload your professional resume to the site.
2. SimplyHired
SimplyHired offers executive-level job candidates a full array of comprehensive job search services. In addition to a wide variety of job listings from across the United States, the site also provides vital resume-building advice, interview preparation, salary estimate tools, and other invaluable career enhancement resources. With over three million employers currently using the site for their talent acquisition needs, you’re certain to find many roles.
3. Hired.com
Hired.com provides an opportunity for executives to connect with pre-vetted companies in a stress-free, streamlined way. The site focuses on the technology industry, enabling tech executives to more easily narrow their job search. As a bonus, Hired.com provides career counseling and transparent information about salary and other pertinent employer details.
Unlike other executive job sites, this platform encourages employers to find you. You get started by creating an online profile featuring information about your professional history and skill set. When you have completed that part of the process, the platform will match your profile to potential employers, allowing them to contact you. You will then receive interview requests and have the chance to go for jobs with leading companies.
4. Glassdoor
When you’re job hunting, it always pays to do your research. The more you know about a potential employer, the better position you are in. So, if you’re looking for one of the best executive job search sites, Glassdoor is one that you must not overlook. It is among the most commonly-used job search sites on the market today thanks to its employee reviews.
For executives, it can be a tremendous resource for any job search effort since you have access to a packed database of available jobs and additional resources that include CEO ratings, salary information, and those all-important reviews. You can get started by creating an account with Facebook, Google, or your email address. When you’ve done that, begin searching for relevant jobs and learn more about each company.
5. Ladders
If you’re aiming high, here’s an executive job site that will help you climb! Ladders can be a tremendous option for job seekers who are looking for high-paying management and executive-level decisions. This job search site was built especially for those in the six-figure salary range ($100,000+), so it’s the perfect place to find your next role.
As one of the best-known executive job search sites, Ladders has been featured in Forbes, CNN, Thrillist, and the Washington Post. However, be advised that you will need to obtain at least a basic membership with the site to apply for any positions. The website has 25,000+ verified recruiters already registered, which means there are plenty of jobs.
6. LinkedIn
Next up, let’s take a look at one of the best executive job search sites that you may not have considered. Yes, it’s a social networking site, but you can find jobs there too. By now, virtually every executive should be on LinkedIn. The platform has been a part of the online landscape since way back in 2002. Since then, it has grown into one of the greatest online networking tools. So, if you’re not using it yet, you might want to change your ways.
Of course, there’s a lot to love about this social networking site, including customizable profiles, rich search features, and tremendous industry exposure. Make sure that your professional profile is up to date and that you are engaging in conversations on the platform. It’s all about getting your name out there. Sharing original content — in the form of blog posts — will also help you get ahead of the competition. When used right, you can create your own professional brand on LinkedIn. And, yes, you can use it to connect with other executives.
7. WorkL
Creating a work-life balance can be tough when you reach the executive level. However, that doesn’t mean you should lose hope. WorkL is a job site with a difference. Rather than simply advertising any old position, the platform favors the “happiest companies” over the competition. That is, the businesses with the highest levels of employee satisfaction.
Each company on the website has a happiness score, out of 100, and so you can see how much people like working for the business. The platform also issues the Happiest Companies Awards for the top performers. If you’re looking for a role that will give you the satisfaction you’ve been craving from your work, look no further than the vacancies here.
8. Indeed
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know about this next website. Yes, Indeed is one of the most user-friendly job search sites out there today. It is also the most frequented job site in the U.S. The platform provides access to thousands of potential job offerings that can tremendously expand any executive’s job search efforts. While Indeed doesn’t deal exclusively with executive-level jobs, it should be a tool that you use.
As you may already know, setting up on the site is simple. You can start searching immediately, save your resume on the platform, and tailor each cover letter to suit the vacancy. Checking the site on a regular basis means you won’t miss out on opportunities.
9. ExecuNet
ExecuNet prides itself on helping executives create “transformative results” in their job search. The site offers early access to high-level executive positions, as well as access to a network of executive recruiters and ExecuNet’s unique VIP system that provides a full range of career advancement perks.
10. Lucas Group
When it comes to executive job searches, Lucas Group is widely regarded as one of the best options available today. Unlike many of the other companies on this list, Lucas Group does most of the search work for you. Candidates simply submit resumes, and Lucas Group finds suitable job matches as part of its recruitment process.
What you should know before you click apply
Ready to start applying for your next role? Doing it online comes with some added risks. There are three main things you should consider before you hit that apply button. Let’s break that down for you before you get started:
Privacy
The strength of your resume
To quickly address these concerns: you probably don’t want to post your resume to public job boards. Doing so advertises that you’re job searching, which is dicey if you are currently employed. It doesn’t end there. The move also makes your contact information more visible, even if only to recruiters and employers. Depending on your line of work and comfort, you may prefer to keep that information more private. Think twice before this one.
Second, make sure your resume is top-notch. When you’re applying for jobs through job boards, your resume is your calling card. It’s the first thing hiring teams will see to make an impression about you. If it doesn’t quite hit the mark, you won’t be getting those all-important job offers. Make the right first impression by using an updated executive resume template format and staying focused on your professional achievements.
Finally, you need to be knowledgeable about applicant tracking system (ATS) scans. Many job seekers are surprised to learn that online applications go through a computer scan before making it to a person. Virtually all companies now use an ATS, including everything from small companies to Fortune 500s. The software provides an automated scan for key details. If your application is lacking, the system can keep your resume from being read by an employer. When you’re searching for your next job, this is a major hurdle you have to learn to overcome.
Beating the bots can be tough, especially if you don’t know where to start. If you’ve already got a resume, we have the answer for you. For a rundown of how your resume performs on an ATS scan, try ZipJob’s free resume review. In 48 hours, you will have the results of how an ATS views your resume, as well as feedback from a resume expert.
The Takeaway
By incorporating one or more of the 10 best executive job search sites into your search effort, you can dramatically improve your chances of locating the best executive-level position for your career needs. These sites emphasize top executive positions like CEO jobs, VP jobs, Director jobs, and listings for the rest of the C-Suite: CFO, CDO ,CMO, CIO, CTO, and COO. Be sure to take advantage of these sites’ benefits as you implement your job search strategy. Good luck with your job search!
Looking to climb the career ladder? If you’re ready to take the next step, here’s some handy advice. Check out our resume writing services and get ahead of the competition. When you’re applying to executive-level jobs, you are up against the best that the industry has to offer. Having an ATS-optimized resume will give you the highest chance when you’re applying using these executive job search sites.
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Written by
Charlotte Grainger, Editor & Content Writer, Charlotte Grainger, Editor & Content Writer
Charlotte Grainger is a freelance writer living and working in Sheffield, UK. She has a passion for career development and loves sharing tips and advice. Follow her on Twitter
