August 4, 2010

How to get an executive job when you’ve got the experience, but not the title

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Q: I’m stuck at the director level in a privately held, owner-managed company with a president and two VPs. I’m doing executive-level work in my organization, but it’s clear I’ll never get the title. Any tips on how to start a search for an executive-level position with no previous executive-level title?

Kristen says: The most important thing to do is make sure that your resume and any online profiles (such as LinkedIn, Plaxo, Ning, etc.) reference the executive-level work you are doing. This would include managing staff, P & L (profit and loss) responsibility, budgets you manage and any signing authority for contracts or other legal documentation.

Have you ever acted as an interim VP, perhaps during a vacation/leave for one of the two incumbents? If so, it is perfectly permissible to state that on your resume as “Acting VP in charge of Operations.” Just use the year/s it occurred. You might also consider looking at director or general manager roles at larger companies that have more room for growth. Very often, it isn’t the job content that will be a stretch, so much as it is the corporate culture. By pursuing a lateral position title in a larger company, you position yourself for success more firmly.

As for starting a search, you would be well-served by working with an executive search firm. These are companies that work exclusively with C-level (CEO, CFO, etc.) and VP positions and candidates. Part of the process should include an inventory of your skills, mining your professional network for potential contacts and identifying target companies and/or industries. Using a search firm also protects your current position by conducting a confidential search on your behalf. Your employer doesn’t know you are looking, and you don’t worry about taking time away from your current job to search.

You might also consider working with a professional career coach to make sure you have a solid understanding of the move you will be making and to develop a transitional roadmap for your career. Remember that once you become a VP, your career options become limited as far as growth. Now is also the time to start attending executive functions such as fundraisers and professional conferences geared to corporate decision-makers.

Keep in mind that this will be a much lengthier process than “finding a new job,” and don’t get discouraged over time.

Kristen Fife is a recruiter, resume consultant, and employment expert based in the greater Seattle area. She has worked with clients all over North America to help organizations and individuals find a mutual fit in the workplace. Ask her a question at recruiters_inbox@nwjobs.com. Sorry, no personal replies.

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