Four reasons an executive should always be a passive job seeker

As an executive coach I can tell you the word “passive” certainly isn’t a word used to describe many leaders today. Words like authentic, cognizant, optimistic, devoted, respected, virtuous, purposeful, truthful, courageous, and humble come to mind when we think of executive talent. 

That said, candidates enjoy being pampered with attention. There’s always an innate interest within each of us to know who finds us appealing and who’s reaching out, even if there isn’t an interest in making a move at the current time.

Let’s take a deeper dive into the importance of being a passive job seeker as an executive.

1. It allows you to think about your long term career aspirations. Without the time pressure of needing to find a leadership position immediately, an executive has the option and opportunity to realize their ambitions. Once you realize your ambitions, plot a course for future employment prospects. This puts you in the best headspace to quickly recognize what a great and not-so-great position looks like. 
2. An executive’s individual ambitions also bear fruit when it comes to looking for “an offer they can’t refuse.” This isn’t only about money. Compensation comes in many forms these days, such as work from home options, flexible hours, a fit with company culture, overall work/life balance, and future growth prospects. 
3. You’re simply a more attractive candidate when you already have a great job that you have no interest in leaving. That said, candidates enjoy being pampered with attention. There’s always an innate interest within each of us to know who finds us appealing and who’s reaching out, even if there isn’t an interest in making a move at the current time.
4. It provides another avenue to be seen as helpful and thoughtful within your professional network. While a particular position might not be a fit for you at a given time, you might know a rockstar candidate to recommend.

As an executive it’s important to lead yourself to your next opportunity and to be seen as helpful within your professional network. Simply do all the work in the background when you have free time to think about what’s important to you today and what will be important to you in the years ahead. This puts every executive in a wonderful position to react when presented with an exciting opportunity through the SucceedSmart executive search platform. When you find a compelling opportunity for yourself through SucceedSmart,  you will receive $10,000 or 100 days of executive coaching as a success bonus. When you find an opportunity for a member of your network via SucceedSmart, you also benefit, with a $2,500 referral bonus. To learn more visit www.succeedsmart.com.