Executive-level roles are few and far between in the telco space and competition is fierce for these jobs.
I've seen highly talented individuals with exceptional experience miss out to seemingly lesser qualified candidates on paper.
Further reading: how to ramp up your telco project
With 18 years of telco recruitment behind me, I've noticed why some executives seem to get those opportunities and others don't. It often comes down to the small details.
Read on for my observations on what might just help you nail that big executive job.
1) Keep ahead of the market at all costs
As an executive, you've spent many years refining, investing and developing your skills.
A lot of your focus might be on how best you can deliver, design or lead. But try and spare a few hours a month to keep abreast of what’s happening in the market.
It takes awareness to know where the next opportunity will come from. Don’t rely on talkative recruiters to share the news. Actively read, search and subscribe to news posts in your area of expertise.
For inspiration, we recommend CommsDay and ITWire. Or you can also subscribe to our e-newsletter to get the latest thinking in telco recruitment.
It takes consistent monitoring and a commitment to keep up-to-speed with new projects, new technology developments and the companies that are going places.
Make these activities part of your monthly ritual. This will drastically save you time trying to find that next opportunity.
2) Invest in your network constantly
Executive opportunities often arise via word of mouth or through internal networks before being advertised.
It takes a lifetime of consistent networking to develop your tribe of business contacts, but it’s well worth the effort.
Your network may well uncover your next big opportunity.
Think of your network as an extended business family. Nurture and support your network as best you can.
Like any good networking strategy, there needs to be a reciprocal 'give and take' approach with information, roles and opportunities.
3) Understand the latest technology changes
The telecommunications industry changes every six to twelve months.
The executives that do well understand where the market is headed and what technologies are coming through.
They keep themselves educated and seek out those roles that pioneer new ground within the industry.
Breaking into new areas of technology is tough and it might take a few attempts. Keep at it and self-educate as often as you can. I have never known a person not to benefit from self-education, so put aside the time to invest in your future.
I find industry conferences, launch events, trade shows or online groups are a fantastic way to break into new ground. There's plenty of time to meet with like-minded people who can be an ally for your career now or in future.
4) Embrace new techniques and thinking
Gone are the days of the board saying, “we'll just hire the most experienced person in the sandpit.”
Executive hires are complex. Everything gets assessed, including:
- Personality
- Attitude
- Values
- Motivations
- Financial acumen
- Professional and personal reputation
- Criminal checks
- Even lifestyle hobbies!
But one emerging area is the ability to learn and embrace new ways of thinking.
This is often not considered as important by executives seeking employment.
Committing to a constant learning approach will help you promote your personal brand, especially if you demonstrate this in your current role or at networking events.
New ideas that have a measurable positive result indirectly promote your personal brand. And this gets you on the radar of headhunters like me.
The business community loves sharing new ways of approaching challenges. So, develop an agile mind and get your name out there.
Stay ahead of the telco industry by signing up to our e-newsletter. We'll provide periodic news updates, invites to industry events and share our thinking in the recruitment space, so you are fully informed.
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