The best ways to find senior and executive jobs
Senior and executive roles are found mostly through networks, executive recruiters and company career pages, with job boards as a supplement. Use LinkedIn for visibility and outreach, register with retained search firms in your field, and set alerts on the career pages of your target employers.
By Justin KullaLast updated
Where senior roles are found
- Executive search firms: retained searches for director and above are often not advertised. Contact firms that recruit in your function and industry.
- LinkedIn: use it to be found and to reach hiring managers and recruiters directly.
- Company career pages: roles often appear here first, so set alerts on your target employers.
- Senior-focused boards: some boards list only higher-paying roles, and some charge job seekers, so read the terms first.
- Professional associations, boards of directors and investors, who hear of leadership searches early.
How to work each channel
- Recruiters: send a short note with function, level, target industries and location, then be available and responsive.
- Boards: apply early and pair the application with a message to a person.
- Network: ask for introductions to a named hiring manager, not for “any openings”.
Check the source of every posting
Executive roles attract scams. Confirm the posting on the employer’s own career site and never pay a fee to be placed. See our guide to spotting fake postings.
Frequently asked questions
Should I pay for a premium job board?
Only if you can see what it lists and it matches your level. Compare the roles it shows against the free sources first.
How do I get on an executive recruiter’s radar?
Send a short, specific note, keep your LinkedIn current and ask contacts for introductions to recruiters they trust.
Do executive roles get posted publicly?
Some do and many do not. A strong network and recruiter relationships reach roles the public never sees.
How long does a senior search take?
Longer than a mid-level search, often several months. Plan your finances and your weekly rhythm for that.
See open senior roles
Browse verified professional openings at the director level and above, checked against employer career sites.
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