The ways jobseekers for executive roles can stand out from the competition in 2021
There has never been more competition for executive jobs being advertised in Adelaide. Here’s how to stand out when submitting your job application.
CAREERS’ panel of expert recruiters answers a reader’s question each week. Have a question? Email careers_qs@news.com.au
What will applicants for executive roles need to showcase to stand out among the competition for jobs in Adelaide next year?
Alexandra Rosser
Head of Organisational Psychology Consulting,
Stillwell Management Consultants
It will vary across roles but what will be valued is a strong understanding of the key opportunities and challenges facing the particular industry and organisation, evidence that the candidate has also generated some ideas about how they would seize those opportunities and address those challenges and demonstration of energy and positivity to fulfil those two demands.
Lisa Morris
Director,
Hays
Organisations are looking for executives who can help them chart their way back to growth. In particular, based on the conversations we’re having with employers, it’s clear that they want candidates who can demonstrate strong transformational skills, innovation and commercial acumen. This means that to stand out, executive candidates need to demonstrate strong systems knowledge and an intuitive understanding of integrated software systems and the relationship between supply chain, distribution and channels to market. There’s also a requirement for candidates with strong communication skills who can align people to the company direction and vision during periods of uncertainty and change. Finally, executive candidates must have strong commercial acumen and an ability to analyse and interpret financial information, then provide meaningful and objective commercial advice. If you possess these skills and can demonstrate to a hiring manager how you’ve used them to add value in a practical setting, you will stand out in 2021.
Justin Hinora
Executive consultant,
Hender Consulting
It’s important for local candidates to understand that there has been a surge in professionals seeking to return home to Adelaide, or simply move to Adelaide. While it’s been a steadily increasing trend over time, it has heightened as a result of COVID. Competition is strong. Therefore, tailor each application to each job you are applying for. Avoid one application for all. Rather than using a generic salutation, make sure the cover letter is addressed to the person nominated in the advert or try and identify the name of the hiring manager. Highlight specific correlations between your background and experience and the role you are applying for.
Andrew Sullivan
Managing director,
Sullivan Consulting
If nothing else, 2020 has required us all to develop resilience, and this is one of the key skills applicants for executive roles will need in 2021. Additionally, an ability to upskill is essential in a competitive job market. Many employers are also impressed by an aptitude for undertaking new tasks and learning new skills. Candidates who can demonstrate these qualities are more likely to stand out for selection in competitive executive roles. Strong networks are another key asset that can help candidates impress, especially where they can show success in maintaining their networks in what have been challenging times due to the lack of face-to-face events in 2020.
For more Careers news, advice and reader questions answered, visit adelaidenow.com.au/careers
Originally published as The ways jobseekers for executive roles can stand out from the competition in 2021
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