Stay Career-Ready: The Power of Ongoing Career Management
Norma Davila, Ph.D.
Director of Coaching | Executive Career Management Expert | Strategic Career Coaching & Guidance for Meaningful & Lifelong Success | Executive Outplacement & Onboarding | Author
A client recently mentioned wanting to focus on their next role as soon as they land it and discontinuing spending as much time on LinkedIn as they have recently.
When I heard this during a coaching session, I knew that we had more work to do because, just months earlier, they had to rebuild their industry network and begin to build a LinkedIn presence after losing their job.
Unfortunately, it was not the first time that I heard such a comment and its variations. Too many years of focusing on leading and getting business results often lead to disconnecting from the outside world for these “sudden job seekers”.
This situation leads me to spend time and energy guiding them to rebuild their professional relationships, reestablish their market presence, and reconnect them with the external world that every executive needs to navigate successfully.
In the current market, executives cannot afford to lose that edge they acquired while seeking their next role. In fact, landing that offer is the beginning of a new career stage that now has a stronger foundation to proactively manage the risks of another potential job loss.
The Blind Spot
I see this pattern repeatedly with my executive clients. The moment they accept an offer, their attention naturally shifts to mastering their new role and delivering immediate results. Of course, they want to prove themselves and quickly make a difference in the organization. Consequently, the career management activities that led to the new role become secondary priorities.
Let’s take a step back to see what happened before and what changed.
During their job search, they discovered the value of:
Then, they received that much anticipated offer. Slipping into what once was their comfort zone of productivity and success happens almost instantly.
The Benefits of Staying Connected
Every day you’re not actively managing your career, you’re missing out on opportunities to make a difference and, implicitly, prepare for what’s next.
Let’s take a deeper look at what this means for you and your future.
Maintaining external connections gives you access to market intelligence that makes you more effective in your current role. You understand industry trends, competitive movements, and emerging opportunities that enhance your decision-making.
Professional relationships grow stronger when you maintain regular contact and genuine engagement. Mentors who know how your career is evolving offer more targeted guidance. Executive recruiters think of you first when the right opportunities come up.
Your unique value proposition as an executive changes constantly. When you keep learning and growing, you can better adapt your expertise to new challenges and opportunities.
Strong professional relationships are built on mutual value. When you consistently contribute insights and support to your network, they're more likely to think of you for potential opportunities.
The Power of Ongoing Career Management
Executive career management is an ongoing practice that enhances your effectiveness in every role while preparing you for what's next.
It’s an investment in your future. You maintain your network, develop your capabilities, and stay market-aware because these activities make you more effective in your current role while keeping you prepared for future opportunities.
In case you’re wondering, here are some suggestions for you to continue managing your career after you land that much anticipated opportunity.
Steps for Career Management Continuity
Weekly LinkedIn Activity
Monthly Check-ins
Quarterly Advisory Conversations
Annual Reviews:
Executive career management is a practice you maintain. Your investments in relationships and learning today will shape the opportunities available to you tomorrow.
Stay career-ready. Own your career.
Your Turn
How do you balance the demands of your new role and your ongoing career management? Our community can learn from the experiences you share in the comments below!
Norma Dávila, Ph.D. helps executives navigate career transitions, build strategic positioning, and unlock their next level of leadership impact. Connect with her on LinkedIn for more insights on executive career management.
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Career Services Leader | A Global Voice in Résumé Writing & Coaching | Instructor and Advocate for the "Bulletproof" Résumé Writing Methodology | "I Write Success Stories"
2wDon't forget to weed the garden! Coming off a successful job search should help you realize that your network includes connections you will never serve...and likely won't serve you, either. To make room for new and more recent connections, try eliminating some first. Your network will remain relevant through addition by subtraction.