Search Strategies

Before you start searching, make sure you have clarity on where you are focused. Without it you won't capitalize on each conversation you have and will waste cycles and your network.

"I don't know how to sell myself. Every role I've gotten so far in my career has come through connections and following former colleagues." Top GTM Leader

Below are a number of search tactics you can use. We recommend picking 2 strategies to focus on - don't rely on just one OR pick too many.

1. Follow mentors: If you get a chance to work with a great team / manager again, jump at it because it dramatically reduces your risk and ensures you know what you are stepping into. But... often this strategy isn't available....

"So many of my mentors have retired / gotten out of the game so following them is no longer an option." SVP of Sales

1. Back-Door: Use job boards to find open roles but don’t apply to jobs online. The noise is too much, you won’t stand out.
2. Drafting: Find the select few people doing the role you want today. Build deep relationships with them as they will get hit up by recruiters. You want them to refer you in to recruiters with “I’m not interested but you should really talk with (your name)”
3. Target List: Having a target list of companies you are proactively networking into gives you a strategy you can always be working on with your network
4. Recruiters: Recruiters can, if you have the right background, be amazing source of actionable roles. Knowing how to work with both of the following roles and position yourself is something I’ve spent a lot of time researching / building tactics on

• Talent Teams at VC and PE firms
• Recruiters at firms

1. Target companies with change. Understand the role you would work for if you are hired (i.e. Head of Revops —> CRO). Watch which companies have just hired that role and target them proactively. Connect with execs before roles are created to craft your role together.
2. Investors: Venture and Private Equity investors in companies have deep relationships with those companies and want them to succeed by finding the right talent. You can often meet with people who invest 1-2 stages earlier than you are focused as they will have companies that have blown up.
3. Networking: Giving and helping your network is a powerful long-term tactic. You should keep your network up-to-date and be clear with them on what you are looking for to activate them.
4. Vendors: Building relationships with vendors can be another long-term strategy. Vendors often learn about roles other customers are hiring for as well as host exclusive events where you can grow your network.
5. Whispered's Role Database: For paid / approved members, Whispered provides the deepest database of unposted senior roles, anywhere.

The right strategies for you depends on your background, connections and the types of roles you are looking for. For people we collaborate with on their search we are happy to advise on where you should focus

Notes on Job Boards

• VC Job boards are just aggregations of their portfolio company job boards. They don't have the real unposted roles.You aren't likely to find executive roles there for the same reasons they aren't posted elsewhere.

Get free personalized advice on search strategies?