If I were to characterize the state of Executive Job Search Market right now in one word it would be “Complex”. When I was searching for my first job back in 1984, the internet didn’t exist, there were no job boards, and LinkedIn was still 20-years in the making. Against all odds, I landed a job at Goldman Sachs as a Travel and Entertainment accountant making $12,000 per year. It took over 100 applications and interviews. And then, after securing the role, I also had to take 2 trains and a subway to get there.

Over the coming 40 years, I held leadership positions in multiple Fortune 500 companies, as well as being the Founder and CEO of 4 startups (3 of which were global) as well as a position as the Director of Human Resources, Facilities and Technology at a local non-profit. My varied experience focused on Human Resources, Talent Acquisition, Operations, Accounting/Finance, Purchasing, Technology, Sales, Marketing, Startups, International Entrepreneurship, Business and Strategic Planning and Economic Modeling.

This past month, our company, Global Expansion, Inc. (d.b.a Job Search Coaching.net) broke a record for the number of interviews secured by our clients – Over 100 - and we reached securing 450 new roles for over $53M in compensation during the past 6.5 years. Despite this, we still see major headwinds and uncertainty in the job market including both in the US and global economies, large scale government layoffs, layoffs at IBM, Intel and most recently UPS. These are potentially foreshadowing what is to come. Certain market segments are booming, some are shrinking, and many of them are pausing because of the uncertainty in the economic and the political landscape.

Here is What The Executive Job Market Looks Like to Us

New Job Openings are still being posted each and every day.
Job Applicants Are Still Securing Interviews – this is because they have a resume, job board and LinkedIn profiles that effectively capture who they are, what they have done, and what they are seeking to do.
Job Seekers know how to find where the job openings are and also know how to have the job openings find them.
Job Seekers need to know how to have a resume that appeals to External Recruiters, Internal HR and Talent Acquisition, Hiring Managers, Department Heads, and Owners – all in one document.
Positions relating to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and almost nonexistent.
Sales and Marketing Job Openings are very strong but in order to be successful, job seekers must focus and be targeted to 1 or 2 industries. Being a Jack of All Trades is not a benefit in this market. Industries with the most openings include tech, pharma, and medical device.
Hi Level Operations Positions (COO, VP of Operations) are available but there is a tremendous amount of competition. In order to stand out, job applicants have to showcase their skills in leadership, accounting/financing, HR, Tech, facilities, sales and marketing, and business transformation skills.
Senior Level Technology Positions do exist, but again, there is a great deal of competition and a strong focus on product development, digital and technology transformation, and M&A due diligence and post-merger integration.
There is and will continue to be a great deal of turnover in the Human Resources Area (CHRO, VP of HR, etc.) This will cause more executives to compete for fewer roles. Those that have SHRM related certifications will do much better than those without. And those that limit their search to 1 or 2 specific industries will fare better.
Onsite, Hybrid, and Remote Work is the new norm. However, many large companies are implementing return to work policies. These are not always welcomed by the employees and are causing them to kickstart job searches in order to remain remote status.
Hybrid Work Policies are only valid in one’s specific city.
Fully Remote Roles are actually available even for executives in the $200 - $500K ranges (with some travel).
Relocation - Many job seekers say they are open to relocation, but the reality is, only very senior level job seekers will be offered that option. If you are in New York, and the position is in Chicago, or Dallas or San Francisco, companies will most likely not relocate you as there are extremely qualified candidates in the local markets
Visa Sponsorships – with the chaos in the current US Visa and immigration policies, securing a sponsorship will be next to impossible.
There are a great many roles in Change Management, Business Transformation, Process Improvement and Operational Excellence. However, having specific industry experience is required (ex: Technology, Manufacturing, Aviation, HR, Banking, Insurance and Financial Services.
Corporate, Strategic, and Executive Communications - There is still a consistent number of new openings in these areas, however the competition is great, and specific industry experience is a must. Strong focus is on the adoption of AI, content generation, and distribution.
Retail – The retail industry is undergoing significant transformation due to the rise of e-commerce and changing consumer behaviors. While brick-and-mortar stores are facing challenges, there is growing demand for roles in logistics, supply chain management, and digital marketing Retailers are investing heavily in technology to enhance customer experience and streamline operations. The retail market job openings are extremely limited so the focus should be on Ecommerce, digital experience, marketplaces (Amazon, Shopify, etc.)
Construction - The construction industry is seeing growth driven by infrastructure projects, renewable energy installations, and urban development. There is a strong demand for skilled labor, particularly in areas like green building and sustainable construction practices. However, the industry faces challenges related to labor shortages and regulatory hurdles.
Transportation - The transportation industry is evolving with advancements in electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous driving technology. There is a growing need for professionals in logistics, EV infrastructure, and software development for autonomous systems. However, traditional roles in trucking and shipping are facing disruptions due to automation and Tariffs.
Education - The education sector is evolving with increased emphasis on online learning and technology integration. There is a growing need for educators who can adapt to digital platforms and provide personalized learning experiences Despite budget constraints in some regions, the demand for skilled teachers and educational administrators remains high.
Legal - The legal industry is seeing steady demand for professionals in corporate law, intellectual property, and compliance 1. There is also growing interest in legal tech solutions that streamline processes and improve efficiency. However, the industry faces challenges related to regulatory changes and economic fluctuations.
Insurance - The insurance industry is experiencing growth driven by the need for risk management and financial protection. There is strong demand for actuaries, underwriters, and claims adjusters. The industry is also focusing on digital transformation to improve customer experience and operational efficiency.
Real Estate - The real estate market is experiencing growth driven by urban development and the demand for commercial and residential properties. There is a high demand for real estate agents, property managers, and construction professionals. The industry is also focusing on sustainable building practices and smart home technologies.
In order to succeed, companies have to either grow their top line (revenue) or bottom line (cutting costs and improving earnings). On the revenue side, there are significant openings in sales, business development, channels, partnerships, and alliances, account management (servicing existing customers), and customer success (generating additional revenue from existing customers). But again, showcasing industry specific experience, building partnership ecosystems, along with showing detailed quantifiable and measurable metrics will yield the best results.
Energy – We have seen many long term oil and gas executives that have lost their jobs due to cutbacks and layoffs, flooding the market creating extensive competition for fewer roles. A shift in focus is needed to environmental, wind, solar and renewable energies.
Recent College Graduates Are Struggling - Skill requirements for entry-level roles are higher today than a decade ago and many college graduates have very little work experience or internships.
Talent Acquisition – Although there are pockets of hiring, we see so many talent acquisition professional that have lost their jobs (at all levels) as hiring has slowed along with companies using AI to streamline and automate processes, and screen potential candidates.
Cybersecurity – the cybersecurity job market in 2025 is expected to remain robust, with a significant demand for professionals despite the skills gap. Cybersecurity Ventures projects 3.5 million unfilled positions globally in 2025. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 33% growth in cybersecurity jobs between 2023 and 2033.
Marketing Roles Are Everywhere but they require a vast variety of skill sets – from lead generation, sales funnels, KPIs and conversion metrics, website and content development, branding and position, ecommerce, Email marketing, Social Media, SEO and managing marketing budgets. Highlighting experience in these areas will yield greater results.
Non Profits and NGOs - these segments have been some of the hardest hit areas with the Federal Government (basically overnight), cutting funding and staff leaving these organizations to do more with less. These organizations are also having and will continue to have great difficulty in raising funds from corporate and private donors forcing layoffs, and hiring freezes.
Healthcare - The healthcare industry continues to experience robust growth, driven by an aging population and increased demand for medical services. Employment in healthcare and social assistance is projected to grow significantly, adding millions of jobs over the next decade. This sector is also seeing a rise in telehealth services, which is creating new opportunities for healthcare professionals.
Manufacturing - is facing a mixed outlook. While there is growth in areas like renewable energy and electric vehicles, traditional manufacturing jobs are declining due to automation and global competition. The industry is increasingly focused on advanced manufacturing techniques and sustainability, which are driving demand for skilled workers in these areas.
Ageism Bias – it is alive and well – sometimes subtle and sometime blatant. However, there are exceptions to every rule. We have had clients in the late 50’s and early 60’s secure roles at Fortune 500 companies for $400K - $600K
The Ability to Handle Rejection – a strong ability to bounce back after rejection, being ghosted, and applying to hundreds of roles without securing a new position.
Job Seekers Only Focusing on openings at large companies instead of small, early-stage, well-funded companies.
Companies Taking Longer to Hire – what used to take 3-4 interviews are now sometimes taking 5-6 interviews and extending the timelines from 2-3 weeks to 4-6 weeks.
Pivot, Adjust, and Tweak -This is not the job market of 20 years ago or even just 3 years ago. Job seekers MUST learn to pivot, tweak and adjust their expectations including Salary, Title, Location. Wage growth has slowed, and titles are not universal. If job seekers are not securing interviews, it is usually because companies hiring managers, and recruiters don’t like their resumes, or they are applying to the wrong jobs.
Customizing Resumes and Covers Letters for each position is a waste of time. Job Seekers should effectively capture their experience in their resumes and online profiles and find roles that match. Not try to find (change your background) to fit into the requirements of the position.
Not Creating a Professional Summary That Blows the Reader Away – You never get a second chance to make a first impression. If the reader does not learn what they need after reading your career professional summary, they will never get to page 3 and your application will become part of the 95 % of resumes that get disregarded in 15 seconds
Keep Pushing Forward – It Just takes 1. Remember, I was rejected over100 times before I landed my first job at Goldman Sachs

Conclusion

Navigating the executive job search market today is undeniably complex, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the modern employment landscape. My insights as a seasoned veteran with 40 years of experience underscore the importance of adaptability and strategic positioning. Unlike the straightforward job search process of the past, today's candidates must leverage digital tools such as LinkedIn, job boards, and tailored resumes to effectively capture their professional narrative and aspirations. The job market is characterized by significant competition, especially in high-level positions across various industries, including technology, operations, and human resources. Job seekers must showcase a diverse skill set and industry-specific experience to stand out, while also being prepared to handle extended hiring processes and potential relocation challenges.

Despite the uncertainties and headwinds in the global economy, opportunities continue to emerge daily, with certain sectors like sales, marketing, and cybersecurity showing robust demand. However, the job market's dynamic nature requires candidates to continuously pivot and adjust their strategies, focusing on roles that align with their expertise and career goals.

The importance of resilience and the ability to handle rejection cannot be overstated, as securing a position often involves overcoming numerous setbacks. Ultimately, the key to success lies in maintaining a proactive approach, refining one's professional summary to make a compelling first impression, and persistently pushing forward, remembering that it only takes one successful application to achieve the desired career breakthrough.

Job Search Coaching for Executives

Global Expansion, Inc. (d.b.a. Job Search Coaching) is a Premier Success Fee-Based Job Search and Global Job Search Company helping Executive Level Job Seekers All Around The World find their next job. We have over 7 years of experience helping executive level professionals secure high-paying roles across the globe. We are not recruiters, we are your personal job search strategists.

Unlike traditional recruiting firms, we don’t work for companies. Our clients are individual job seekers, executives like you who are ready to take the next step in their careers. We specialize in Success Fee-Based Job Search Coaching that accelerates your job search and maximizes your results. See Our Full List of Job Search Clients. Need help - Check Out Our Job Search FAQs