How Long Does It Take to Find a Job as an Executive?
If you’re considering an executive job search, one of the first questions you’re likely asking is: How long will it take for me to find a job?
The short answer: the average timeline of an executive job search is between three months, six months, and one year. Some executive job searches can take even longer. Unlike mid-level roles, executive searches involve more complexity, fewer available positions, and a more deliberate hiring process.
In this article, we’ll break down what drives the executive job search timeline, what you can realistically expect, and how to position yourself to move faster without compromising fit.
Executive Job Search Timeline: Why Does It Take So Long?
An executive job search can be a lengthy process, especially when compared to the timeline of lower-level positions. This is due to a number of factors:
Executive roles are complex and come with major responsibilities, having a direct and immediate impact on a company’s performance — choosing the wrong fit for an executive role can be detrimental. As such, employers and recruiters are much more careful when it comes to choosing a candidate for an executive role, leading to a long recruitment process (often with multiple interviews and assessments). It takes a lot more time to make a decision, which extends your job search considerably.
At the executive level, the number of positions available are much more limited. This makes an executive job search harder, more competitive, and longer than the average job search. Furthermore, executive roles have a much lower turnover rate compared to lower level positions, so it’s much harder to find openings (especially when open executive roles are often filled internally).
Factors that Impact the Duration of an Executive Job Search
Several factors can impact the length of your executive job search, including:
Industry and Function: Highly specialized or competitive industries often require longer searches. Some examples of highly-specialized industries that have longer executive job searches include manufacturing operations, engineering leadership, supply chain transformation, and other highly-regulated environments.
Level of Seniority: The more senior the role you’re targeting, the longer the search typically takes. At the VP, GM, or C-suite level, organizations are not just evaluating your resume, they’re also considering how you lead through change, how you fit in with the existing leadership team, and whether your decision-making style matches the company culture. It’s common for senior-level searches to take several months simply because organizations move slowly and don’t want to rush the process.
Geographic Flexibility: Preferences about job location have a greater impact on executive searches than you would expect, especially when you live in small town areas. If you are limited to a specific city or region, unwilling to relocate, and targeting on-site leadership roles — the opportunities you have will be more limited.
Your Network: Many executive roles are filled internally or through networking before they ever appear online. Having a strong network on your side will give you a competitive edge over other candidates. Employers often turn to former or current colleagues, industry peers, board members, or executive search consultants like Campbell Morden for candidate referrals. Additionally, companies are more likely to hire a candidate that was personally referred to them by someone they trust. As executive search consultants, we recommend certain candidates to companies in our network all the time.
For years, we’ve helped our clients land executive roles in industries like Manufacturing, Insolvency, Retail, Allied Health Care, Aerospace, and much more…
Strategies for Shortening an Executive Job Search
Understandably, waiting up to 1 year for your next job is not ideal. Here’s a few smart strategies you can use to try and shorten your executive job search:
Expand your search: There’s plenty of fish in the sea, you’re just not looking. Many executives get into the habit of keeping themself constricted to certain industries, job functions, and locations, but this limits your opportunities considerably. Consider your transferrable skills, ability to relocate, and drive to be more adaptable. Broadening your search parameters to include different industries, job functions, or locations can help you land an executive role quicker than staying within one specialization.
Build a Network: Be intentional about building relationships with individuals who can offer insights into opportunities that may be a good fit. Thanks to social media platforms like LinkedIn, you can reach out for a coffee chat from the comfort of your own home. Just keep in mind that these individuals likely get many LinkedIn messages, so it’s important to try and stand out from the rest. To speed up the process even more, it’s a good idea to also make in-person efforts by attending industry events.
Work with an executive search firm: Our executive search firm can help you navigate the job market, connect with opportunities that align with your experience and goals, and prepare for a successful interview process. We have a large network of high-ranking professionals, which we can use to put your name out there and find you new, exclusive opportunities.
Optimize your job search materials: Ensure your resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile are tailored to the positions you're pursuing and effectively showcase your skills and experience. Many companies use ATS, and as of Jan 2026, are required to disclose the use of ATS and other AI assistance in their job openings. If you can confirm a company is using ATS, it’s important to make your resume readable by ATS. (Read: How to Make Your Resume ATS-Friendly in 2025: A Recruiter’s Guide).
How to Avoid Career Gaps as an Executive
Career gaps are not fun. They also don’t look great on your resume. Here’s a few ways to avoid career gaps during a long executive job search.
Stay in your current job: You may be eager to pull the plug on your current job to put focus on finding a new executive role. However, with the average timeline being quite long to find a new executive job, the best way to avoid any career gaps is by staying with your current job until you get a job offer. Continue to search for new opportunities during your free time and dedicate as much time as you can to not slow your job search down.
Engage in advisory or board roles: Serving as an advisor, consultant, or board member (formal or informal) keeps you active in the market and strengthens your executive narrative. These roles reinforce your leadership brand, expand your network, and show ongoing contribution—even if you are between full-time positions.
Leverage your network consistently: Most executive roles are filled through relationships, not job boards. Schedule regular conversations with peers, former colleagues, recruiters, and industry leaders. These discussions are not about asking for a job, but about staying top of mind and visible in the market.
Frame transitions intentionally: Despite best efforts, gaps can still occur. If they do, control the narrative. Position the period as a purposeful transition focused on strategic exploration, advisory work, or skill development. Executives who clearly articulate intent and outcomes rarely get penalized for time between roles.
Conclusion
Ultimately, it's important to approach an executive job search with realistic expectations. While some searches may be quick, others may take several months or longer. The key is to stay focused on your goals, maintain a positive attitude, and take steps to optimize your search process. With persistence and patience, you can find the right executive position to advance your career.
