- Elite recruiter Deepali Vyas has seen top executives sabotage job prospects with avoidable mistakes.
- Common mistakes include outdated LinkedIn profiles, poor social media, and generic applications.
- Executives should prioritize their online presence, personalized applications, and interview etiquette.
After nearly 25 years of sourcing talent for the corporate elite, I’ve seen it all. From Fortune 500 CEOs to unicorn startup founders, I’ve placed hundreds of CEOs, CFOs, CTOs, and other top-level executives into career-defining roles.
But here’s the thing: Even the brightest minds in business can get it wrong when it comes to landing their dream job.
Let me reveal to you the 10 most embarrassing mistakes I have witnessed. These mistakes have cost exceptional candidates the opportunity to reach a senior position.
1. Digital ghosts: LinkedIn stalkers
In today’s digital jungle, there’s nothing more irritating than trying to stalk (aka research) a candidate and hitting a virtual wall. Or worse, stumbling upon a LinkedIn profile so dated it might as well be carved into stone tablets. I can’t count the number of times I’ve asked, “Why are you making me Google you?” It’s 2024, folks. Your digital presence is your first impression. Neglect it at your own peril.
Pro tip: Your online presence is a critical part of your personal brand and should be cultivated throughout your career.
Keep your LinkedIn profile up-to-date and engaging, actively engage with industry content to showcase your expertise, and invest in a high-quality, professional photo. Remember, your digital first impression should convey “executive material,” not “casual Friday at a family gathering.”
2. The “I know everyone” syndrome
You might think that C-suite executives are networking ninjas, but I’ve seen too many candidates rest on their laurels, assuming their existing Rolodex (yes, some still have it) is enough. Newsflash: The business world moves fast. If you’re not constantly expanding your network, you’re falling behind.
Pro tip: Treat the network like a vital organ – it needs constant care and attention to stay alive in this game.
Attend industry events, join new professional groups, and for the love of all that is holy, accept those LinkedIn connection requests.
3. The copy and paste catastrophe
There’s nothing that embarrasses me more than receiving a generic resume or cover letter. Yes, even for C-level positions. I once had a candidate send me a cover letter addressed to the wrong company. Gross!
Pro tip: Customize each application.
Show me that you’ve done your homework on the company, the position, and the challenges they face. Generic applications scream, “I’m not that interested,” even if you are.
4. The annihilation of the “I improvise” type
Picture this: The CEO of a tech giant goes into an interview for a dream job, confident that he can make it on the strength of his past glories. Thirty minutes later, he finds himself struggling to answer basic questions about the company’s recent turnaround. I’ve seen it happen, and it’s not pretty.
Pro tip: Prepare as if your career depends on it -Why does he do this.
Know the company inside and out. Be prepared to talk about its challenges and opportunities and how you would address them from day one.
5. The nostalgia trap
War stories are great at the bar, but not so much in an interview. I’ve seen brilliant executives spend 90% of an interview reliving their glory days, forgetting to relate those experiences to the challenges of the position they’re interviewing for.
Pro tip: Use your past victories as a springboard to discuss future strategies.
Show how your experience has prepared you for the company’s next big challenge.
6. The equalizer fails
Technical skills get you into the door, but emotional intelligence gets you the job. I once had a candidate—a brilliant strategist—who managed to insult the interviewer’s management style within the first 10 minutes. Needless to say, he didn’t get the job.
Pro tip: Interpersonal skills are important, especially in more senior positions. Demonstrate empathy, active listening skills, and adaptability.
These traits often trump technical prowess in leadership roles.
7. The wage stumble
Even the most experienced executives can stumble over the issue of compensation. I’ve seen candidates offer themselves very low salaries out of insecurity and others demand exorbitant amounts out of arrogance. Both approaches are recipes for disaster.
Pro tip: Do your research. Know your worth, but also understand the market. Be prepared to talk about total compensation packages, not just salary.
To make sure you don’t sell yourself short, start by flipping the script and asking the company what salary range they have in mind. Try saying: “I am very excited about this opportunity and confident in the value I will bring. What salary range do you have in mind for this position?”
For some executives, time is money. Avoid lengthy negotiations and be prepared to discuss the total compensation package, which includes base salary, bonuses, stock options, health benefits, retirement plans and other perks.
And please leave the negotiating tactics you used to buy your last car at home. I once had a CFO candidate who hesitated over $3,000 on a $3 million package. That’s a big mistake! It makes you look short-sighted and unprofessional.
8. Culture shock
Here’s a hard truth: Most executive hires fail because of cultural mismatches, not lack of skills. I’ve placed technically brilliant CEOs in companies where they lasted less than a year because they were like oil in water.
Pro tip: Ask probing questions about the company’s decision-making processes, communication styles, and values. And be honest with yourself about whether you’ll thrive in that environment.
Cultural fit isn’t about whether you’ll be everyone’s best friend, it’s about aligning your work style and values with those of the company.
9. The next misstep
The interview doesn’t end when you walk out the door. I’m amazed at how many executives neglect the crucial post-interview period. Don’t send follow-up emails? Don’t send additional information? It’s a missed opportunity to stand out.
Pro tip: Send a personalized and thoughtful thank you note within 24 hours.
Use the note to reinforce key points, address concerns, and demonstrate your continued enthusiasm for the position.
10. The bridge burner
The executive world is smaller than you think. I’ve seen candidates leave companies after several rounds of interviews or respond poorly to rejection. Remember, today’s rejected offer may be tomorrow’s dream opportunity.
Pro tip: Maintain professionalism at all times.
Respond graciously to rejections. If you turn down an offer, do so with class. You never know when your paths might cross again.
The bottom line
Even the brightest stars in the corporate galaxy can dim their own light with these cringe-inducing mistakes. After nearly a quarter-century of placing top executives, I’ve learned that the difference between landing your dream job and being passed over often comes down to these seemingly small but crucial details.
Remember that at the C-suite level, you’re not just being evaluated on your past accomplishments or technical skills — you’re being examined on your potential to lead, inspire, and drive the company forward. Every interaction, from your LinkedIn profile to your thank-you note, is an opportunity to demonstrate that potential.
Deepali Vyas is a Senior Partner at Korn Ferry. She is a seasoned executive-level advisor and consultant with over 24 years of experience, specializing in the placement of top-tier talent.
If you are a recruiter with unique tips for job seekers and want to share your story, email Tess Martinelli at [email protected]
