It can take a senior level executive six to 12 months to find a new job. Don’t waste time by setting off in the wrong direction. Engage in a “career audit” of past positions to define what you liked and disliked about each job. Know what is nonnegotiable for you as you start the search. Identify companies that you’d like to work for – and your motivation for selecting them.
Steven Senne/AP/File
Linda A'Vant Deishinni listens to a speaker during a job search seminar at a state managed employment center in Providence, R.I., Nov. 5, 2009. Ms. Deishinni was laid off in June 2009 from her job as a museum educator at Brown University. To get started in figuring out your next career move, do a 'career audit' of your past positions.