By Jeff Altman, Big Game Hunter
“It is better to have no excuses than to have bad excuses.” ~ George Washington
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” ~Abraham Lincoln
On Presidents’ Day tomorrow, I quote two quotes from a president who we once celebrated alone, but we don’t think deserves to be celebrated in this way. We combined their birthdays into one holiday. I think this is better than a cheesy looking Valentine’s Day quote.
I have always enjoyed adapting my coaching practice to different types of services and products. Last week, I announced a project called “Interview with Intel Snapshot” we are there Generate customized intelligence briefings for upcoming interviews Based on your resume and job description. This week, I posted “policy file,” Tailor-made strategic combat plan you. I analyze your experience against the job requirements to identify your unique value proposition and, most importantly, your hidden risks. It will help you prepare for that important interview.
Going the Long Distance: Staying Motivated During the Executive Recruitment Process
“Quick hires” are a thing of the past, especially for senior leaders. What was a sprint of the past four to six weeks turns into a grueling marathon that can last three to six months, or even longer. For executives and professionals, these extended hours are more than just a logistical hassle; they are a major test of mental fortitude and professional resilience.
When you’re going through a high-stakes transformation, whether because of a company restructuring, layoffs, or proactively taking on a new challenge, the silence between interviews can feel deafening. However, staying motivated isn’t about Pollyanna; It’s about understanding the new mechanics of recruiting and approaching your job search with the same strategic rigor that you have applied to your career.
Understand the modern recruitment landscape
The first step to staying calm is to realize that delays rarely reflect your personal worth. Today’s delayed timelines are driven by a systemic shift in how organizations de-risk recruiting decisions. Several key factors contribute to this slowdown:
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Multi-stage consensus: Group interviews and “culture fit” screening ensure buy-in from multiple stakeholders, which can add weeks as schedules adjust.
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Deep-rooted risk aversion: At the C-suite level, the cost of a “bad hire” is extremely high. Organizations now require additional budget approval and personnel review before a final contract is issued.
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“Hidden” obstacles: Internal changes, such as a sudden change in department policy or an unannounced hiring freeze, often place positions on hold without immediate notification to candidates.
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Technical layer: While AI simplifies initial screening, it can create a “black hole” effect where candidates feel disconnected from human decision-makers, leading to anxiety during the wait.
By viewing these delays as structural rather than personal, you can move from a passive emotional state to a proactive, strategic emotional state.
Protect the well-being of your senior executives
Protracted searches can take a mental toll. High-achieving professionals are accustomed to “closing the deal” and seeing immediate results. When the feedback loop is broken, it can undermine the confidence you need to project during the interview process. To maintain your executive presenceyou must protect your mental bandwidth through strict habits.
create a “Search Timetable” And treat your job search as a consulting assignment. Dedicate specific time to apps and the web, and then “off” physically and mentally. Constantly refreshing your inbox will only lead to burnout and a feeling of powerlessness.
Additionally, prioritize your physical recovery. Resilience is biological; regular exercise, adequate sleep, and “unplugged” time are not luxuries. They’re the fuel to keep you sharp during those grueling fifth-round interviews. Finally, construct a Support ecosystem. The executive journey can be lonely, so talk to a mentor, executive coach, or a trusted peer group to keep your perspective grounded.
Launch the hidden job market
Don’t stand still while you wait for the formal process to move forward. ‘Hidden job market’, estimates 70% of executive positions happening, is the best way to avoid slow formal processes.
The strategic network serves a dual purpose: it reveals undisclosed roles and provides the social validation that keeps motivation high. focus on Quality over quantity. One in-depth conversation with a former colleague or a strategic connection in a target industry is more valuable than 50 LinkedIn cold invitations. Use this time to optimize your digital footprint and ensure your profile tells your story Influence And not just your responsibilities.
Redefine rejection and build resilience
In a long process, the sting of a “no” after four rounds of interviews can be devastating. However, at the top, rejection is often an issue Make an allianceno ability. Maybe the board changed strategy three years ago, or an internal candidate unexpectedly emerged.
To stay motivated, treat each interaction as a data point. Use communication gaps to refine your approach. Ask yourself what you know about the industry’s current pain points and which of your leadership stories resonate most with the group. Even if you don’t get an offer, getting to the final stage can prove that your skills are highly competitive in the current market.
Actual Motivation: Small Victories, Big Impact
Motivation increases with progress. When you’re still months away from the “big win” of landing a job offer, you have to create “small wins” to maintain steady momentum. Set achievable goals each week that you have complete control over:
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Network Milestones: Aim to have two “coffee chats” or information interviews per week.
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Continuous learning: Spend three hours each week working on a new certification or researching emerging industry trends, such as the integration of artificial intelligence in a specific industry.
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High quality output: Focus on customizing three specific apps instead of shipping dozens of generic ones.
By focusing on these controllable inputs, you can decouple your self-worth from the uncontrollable outputs of your company’s in-house HR department.
last word
The modern executive recruiting process is as much a test of skill as it is a test of endurance. By managing your expectations, diversifying your efforts through networking, and being rigorous about your well-being, you can turn a period of uncertainty into a time of career preparation.
The right offer is rarely the one that arrives fastest. It aligns with your long-term trajectory, and your resilience while you wait is what will make you a strong leader once you step into this role.
Ⓒ Big Game Hunters, Asheville, NC 2026
Last week I shared a lot of new content, including:
How to Get More Interviews: Follow Up and Make Your Case
learning network
interview? risk everything
Is this why your resume keeps getting trashed? (cold truth)
Final Interview: Two Tactics They Will Use to Trap You
LinkedIn Premium: Is it worth it?
Should you answer personal questions from recruiters?
No BS Career Advice: February 8, 2026
Interview: Shifting Focus
How do I get in touch with a recruiter?
Believe the opinions of others more than your own
Why do recruiters disclose the number of finalists?
The cost of long-term job hunting
How to obtain resume through more ATS systems
Why your skills may not be as important as you think
Since Google downplays SAT scores when recruiting, what is more important to them?
The interview is a performance: Did your script fail?
How to apply for a new job after being fired
Why are you connecting on LinkedIn?
Find a job in 15 minutes or less
Case study reminder
Since Google downplays SAT scores when recruiting, what is more important to them?
4 Things Corporate Recruiters Look for in Resumes
Strategic interview questions to ask
Include artificial intelligence experience in your resume
The “Start Date” Trap: Why Your Answers Matter More Than Your Calendar
Job Interview Calls: Missed – What’s the Big Deal?
Network like a leader
Brands aren’t just for detergents
Is a career assessment worth your time? Only if you test the results.
Seven Basic Principles of Job Interviewing
24 hours: The small change that quadrupled your interview rate
Schedule a free discovery call with me: www.TheBigGameHunter.us/schedule Discuss my guidance for you during your job search and beyond.
Subscribe to No BS Job Search Advice Radio on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen or watch podcasts. I’ll be posting new episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
#BeGreat
Jeff Altman, MSW, CCTC
Across the globe, people hire me to provide no-nonsense job coaching, career guidance, and career advice because I make job hunting easier | I help executives log in when others can’t
