As the Thanksgiving Turkey, I know a thing or two about high-stakes situations. Every November, my future is on the line. While most executives worry about quarterly results, I’m worried about the carving knife. That kind of pressure teaches you valuable lessons — lessons you can apply to your executive job search. Pull up a chair (and maybe pass the cranberry sauce) while I share a few nuggets of wisdom.
Stand Out from the Flock
Let’s face it: if you’re just another bird in the barnyard, no one will notice you. The same goes for your executive resume and LinkedIn profile. Don’t gobble up space with generic phrases like “results-oriented leader.” Instead, highlight your unique impact: revenue growth, turnarounds, cultural transformations. Just as I strut with shiny feathers to get attention, you need to showcase your accomplishments with the story of your value.
Know When to Strut, Know When to Stay Calm
Turkeys understand timing. Strut too soon and you’re an easy target; wait too long and you miss your chance. In interviews, balance enthusiasm with listening. Share bold stories of leadership, but also demonstrate humility and adaptability. Employers want confidence without arrogance — a leader who can ruffle feathers when needed but also bring calm to the table.
Network Like Your Life Depends on It (Because Mine Sure Does)
I spend months forming alliances in the barnyard. You should do the same. Reach out to former colleagues, board members, and peers. Executive roles are rarely posted; they’re hunted for quietly. Just as I avoid hunters by sticking close to trusted flocks, you’ll find opportunities faster by leaning on your professional network.
Prepare for the Spotlight
Come Thanksgiving, I’m the centerpiece — whether I like it or not. You’ll have your own spotlight moments: interviews, Board presentations, negotiations. Rehearse your key points, anticipate tough questions, and practice delivering your value story with presence. When it’s your time at the table, make sure people remember you for the right reasons: the story of the value you bring.
Keep Perspective
Yes, things can feel dire when the stakes are high (trust me on this one). But remember, even if one opportunity doesn’t pan out, another will (though, I try to stay out of pans, pots, trays, etc!). Executive searches take time. They aren’t looking for just any bird! Stay focused, stay resilient, and maybe enjoy a little stuffing along the way.
Final Dressings
As the Thanksgiving Turkey, my advice is simple: be memorable, be strategic, and don’t wing it. Approach your executive job search with the same care you’d use to prepare the perfect holiday feast — thoughtfully, with patience, and with a dash of humor. And unlike me, your career doesn’t have to end with dessert.
