Change the way you find your next job…by letting it find you. Instead of becoming an expert in seeking out and landing jobs, the most successful executives I’ve met create career momentum. This way, your current and past employers will seek you out and offer you jobs before you must look for one.

I interview executives daily, and here are seven key themes I’ve learned from those successful executives who are sought out by their prior employers and teammates.  You may recognize yourself in many or all of these traits and behaviors.

Here they areDevelop a high level of competency for your role. Know what you should know. Master your craft and prepare yourself for the next level up as well.  “ABLE”- Always Be Learning and Evolving.

Be loyal to the mission, your boss, your fellow leadership teammates, and your team. Let your words and actions convey they can count on you.

Can-do and positive attitudes are attractive. Be a problem solver and solution finder, not the blamer.  Attitudes are contagious. Is yours worth catching?

Be the person willing to go the extra mile. The highest ROI is in that last push, the extra effort that helps you achieve your task and serve the mission or help a teammate. You will be pleased with the results, and the recognition.  As Dale Carnegie said, “There is plenty of room on the Extra Mile!”Have a voice at the table. Come prepared.  Have an opinion and be sure to be heard. Communicate objectively at all times, without unwanted emotion. Provide information and understanding to support effective and timely team decision making.  Others will learn to rely on your input and judgment.

Be an Executive Team member. Be on your boss’ team. Lead your own team. It’s not all about you…be a servant leader up and down the organization.  The team will then take care of you.

Keep the organization and leadership team on track by providing timely, accurate, and relevant feedback. Focus on the mission and culture of the organization.  Let them know where they are on/off track and provide the necessary data for course corrections.  “Share the good news and bad news, but don’t surprise us.” Help process what is working, not working, and yet to be started.  Hold everyone accountable to the Strategic Plan, Budget, and Values of the organization.

I hope you see yourself in these seven success traits…and that you never have to seek out a job!  Wishing you much continued success and satisfaction from your career.