Familiar sayings such as, “The bigger they are, the harder they fall” or “It’s lonely at the top” all relate to holding powerful and successful positions. It’s no doubt a C-level rank or an executive position is the dream job when it comes to achieving success, tenure, authority, and a vital role in an organization. But, when it’s time to make changes and seek a new venture, it’s incredibly challenging for people in high-level positions to grab opportunities compared to those in lower-level positions.

Executive job opportunities are precious and few, and the recruitment process involved in filling those positions is much more tedious and restrictive than it is for other positions. A high-level role, such as an executive, is such a critical position that turnover is low, standards and qualifications are high, and when there is a vacancy, it’s rarely advertised publicly in job boards or forums.

The obstacles executive job seekers face outrank those that accompany entry-level or supervisory positions. But those obstacles can be overcome. Here are common challenges that executive job seekers encounter and tips on how to conquer them:

Standing out from the crowd

Standing apart from other applicants is trickier when competing for a high-level position. Each executive’s resumé is likely just as detailed and competitive as the others.

Revisit the contents of your resumé and customize it specifically for the company you are interested in. Whether actively seeking a job or not, a perfect resumé is essential to have ready for when job prospects arise.

Consider hiring a professional resumé writer. Although your skills in crafting your professional branding material—aka your resumé—might be top-notch, professional resumé writers can improve your chances of getting noticed amid the pool of other executive jobseekers. This is their area of expertise, and they know precisely the right triggers, keywords, and structure to turn the content of your resumé into an effective marketing tool for your professional brand. It’s advantageous to have an outside perspective of your skills and talents and have this person articulate on paper your full capacity. There are plenty of executive resumé samples available that you can browse through before deciding to hire a professional.

Fewer known job vacancies

Vacancies of high-ranking positions advertised across job boards are sporadic. One reason is because most executives or people in coveted, well-paid positions are typically happy in their role and are not looking to leave. In most CEO positions, the average tenure is five years, according to a Harvard Law School article, “CEO Tenure Rates.”

Another reason is that, if there are any vacancies, most companies prefer to either hire headhunters who can quietly vet viable candidates, promote internally, or discretely recruit through private networks. Turnover in high-ranking positions is not something organizations want to divulge.

Referrals and networking are the best ways to get access to job opportunities. As an executive, you are always meeting different people in and out of your industry. Maximize those connections by building rapports and staying in touch. Reaching out to recruiters or hiring managers within your niche or target industry is also a great way to keep informed about hidden job opportunities. Build a professional relationship with your network. For recruiters or hiring managers, give them leads and information about company pooling, candidates, or job fair events.

Employer’s ‘expensive rate’ impression

The discussion surrounding salary is usually where employers and candidates must negotiate a tricky dance. For a seasoned executive, you’re likely to expect that the prospective company’s offer in salary, benefits, and perks should exceed that of your previous position.

Even if you tick all the boxes within the company’s qualifications, there’s always the question of whether or not they can afford to hire you or if you can afford to lower your rate to get the job. Disagreeing on salary is often a deal-breaker for both sides.

Even if the company is well aware of your worth, sometimes they simply can’t afford you. Then it’s up to you. If the salary is not what you desire, consider whether the benefits and perks can compensate for this disappointment. If negotiating for a higher salary is not an option, try aiming for more benefits and perks. The company might be more amenable to that if it doesn’t involve shelling out cash.

Limited network pool

If you still find it challenging to network in-person, cultivate your digital footprint. While you should spend minimal time on job boards, take the time to improve your professional digital presence and brand.

LinkedIn has been highly effective for job seekers and recruiters alike. Seventy percent of candidates worldwide are passive (meaning, they are not actively looking for employment but are open to it), and recruiters actively headhunt passive executive candidates. The Insights Success article “5 Tips for Using LinkedIn to Power Up Your Executive Job Search” explains that your role is to ensure that you are easily searchable and visible, that you are using SEO-friendly keywords and tags on your content, and that your profile is compelling.

For experienced executives, it’s easy to overlook the above details, especially if you haven’t had to actively pursue job opportunities for a while. Whether you’re looking to change jobs now or down the road, it’s never too late to start preparing for that time. Most challenges executives face with job searches can be remedied before actively searching for other opportunities. Good luck!