The Hidden Job Market and How Executives Actually Get Hired | Dr. Jeremy Gartner

What if the role that changes your career never shows up on LinkedIn? In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Dr. Jeremy Gartner, founder of Career Propulsion, to talk about how senior leaders actually land director, VP, and C-suite roles. Jeremy explains why most executive jobs are filled before they are ever posted, why resumes matter far less than people think, and how story, positioning, and direct outreach create real momentum. He also shares the Fast Track Framework, the difference between applying like an employee and searching like a business owner, and why networking with decision-makers changes everything.If your search has felt slow, crowded, or invisible, this episode will change how you think about your next move.What You Will LearnWhy most executive roles never reach job boardsWhat the hidden job market really isWhy resumes rarely win senior roles on their ownHow to build a stronger narrative for interviewsWhat the Fast Track Framework looks likeHow to approach executive job search like a business ownerWhy networking with decision-makers matters more than applying onlineWhat senior leaders should do before starting a searchChapters 00:01 Why resumes do not win jobs 00:46 Why the best roles stay hidden 02:11 What the hidden job market means 04:05 When executive hiring really begins 06:09 Why online applications break down 12:30 The fast track framework explained 19:45 Why narrative beats the resume 21:22 From engineer to career strategist 27:56 Using systems thinking in job search 32:36 How executives truly stand out 36:58 What to do before searching 39:52 The one networking lesson that mattersGuest Bio Dr. Jeremy Gartner is the founder of Career Propulsion and an executive career strategist who helps leaders land director, VP, and C-suite roles through the hidden job market. His background includes a Wharton MBA, a PhD in aerospace engineering, research at CERN, and innovation work across major organizations. He now helps executives use positioning, story, and direct access to decision-makers to create stronger career moves..Connect with Dr. Jeremy Gartner Website: https://careerpropulsion.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremygartner/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.jeremygartnerConnect with Executive ConnectWebsite: https://www.executiveconnectexperience.comLinkedIn: Melissa AarskaugYouTube: Executive ConnectInstagram: @executiveconnectpodcastTikTok: @executiveconnectpodcastFacebook: Executive Connect