“I’m not actively looking yet. Maybe in six months.”
I hear this all the time—from brilliant CTOs, VPs, and tech founders. On paper, it sounds reasonable. You’re loyal. Focused. Not desperate.
But here's what most leaders don't realize:
If you're six months away from wanting a new role, you're already behind.
Rain, a CTO in the EV charging space, told me he’d likely be out of a job in 2026. He was already anticipating change, but hadn’t started building anything to prepare. His LinkedIn was quiet. His network was narrow.
“I just want to understand where I’d even fit,” he saidZoom Call_ Rain Neemlai….
That’s not a six-month problem. That’s a now problem.
Why You Can’t Wait Until You're Ready to Apply
The best CTO roles—especially in startups, PE-backed companies, or stealth-mode ventures—aren’t posted. They’re filled through:
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Direct introductions
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Private referrals
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Quiet boardroom discussions
If you’re not already known by those hiring, you don’t get considered.
And building that visibility takes time. Weeks to refine your brand. Months to activate the right network. Sometimes longer to wait for the perfect match.
João found himself in the same boat—except the boat had already sunk.
The company he worked for shut down, and he was left scrambling.
“I should’ve done all this while I still had a job,” he admitted.
What You Should Be Doing Before You’re Actively Looking
Here’s the playbook we follow at CareerCrackers for leaders with a 6–12 month horizon:
1. Clarify Your Target Early
Don’t wait for a layoff to start thinking about where you want to go. We help our clients define their “Career North Star” early—target industries, company sizes, ideal impact.
You don’t need to make a move now. But you should know what the next ideal move looks like.
2. Warm Up the Network Now
You can’t build trust overnight. So start reactivating relationships now—when you’re not asking for anything.
“I’m just exploring what’s out there. Thought I’d reconnect”—is a powerful message before you need something.
3. Create Just Enough Visibility
Content builds familiarity. Familiarity builds trust. A few well-positioned LinkedIn posts or a one-pager can do more than 100 applications.
We can even handle that content for you through our AI-powered agent, so you stay present without lifting a finger.
Quiet visibility beats silent waiting.
The Ideal Time to Build Is Before You Need to
If you’re thinking, “Maybe in six months,” that’s your cue to act.
CareerCrackers exists to help CTOs and tech leaders build a presence, engage decision-makers, and open doors before the clock runs out.
Because by the time you need a new role, it’s too late to start.
Want help setting up your roadmap, content, or warm intros? We’ll walk you through it—step by step.
Your future self will thank you.
