Looking for an executive job can be difficult in this economy. Most executives get their jobs through networking with current and former employers and colleagues. According to an article on job-hunt.org, more than fifty percent of executives use networking and referrals to gain employment. However, searching for employment online can have its benefits too. You're more likely to get a job the more techniques you employ. Recently several job search sites have appeared which are devoted exclusively to jobs at the executive level with salaries of $100,000 a year or more, like The Ladders, ExecuNet, 6figurejobs, and HundredK. There are also specialized executive job boards like Hospital Executive Jobs for those in the health care field. These sites described below represent the best executive job search engines and are some of the sites you may want to consider looking at if you are in the market for an executive level job.

The Ladders

This site is the premier site for executive-level job hunting. The site claims that their screeners aggressively filter out jobs that do not compensate in the 6-figure range, and this appears to be a major selling point. The site allows job hunters to try it for free, which allows for searching of their listings based on the field. Premium membership allows job hunters to apply to their openings. Job hunters on this site can search by field, otherwise known as a "ladder", and contact recruiters in each industry they search.

ExecuNet

This site markets itself as a place where executives and business leaders can make connections and find new opportunities. It doesn't see itself strictly as a job site, though it does feature job listings and a free job search function, and instead emphasizes helping executives forge relationships that can help them land their next position. Members can set up profiles, engage in discussions with their peers, get helpful tips and advice on job hunting at the executive level, and learn how to find unadvertised executive jobs. There are also opportunities for members to attend networking meetings around the country. The site offers 30, 90, 180, and 360 day membership options. Unfortunately there is no free membership option, but they do offer a trial of ten days with a money-back guarantee.

Hundred K

This job search engine offers standard memberships for free and a premium membership for $. Hundred K delineates between passive job seekers, which include people who are happy with their jobs but are simply looking at what might be the next great opportunity, and active job seekers, who are unemployed or unhappy with their current positions. The free standard membership, which they recommend for passive job seekers, offers you the ability to anonymously post your resume, and will notify you if a position opens up that may be suited for you. The premium membership allows job seekers to view their job listings and aggressively gets the resume out to recruiters. One of the great things about Hundred K is the relative low cost of their premium membership, which is $50 for the first month and allows for a renewal of this membership for $20 each subsequent month.

6figurejobs

Like many other sites, 6figurejobs.com has a free membership and a premium membership. Their free membership allows job seekers to post resumes and search and apply to openings. Members can also receive newsletters, a free resume critique, and information on entrepreneurial prospects. 6figurejobs offers 2-month, 6-month, and annual premium memberships for a fee, and in addition to the free membership benefits, job seekers also have access to recruiter directories for their individual industries and tools to store multiple resumes. 6figurejobs.com also states that premium members get the best exposure among recruiters. Job seekers can search jobs by industry or by function, a major plus. The site also has channels offering links to executive education information, career advice and other resources.

Hospital Executive Jobs

This site allows recruiters and job seekers focus on employment in the medical field. Positions available include chief executive officers, presidents, vice presidents, and directors. One of the great things about this job board is that it does not charge its job seekers a fee to use the site. You can register, post your resume and search jobs for free. The site also allows you to create a separate e-mail just for your job search so that you can look anonymously if you're currently employed. This site is fairly uncomplicated and doesn't have many bells and whistles, but it is a straightforward site that can be useful to those seeking a high-level position in the health care industry.

Though finding an executive level job can be especially challenging in tough times, there are many sites that can help you find your next high level position. If you want to succeed in your job search, it's best to combine networking with online searching and take advantage of the wealth of resources out there now for people just like you.