The top level executive jobs are known to be very challenging and lucrative. The post is associated with power and the opportunity to do things in a manner that is best suited without having to take up prior permissions for everything. Because of these reasons, there is a great deal of competition. This applicants need to be very dynamic and confident, which they always are. This job requires a great deal of experience and a good degree, a combination of which is only with the best.

The current trend shows there is going to be little or no change in the employment status of these executive officers who are majorly categorized as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Operations Officer (COO) and the Chief Finance Officer (CFO). Most of the companies already have their share of such executives and the projected growth as far as the coming of new companies is concerned is far and few. The recent recession scare has lead to many companies removing these posts due to lack of projects requiring their assistance.

Because there is only of Chief Operations Officer for all the operations being performed in an organization, their numbers further reduce when mergers take place combining the two companies in one. The COO with more calibers retains the post whereas the other has to bow down to a lower level job. Growth in businesses is not the right method to judge the number of positions as the growth only takes place where the number or employed workers are concerned. The managers just have additional load to handle which is delegated to the fresh batch of people. A major reason for the vacancies is when the current Chiefs retire or switch from one company to another.

It has already been mentioned that these executives are highly paid. They are considered to be the top grocers after the board of directors. Different companies may have different salary ranges depending upon their business profile and profits. The business profile includes the levels of responsibility with the executives, their location, the size of the company and their position in the market. Two COOs in different companies may have drastic differences in their earnings. The private players are on the higher side compared to the government players.

The facilities provided for by the company are also limitless. Based on their performance levels, they are entitled to bonuses and holidays. They have access to the company's buildings such as the banquet halls, reserved hotel rooms etc. and are provided private transportation facilities. There is hardly any Chief Operations Officer for a big firm who travels in a public plane for business purposes. Additional perks include higher end insurance policies health and property, bills taken care of by the company etc.

All this comes at a cost. There may be long nights to spend in the offices and performance always has to be optimum. The margin of error is marginal and everything has to be accounted for. Understand that it is not an easy job and the company does not spend lavishly on them for nothing.