If you are serious about finding the right job, you need access to top Executives. But what is the best way to gain audience with a very busy CEO? You could try yourself, it may take many un returned calls or letters. The simplest method is to approach an Executive recruiter and to get the most from the link there are certain guidelines you should follow.
Place yourself into an Executive Recruiters shoes
How does an Executive Recruiter make their money? Clients can pay hundreds of thousands of dollars for finding the best person for the job. Many prospective candidates approach a head hunter with high expectations. Remember they aren’t paid to help the unemployed find work. Executive Search firms invest millions of dollars in researching the market, identifying talent and developing wide-ranging databases. Clients pay to gain access to the best candidates – significant for the vacant spot. Too many times candidates apply for jobs they are not qualified to do and send lengthy resumes providing irrelevant information.
The thought is to market yourself as a specialist, a key to the specific problem. If you want to stand out from the crowd you need to get clear on your strengths, what you offer and what you want before you even approach an Executive Head Hunter. Make sure your resume reflects your strengths and keep it simple. Resist the temptation of count a photograph or logos and please cut out the botch. Your experience should speak for itself, if it doesn’t you are applying for the incorrect job.
Identify a Specialist Head Hunter
Next, it is valuable to determine which executive recruiter specializes in your chosen field. You will find there are many niche specialists who pride themselves on their industry knowledge and contacts. Many Executive Recruiters may have previously worked in your chosen field. There are many ways you can do this, search online, research job boards and check the local press. The most effective way is via recommendation. Question previous colleagues or mentors if they can recommend a Recruiter who has helped them in the past or provided a excellent service.
It is valuable to note that your shortlist of potential recruiters should not be limited to huge firms. Focus needs to be placed on Executive Search firms, not high street brands. A excellent guideline is to check the press or trade journals for advertised roles via search firms. If a company is willing to pay to retain the services of a company it trusts, generally it is an indication of a quality service. It is also a direct suggestion of the strength of link the Client and recruiter delight in. If a stronger link is in place the client is more liable to trust the recruiters recommendations, increasing your chances of being matched to the perfect job.
The Key to a Successful Partnership
Always show respect for the recruiter, ultimately you are receiving a top class service free of charge. Candidates who approach the link with an air of superiority will quickly find they will not hear about the best jobs. Professionalism is key, handle your initial meeting as an interview and be prepared. Some recruiters may wish to handle the interview informally so as to gain a better understanding of the candidate and build rapport.
Being as helpful as possible to any executive recruiter is vital. There is nothing more infuriating than not returning calls, it is valuable to give regular updates on your job search. It is also very valuable to keep an open mind, don’t rule out jobs immediately, listen to what the Recruiter has to say and clarify why they reckon this job is right for you. If they are excellent at what they do then they will have identified a match even if you can’t see it yet.
A very effective and instant way to enamour yourself with your chosen recruiter is to give referrals. If the role is not right for you, perhaps you know someone who could be perfect. The most successful and long lasting relationships are mutually beneficial. By making referrals you will find your Recruiter working harder than ever to help you find that perfect job.
Dexter Cousins is an Executive Head Hunter and has been helping people with their careers for over ten years. As a consultant to Global organizations, Dexter has advised companies in the UK, Europe, USA, Asia and Australia on best do hiring processes. He is motivated by helping people reach their career goals and provides coaching and counseling on job search and interview success.
