Working with Executive Recruiters
It is very common for companies to use executive recruiters to assist them with filling mid and high-level roles. Not to be confused with employment agencies who typically handle blue-collar temporary or temp-to-hire positions, executive recruiters will often be incorporated in an companies recruiting efforts.
According the Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants, the global executive search industry generates more than $12 billion in revenue and cites that technology and healthcare are the two sectors that will experience the most growth.
The size of the global search industry is extensive, so it’s in your best interest to exploit what they have to offer and learn the best ways of working with executive recruiters.
Find a Recruiter
There are a few easy ways to locate executive search firms. First, there are several free online directories including the Online Recruiters Directory, Oya’s, Recommended Recruiter, and Searchfirm.com that will help you to target recruiters specific to your field.
Next, performing a Google search in your local area (or desired region) using the terms “executive recruiters” or “search firms” will quickly provide you a list of companies that can help you.
Finally, you can use LinkedIn with the same search terms “executive recruiter” or “search firms” to see a list of executive recruiting firms that will have their available jobs posted. You want to ensure that you target recruiters that can help you with the specific roles you seek since many recruiters may specialize in an area outside of your expertise.
How Do Recruiters Work?
Executive recruiters are paid by the companies they work with directly, which is usually based on a percentage of the candidate’s first year salary. You should never have to pay to use an executive recruiter. Local and national recruitment agencies can become your advocate and represent you for various positions.
After you’ve identified the specific recruiters for your role, you should contact them via phone or email. Although they may not have anything currently listed for open positions in your field, you should still contact them and submit your resume since then the agency will attempt to match your qualifications with any job orders they may have or get in the future.
Additionally, some recruiters may contact various companies and tell them they have an expert (you) in a specific field if your background is in demand.
How to Hire a Headhunter
Finding a good recruiter that specializes in your field and developing a good relationship with them is something that can truly benefit you. A good recruiter will provide feedback to help ensure you have a great resume for the specific companies/positions that they will submit your resume to.
Also, a good recruiter may conduct mock interviews and give you useful advice, which will give you a leg up on the competition that is applying through the typical means of online job boards and company websites.
Using executive search firms should be incorporated as part of your job search strategy in addition to using LinkedIn, your professional networks, job fairs, job boards, and company websites.
Remember, executive search firms should never charge you any fee; rather, they garner their fee from the actual company they match you with. You can submit your resume to as many agencies that handle your area of expertise and are within the region you are seeking to work.
Maria Gold is a Content Manager/Writer for Empire Resume. She is dedicated to helping educate people with the latest career articles and job search advice. When Maria is not working, she enjoys reading and spending quality time with her family.
Related Articles:
