Ever wish you had access to an executive recruiter just to ask that one question? Members routinely email us their questions, and we tap into the minds of executive recruiters in our network to get their unadulterated feedback.
Robyn GreenspanPosted by Howie
08/15 @ 11:10 AM
08/15 @ 11:10 AM
Well said Nick. Most important....candidates, do your research and network. When you think you're done, network more.
Posted by Sanjiv Bhusry
08/15 @ 11:00 AM
08/15 @ 11:00 AM
All of my assignments over the past 10 years have been through networking.
Posted by David Adams
07/12 @ 10:22 AM
07/12 @ 10:22 AM
I landed my present engagement through a recruiter, who had been referred to me by an associate with whom I was/am networking, so kind of both ways. Would I have received the call without the referral, maybe but doubtful
Regards,
David Adams
817 653 0147
Regards,
David Adams
817 653 0147
Posted by Steven Gage
07/10 @ 07:19 PM
07/10 @ 07:19 PM
The last job I landed was back in the spring of 2007 when times were a bit different on the job market. I was actively sought out by several recruiters who had sr level sales mgmt opportunities for me. I ended up landing two competing offers and took the Global Director of Sales job at ASQ to get closer to home rather than one with a mfg up in Manitowoc, WI.
Unfortunately that only lasted until the beginning of the great recession and I found myself, along with 10 other mgmt personnel, being laid off in fall of 2008. Since then I actively continut to seek opportunities where I can use my sales process creation, development and implementation skills to lead and mentor a sales staff and grow revenues & nmargins like I've done in several industries throughout the 2000's.
Along with my networking and working with a handful of recruiters, I do some sales process consulting until I can find and land a new sales mgmt opportunity in either the mfg or service market segments.
Unfortunately that only lasted until the beginning of the great recession and I found myself, along with 10 other mgmt personnel, being laid off in fall of 2008. Since then I actively continut to seek opportunities where I can use my sales process creation, development and implementation skills to lead and mentor a sales staff and grow revenues & nmargins like I've done in several industries throughout the 2000's.
Along with my networking and working with a handful of recruiters, I do some sales process consulting until I can find and land a new sales mgmt opportunity in either the mfg or service market segments.
Posted by Kevin Sheehan
07/10 @ 09:37 AM
07/10 @ 09:37 AM
I do agree with the sentiment that a recruiter or headhunter is not necessarily going to find you a job, and, that personal networking is the best way to identify that next perfect opportunity. However, personal networking is all about getting out and making contact with individuals who have relationships with other individuals who might know of an opportunity for someone with your skill sets.
Long and short of it, recruiters are a necessary element of your career search process, however, they cannot be the only element.
Long and short of it, recruiters are a necessary element of your career search process, however, they cannot be the only element.
Posted by Kevin Liu
07/10 @ 09:32 AM
07/10 @ 09:32 AM
Good performance could make you well known.Meantime, more right exposure
was also helpful.
was also helpful.
Posted by Aman Khan
07/08 @ 04:17 PM
07/08 @ 04:17 PM
Hi Robyn,
Good and a realistic article.. the question is are there people out there who help the execs to 'build' or 'promote' their profile in a more individual manner at fair costs?
Everyone seems to be selling cv improvement in a crowded market and offeirng a mass service not suitable for execs and those who claim offer exec service have themselves never worked themselves as exec so do not have a 'realistic' view to the things.
Will be interested in your views and advice,
Kind regards,
Aman
Good and a realistic article.. the question is are there people out there who help the execs to 'build' or 'promote' their profile in a more individual manner at fair costs?
Everyone seems to be selling cv improvement in a crowded market and offeirng a mass service not suitable for execs and those who claim offer exec service have themselves never worked themselves as exec so do not have a 'realistic' view to the things.
Will be interested in your views and advice,
Kind regards,
Aman
Posted by Eileene Keating
07/08 @ 09:52 AM
07/08 @ 09:52 AM
You must treat your recruiter like your employer and supervisor. I was in active job search for about 4 mos (passive for an additional 4 mos prior to that) and recruiters (2) were responsible for bringing 2 opportunities for in depth interviews to me. Networking with other professionals, not only brought those recruiters to me, but also resulted in 2 other in depth interview opportunities. I ended by search, by accepting an opportunity brought to me by a recruiter; she was very helpful in getting me ready for the multiple interviews, as well as counter-offers. She was WONDERFUL!
Posted by michael j. madden
07/08 @ 08:20 AM
07/08 @ 08:20 AM
Networking.
Posted by Harrison Sterne
07/08 @ 07:53 AM
07/08 @ 07:53 AM
Once I had several years of working experience, professional recruiters have always done well by me.
Until the latest macroeconomic melt-down, I'd always maintained 4 - 6 intentionally well-groomed relationships with professional recruiters - and they'd keep me abreast of opportunities as they arose. If I was happy with my current gig, they understood that but would always check in.
What was different in this last recession was that for a good 2 years, it seemed that the recruiters didn't have anything much to offer - so I actually stopped looking to them for any help - but recently, as soon as I made a decision to reach out to recruiters - it yielded results.
...things may be slowly returning to 'normal'....
Until the latest macroeconomic melt-down, I'd always maintained 4 - 6 intentionally well-groomed relationships with professional recruiters - and they'd keep me abreast of opportunities as they arose. If I was happy with my current gig, they understood that but would always check in.
What was different in this last recession was that for a good 2 years, it seemed that the recruiters didn't have anything much to offer - so I actually stopped looking to them for any help - but recently, as soon as I made a decision to reach out to recruiters - it yielded results.
...things may be slowly returning to 'normal'....
Posted by Zef
07/08 @ 07:19 AM
07/08 @ 07:19 AM
All my positions in the last 30 years have been trough my own network. I'm currently in the European market for a new Job. It is my experience that most recruiters/headhunters are very much opportunistic i.e. selling "baked air".
Just a few (easily to be identified) are genuine.
In many cases they are not working exclusively which tells also much about the hiring company*) and you are sure not getting happy there.
In almost 80%, of those who have actively aproached me, they do not give any feedback or do not follow-up their promisses, in case they have found a better fit. Hiring companies should understand that a bad organized hiring process (including opportunistic employment agencies) is bad advertisement.
*)
Post crisis time is lapsing towards more "old values" build towards stable and solid fundament and grow to sustain and meet customer expectations in order to maintain sound margins instead of grabbing left and right to make quick money.
Just a few (easily to be identified) are genuine.
In many cases they are not working exclusively which tells also much about the hiring company*) and you are sure not getting happy there.
In almost 80%, of those who have actively aproached me, they do not give any feedback or do not follow-up their promisses, in case they have found a better fit. Hiring companies should understand that a bad organized hiring process (including opportunistic employment agencies) is bad advertisement.
*)
Post crisis time is lapsing towards more "old values" build towards stable and solid fundament and grow to sustain and meet customer expectations in order to maintain sound margins instead of grabbing left and right to make quick money.
Posted by Larry Alex
07/08 @ 12:39 AM
07/08 @ 12:39 AM
Thinking back over the years, there were four separate occasions where Exec Recruiters contacted me, unsolicited, and none of them ever turned into a position. In fact, I actually had one company who had candidly told me that they had wished I had found them on my own, since their compensation package, which seemed a little light, was affected by the fees they were going to have to pay the recruiter! This taught me a valuable lesson that the post and comments have all echoed: "You can do it yourself". If it seems too good to be true... well, you know. Still, when they call, I always listen.
Posted by Howie Appel
07/07 @ 09:47 PM
07/07 @ 09:47 PM
Scott, your comment is well taken...especially your comment "good recruiters are well connected!" Very well said!
Posted by Scott Hendrick
07/07 @ 09:24 PM
07/07 @ 09:24 PM
Most of my jobs in the past were obtained through networking, although I have worked successfully through a recruiter before as well.
I think there is high value to having good relationships with recruiters for helping source positions within your current company, and in helping one explore opportunities if needed. Good recruiters are well-connected and should have in-depth insights to the culture and fit of companies.
I think there is high value to having good relationships with recruiters for helping source positions within your current company, and in helping one explore opportunities if needed. Good recruiters are well-connected and should have in-depth insights to the culture and fit of companies.
Posted by Peter Kopel
07/07 @ 08:36 PM
07/07 @ 08:36 PM
I have traditionally gotten jobs through networking. However, I just landed a new job last month through a recruiter. So you always need to explore all options.
Posted by Mark W. Lachniet
07/07 @ 08:28 PM
07/07 @ 08:28 PM
I have worked with recruiters before, some do above and beyond to located an opportunity when they find the right candidate. I have been placed once by an Executive Search firm, but every other time it was through networking.
Posted by Howie Appel
07/07 @ 05:51 PM
07/07 @ 05:51 PM
I totally agree with you Robyn. Headhunters are just that, hunt for "heads" to submit to a client company. Many headhunters are sought by corporate recruiters and then it's a free for all. The only exception to this is what they call "exclusivity". There are times when a corporation will go to one agency, with whom they've had a lot of success, and give them an exclusive. Candidates are often told this even by agencies that don't have one. Be aware of these. Agencies (or in-house recruiters) are out to survive too so if you're not qualified, they MAY placate you by saying they are submitting you. Work the system....work linkedin....network. Remember, it's not who you know, but who knows you!! Agencies REALLY do try hard to make placements and they DO try hard to be up front and honest with you. The best representative of you is YOU!!
Posted by Rich Epstein
07/07 @ 04:57 PM
07/07 @ 04:57 PM
I landed most of my jobs in my career thus far through retained recruiters who either posted a job online seeking candidates or simply reached out to me directly. I know executives who have friends in recruiting who can find them new jobs on the drop of a dime, but these executives are in high demand to begin with. I have not yet had success connecting with recruiters this way.
My greatest success has been through networking since a recommendation from somebody the hiring manager trusts is the most powerful of all.
My greatest success has been through networking since a recommendation from somebody the hiring manager trusts is the most powerful of all.
Posted by Sury Maturi
07/07 @ 02:48 PM
07/07 @ 02:48 PM
All but one job I had were referred to by a friend working in that company. I have worked in 4 companies and to one of them I returned. In my case one out of five jobs was due to a recruiter.
Posted by Dr. Elias Luna
07/07 @ 02:30 PM
07/07 @ 02:30 PM
All my jobs have happened with the help of my network. I have never had any possitive experience with a reccruiter. Big promisses most of the time and zero deliveries.
Sorry for all the recruiters out there but the system simply does not work for high caliber executives.
No matter what kind of service you offer, there is no replacement for a good functioning network.
Sorry for all the recruiters out there but the system simply does not work for high caliber executives.
No matter what kind of service you offer, there is no replacement for a good functioning network.
Posted by Russ Aebig
07/07 @ 02:15 PM
07/07 @ 02:15 PM
To the best of my knowledge, I have never joined a firm via an opportunity which came about through a recruiter. I joined my current firm based on relationships I formed during interviews for a position in a different firm nine years prior.
I believe recruiters play a valuable role however. Good recruiters expand your horizons, as do all relationships in your network. The difference with relationships with recruiters is their profession is built around landing talented people for their clients. As it turns out, recruiters more often than not enter the picture only after the inner networks are tapped. Does this make the balance of your network more opportunity-rich in terms of learning of opportunities? Maybe so.
I believe recruiters play a valuable role however. Good recruiters expand your horizons, as do all relationships in your network. The difference with relationships with recruiters is their profession is built around landing talented people for their clients. As it turns out, recruiters more often than not enter the picture only after the inner networks are tapped. Does this make the balance of your network more opportunity-rich in terms of learning of opportunities? Maybe so.
Posted by Peter Loizos
07/07 @ 02:01 PM
07/07 @ 02:01 PM
Hello, I have been recruiting for nearly 20 years. I have had the pleasure of woring with some of the brightest and talented people in the world! I have managed to keep close acuintances with most of them. These relationships allow me to reference much more effectively than just one friend or a family member etc..I do appreciate those type of references although I have to say a reference coming from a Senior Executive in the specific field has a lot more impact. Call me and find out how I can make your next move the best decision in your life!
Thanks for listening,
Peter Loizos
Thanks for listening,
Peter Loizos
Posted by Tonie
07/07 @ 12:12 PM
07/07 @ 12:12 PM
Every job I have ever had and every project I have ever worked on as a consultant was due to networking.
If you have an interest with a particular company do whatever it takes to meet as many people in that company as you can, even if it means eating or shopping, at the same places they do, get in line with them and strike a conversation. Tell everyone you know that you are interested in that company, someone will know someone there. If you do not advertise your interest no one will know.
I am in Human resources and have done a great deal of recruiting, as well as outplacement.
Recruiters place ads for a variety of reason, but most (in the high 80 to 90%) of the people we hire come to us through a referrals.
Personally I always help recruiters when they call me and when I need help they help me. Do not hang up on them do make friends with them. Their job is to network, tap into that network, by being useful to them when you can. But do not expect them to place you; they will know who's who ask for names. Remember they are there to fill a job for the company that is paying them.
The relationships you have now need nurturing, call them when you do not need something keep in touch, do not be the one that only calls when you need something.
It is OK to ask for names and phone numbers and maybe an introduction. Do not ask them to get you into the company, or to help you get the job. That is your job. Work at it 8 hours a day 5 days a week. Not just on Mondays in the morning or late afternoon. Take the job hunting task as a real full time job. Organize yourself and spend 90% of your time networking, less than 10% on the internet looking for work.
If you have an interest with a particular company do whatever it takes to meet as many people in that company as you can, even if it means eating or shopping, at the same places they do, get in line with them and strike a conversation. Tell everyone you know that you are interested in that company, someone will know someone there. If you do not advertise your interest no one will know.
I am in Human resources and have done a great deal of recruiting, as well as outplacement.
Recruiters place ads for a variety of reason, but most (in the high 80 to 90%) of the people we hire come to us through a referrals.
Personally I always help recruiters when they call me and when I need help they help me. Do not hang up on them do make friends with them. Their job is to network, tap into that network, by being useful to them when you can. But do not expect them to place you; they will know who's who ask for names. Remember they are there to fill a job for the company that is paying them.
The relationships you have now need nurturing, call them when you do not need something keep in touch, do not be the one that only calls when you need something.
It is OK to ask for names and phone numbers and maybe an introduction. Do not ask them to get you into the company, or to help you get the job. That is your job. Work at it 8 hours a day 5 days a week. Not just on Mondays in the morning or late afternoon. Take the job hunting task as a real full time job. Organize yourself and spend 90% of your time networking, less than 10% on the internet looking for work.
Posted by Ed Ellsworth
07/07 @ 11:33 AM
07/07 @ 11:33 AM
While I worked with a good number of recruiters, I landed my VP job through networking with previous contacts.
Ed
Ed
Posted by Jim
07/07 @ 11:26 AM
07/07 @ 11:26 AM
Including my first job out of undergrad school, I have been recruited for all the positions I've held with the exception of 2. One I got through a recruiter, and the other I got through networking. I'm currently networking with mixed results. Of course, I start with am offer to help and then mention what I'm trying to do. But I'm optimistic that I'll find the right person that will be able to connect me with someone that just may have that perfect role for me!
Lessons learned from and about six-figure leadership and executive career management
