Archive for November, 2008
How best can I get my resume noticed by a search professional?
November 7, 2008 2:52 pm
Could you please advise on how best to get my resume and background noticed by an executive search firm - I have had 2 experiences with search firms; one that contacted me about a position and one that I contacted regarding a specific position. I have posted my resume on BlueSteps and am wondering what more I can do.
The following are some ideas to get noticed by an Executive Search Firm:
1. Ask friends of yours who are top level executives what search firms they use and who their contact person is and if you could use their name.
2. Use professional networking sites for people who are recruiters from these firms and contact those in your specialty area and see if they are working on searches where you might be of help.
3. Do you know anyone hiring? Recruiters love to get good leads.
4. Attend seminars where recruiters will be on panels. BlueSteps, alumni associations and trade associations often have speakers from search firms.
5. Do something different. Send an article that might be of interest along with your resume.
6. Call during out of work hours when they might be at their desk.
7. Get referrals from people you know who might have been placed by a search firm.
8. Check to make sure that the key words are on your resume that would be picked up from a search firm via the internet.
9. Are there any alumni from your school that are in recruiting?
10. Look for specific job postings on the firms’ websites and on the BlueSteps Opportunities page and respond specifically to those relevant. When calling to follow up ask if there is a Senior Associate you can speak to dedicated to your specific area. Sometimes it’s easier to get an Associate on the phone than a consultant/partner of the firm.
I am in Los Angeles, and entertaining the notion of searching/subsequently securing an expatriate position in Europe. Do you have any pointers as to search firms that SPECIALIZE or hold strong history in the placement of US-based execs into overseas companies, especially in the EU?
Below is a list of some search firms that are global. BlueSteps has a more comprehensive list on the website. Seek out consultants from these firms that focus on your area of specialization within the European market. Target 4 to 5 initially and contact them directly to introduce yourself and begin the networking process.
The Amrop Hever Group
Boyden
Gow & Partners
Heidrick & Struggles
Korn Ferry International
Penryhn
Ray & Berndtson
Russell Reynolds
Signium International
Spencer Stuart
Stanton Chase
TRANSEARCH International
The Whitney Group
Approximately 16 months ago, I left a VP position at a major retailer where I had been an associate for 17 years, the last 8 of which achieving outstanding success in the area of e-commerce. The reason for my departure was due to a change in business direction. I left the company in good standing, was treated well and was fairly compensated ($350K). Since my departure I have worked as an independent consultant focusing on retail e-commerce thought leadership. Unfortunately, due to the nature and duration of these engagements, I miss the team dynamic and the opportunity to develop leaders, relationships and see the strategies faithfully executed. Last month I decided to begin looking for a senior leadership assignment and have informed several colleagues that I am currently available.
I am seeking your advice on how to approach the following two points as I begin the executive search and interview process:
1. I am in my mid 50’s and do not hold an academic degree. (severe family calamities rendered this objective impossible).
2. My decision to do independent consulting instead of going directly into a similar position. (I thought I would enjoy the freedom… I miss the intense action of day-to-day engagement)
I would appreciate your perspective on how you would view a candidate of similar circumstance, what questions you would need answered and how I should respond to provide sufficient explanation.
1. Usually candidates of your tenure have already proven themselves without degrees. Say what you just stated as the reason why you never got one. If this is troublesome to you, take some certification courses at your local university so you can put something on your resume. However, it sounds to me like you have had great success without it.
2. I think your instincts are correct on this one. Say what you just wrote in the interview. What gets most people in trouble is when they try to cover up or formulate responses to questions instead of telling the actual real story of what happened. Most hiring managers can respect someone who has tried something new and then changed their mind. It’s not in the changing that is the issue but rather, how you view it, what you learned and what you are doing about it now.
If you come across as sincere and concentrate on your successes at your retail position, this is where the prospective employer will focus. What new things have you learned in consulting that you can bring to a new firm? What is it about the day to day action that you miss? What issues does the potential employer have that you can help fix? What keeps the CEO of the company awake at night? What are their needs and what experience/credentials do you have that could meet those needs? This should be your focus. In the end, the company is more concerned about what you can do for them and the more you spend time figuring this out, the greater chance you have of capturing their attention.
I began a job search about 3 months ago, as a current executive in an automotive supplier. My question regarding search firms is: What is the best way to initiate/develop a relationship with a search consultant?
My current strategy is to let them know I have an interest in a new opportunity, send them my resume, and wait to hear more. In your mind, is this too passive?
Yes if you wait to hear more, especially in the current market climate, you may never get a call. I have always told my clients to first get a referral from someone you know who has been placed by someone in a search firm. Then, call the recruiter and use the person’s name so there is a reference point to start the conversation. Introduce yourself by saying that you would like to both learn about opportunities and help the recruiter network with people you may know that could fit open searches that they are working on. Developing a relationship with a search professional is always more successful if it’s a two way street.
Also if possible, talk to the executive search professionals before you are in the market looking for work. That way, when you are looking, you already have a list of consultants already known to you to call. Keep in touch by sending relevant articles that may be of interest in their field of specialization and when you get a call, if you are not suited for the role see if you can help by offering referrals.
If you do not know anyone who has been placed or who has a relationship with a recruiter you can email your resume. A couple days later, follow up with a phone call to see if they received it. Remind them who you are and when you sent the resume. Then ask when is a good time to follow up. You can always ask, “how should I best communicate with you”. Should I follow up with an email? If I don’t hear back, may I call you?” Ask if there is anyone else in the firm that would be a better fit for you to speak with.
Despite the busy schedule of a recruiter, its hard to turn someone down who is offering to be helpful so always ask if there are ways that you can be helpful as well. Good luck
