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.

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

I am an investment banker with 20 years of experience willing to market myself as a candidate for board seats in companies across different industries and advisory board seats with Private Equity funds. The common denominator would be my knowledge and experience in the US Hispanic market. My question relates as to how I can identify search firms specialized in filling board seats for companies and PE funds to market myself?

BlueSteps offers a list of some of the leading AESC member search firms that have board practices (see the Board of Directors page within the Career Channel on the website). This is a good start but you will have to network your way into these companies. Most top search firms that target executive level candidates have a board practice. You would need to call each one of them to find out who to contact. Most of these assignments are by word of mouth. In terms of your own research, you can look up companies you might be interested in and see who backs them. Once you have identified the PE firm, they usually have a list on their website of companies that they fund. Unfortunately, there is no quick fix here in terms of getting a list so specific to the Hispanic market that I am aware. In some ways, this can work to your advantage because the “process of researching” is where you may find the gold nugget!

Is there a market in the US banking industry for a “successful” Manager native of South America, currently working as an expatriate in Europe for a global banking company with 20 years of experience? For family reasons I would like to spend more time in the USA before returning to my country.

Because of the expense and Visa process, companies in the US will typically hire non-citizens for either of these reasons
1) A US based company that would want you to learn how the home office works and then take your experience back to your native country
2) A non-US company seeking to hire you to help them expand their presence in the US market place

Therefore, the question to ask yourself then is in which category might you fall and, if none of the above, then what technical skill or experience do you offer that would make you a good candidate for a US bank?

I have transitioned/advanced in my career from Architecture/Engineering to most recently starting a Government Services Division for an international industrial REIT (commercial real estate firm). I’d like to take advantage of the new focus by the US and international financial community in investing in Public-Private Infrastructure and other ‘privatization’ of government assets (for which I have great direct experience with but I don’t have a traditional finance or business background or degrees). Would appreciate any advice.

It is not clear whether you are looking to advise investors or looking to work in this area. If you are looking to become part of a firm that does this I suggest you spend time at your present firm getting more results and establish credibility. While you are doing this you can gain more experience in the field. Get into an executive MBA program to gain some financial credentials. You might consider seeing if there are certification programs at a noted business school where you live. This is useful not only for further education, but also looks good on your resume!

1). I have found that very often I am labeled “over qualified” when submitting my candidature for a search mandate. Whether or not this is code for “too old” (age can be somewhat deducted by the career dates) I don’t know, and I’ll give the benefit of the doubt.
What is your view on:

a). avoiding the “over qualification” trap

I do not think there is a way to avoid this. If you are willing to work at a lower level even though you are more experienced then be honest and say so and state the reason. Otherwise look for a position where you will be appreciated for your experience and wisdom. If you enter into an interview thinking that you will be rejected because you are over qualified then you will be. Your answers will all be given through the “over qualification trap lens” protecting yourself from getting caught in it.

b). career dates and age

Everyone knows how to add. If recruiters and potential employers want to know your age, they will ask dates of graduation. Put it on your resume ahead of time to avoid getting into situations where you feel trapped by your level of experience and age. If you are convinced that you need to hide your age, develop a functional resume that does not include dates and highlights your skills. If you need an example of one I am happy to provide this for you. Personally, I do not suggest this as a way to avoid your age. Your challenge is to find a role, whether it’s forming your own consulting company or service business, where you are viewed as trusted advisor, a mentor and an executive who can be proud to have the knowledge, wisdom and experience that you have. If you project this out, you will be surprised at what new opportunities will present themselves to you.

2). related to this is the following:
I have a variety of talents that are not necessarily all related. However if I list all of these in a CV or cover letter, it will sound pompous, arrogant or worse, yet, these are all desirable qualities. How can I advertise this without making it sound intimidating or false?

Simply state the facts as you have on your resume. Why would stating this be thought of as false? In your resume however it’s not necessary to state, for instance, that people like working for you. Instead, have examples of why this is the case. What qualities do you have that make you desirable to work with? How do you know that people like working with you? Have you received this information in a 360 feedback or performance appraisal? Have the examples ready so that you can discuss them in an interview.

Also, in order to avoid sounding arrogant, choose the top three things that would be most relevant to talk about in an interview. Out of all the things you mentioned, which would be the most important for them to know about you? Avoid a litany of things as the main points will get lost in the details and length.

I am looking to relocate to Dubai for a lifestyle change. I currently work as a regional IT Director in London for a property development and construction firm. I am happy with my current role but unfortunately they do not have a presence in the UAE and have no plans to do so.I am looking to have a similar role in Dubai but am not familiar with the local executive search agencies, nor do I truly understand how the recruitment market works there. What advice would you give me in my search?

I consulted with an executive who has been living in Dubai for several years who said that it is a very tough and competitive environment. It is my understanding that there are no meaningful labor laws, high house rents, and 12%+ inflation. There is a shortage of good schools and many people who live there are working at all levels for low salaries.

There are two types of jobs that exist either for a local company or a foreign company.

• Make sure that the package covers housing
• Contact local offices of international firms and network aggressively to get contacts in locally owned search firms and with potential employers
• Visit there for at least a week to meet people and network

I am a post graduate engineer with rich experience in Hi tech IT solutions. I set up a new business in consultancy and professional services, heading up the formulation and delivery of Hi tech solutions leading to significant business benefits. I have over 26 years of rich experience and am looking forward to leading a company. Can you suggest suitable options?

Your question is a bit unclear in terms of what you are asking. Are you considering staying in the same industry? How large was the professional services firm and what lessons did you learn that you can transfer to a new business? Are you looking to stay in the same industry? How large was your P and L? Think about the leaders who you know who are successful and ask yourself what qualities and experience they have that you already know. What skills do you need to further develop and how can you compensate for this in your next role as a leader in a new company?

Given that you might be starting your own company, you are already on the right track having had the experience of writing a business plan and managing yourself and your company toward goals and a plan to achieve them. If you have managed both profit and loss, revenue and expense side, then you have transformed yourself from an individual contributor in a high tech, to managing high tech, and subsequently forming a company to provide consultant services. .

I assume that you have managed staff and had to sell in the market to gain clients. These skills are what you need for a leadership position with any company whether in infancy or having reached maturity. These success stories are what you need to take into the interview so the board/partners or investors see that what you have done relates to an established company. Good luck and feel free to write back for a follow up question with more specifics if this has not adequately answered your initial inquiry, Good luck to you!