How to Get the Attention of Executive Recruiters and Further your Career
Executive Career Advice
November 19th 2018
Taking your career to the next level is the aim of every executive. However, this is often easier said than done and for some executives, it can prove difficult. You need direction, drive and determination to ensure that your career follows the path you envision. You also need the right contacts and to make sure that you get the attention of executive recruiters seeking to fill positions with people just like you.
In order to ensure that you are recognised by the right executive recruiters, it’s important first to have a clear understanding of their role. Remember that executive recruitment specialists are just that, specialists at recruiting executives for very specific, generally highly sought-after positions.
They don’t work just to find jobs for people but rather, they find the very best people for very specific jobs.
Being able to get their attention and put your best foot forward is crucial in keeping your executive career on track.
Continue reading to learn what you can do to get the attention of those in executive recruitment and move your career in the right direction.
“[Executive Recruiters] don’t work just to find jobs for people but rather, they find the very best people for very specific jobs.”
1. Be an Industry Leader
One great way to make yourself visible to executive recruiters is by establishing yourself as a leader in your industry. Start a blog and publish amazing, informative and engaging content. Inspire others in your industry through your social media activity. Seek out publishing opportunities in print or online at credible websites to work towards establishing yourself as a true authoritative entity in your niche.
2. Share and Engage
Rather than just blindly contacting executive recruitment firms to let them know you are interested in a position, offer them some value instead. Share something that you have access to that might help them in their search. Perhaps you have specific industry knowledge or you have a list of great candidates form a recent networking event you attended. Whatever it is, by sharing something of value you can engage with the recruiter and raise your position from a candidate to a colleague.
3. Recommend Colleagues
To help bridge the gap between a cold-calling applicant and respected colleague, don’t be afraid to recommend colleagues or friends for a position. If you’re not interested in the position, you can do a lot to bolster the recruiter’s opinion of you by helping out. When the time comes that you are reaching out to the recruiter for a position you’re interested in, there will be a much greater chance that they will take your call or answer your email.
4. Take the Call
You don’t want to gain a reputation as rude or unfriendly. It’s important in business to always keep doors open, maintain positive relationships and avoid burning bridges, especially with recruiters.
Even if you are happy with your current position, you just don’t know what the future might hold so always take a recruiter’s call. Giving the best possible impression of yourself now could be a lot of help to you in the future, so get their attention now by being positive and outgoing even if you’re not interested.
Get Noticed and Move Forward
Securing an executive position is arguably more competitive than ever so it’s crucial you do what you can to ensure you stand out to recruiters. Be helpful, polite, positive and establish yourself as an industry leader, even when you’re not looking for a new job.
You never know when it might be time to cross one of those bridges you’ve built ahead of time and when you do, you’ll be happy to see a friendly colleague on the other side.
Looking for Help Preparing for your Next Career Move?
If you are looking to change your career and want some recruitment advice from an experienced team, contact our office today.
