how to work with an executive search firm: a guide for candidates
Unlike staffing or employment agencies, an executive search firm’s clients are always employers, never individuals seeking employment. Since executive search consultants receive resumes and conduct interviews on behalf of their client organizations, candidates are often confused about how an executive search firm works with clients and candidates to make the best match. In order to help guide candidates as they work with an executive search firm, Campbell & Company’s Director of Executive Search, Lynda M. McKay created the following list of “Do’s and Don’t’s” for candidates:
DO:
- Be aware of who the client organization is at all times. A search firm is not a placement agency.
- Send your resume to recruiters who may handle searches in your field so you are on their radar screen.
- Remember that although a recruiter is just the first hoop through which you must jump, you won’t get to the next hoop if you don’t succeed.
- Practice your telephone interviewing skills; this is always a first step in recruiting.
- Be clear about what you have accomplished, but don’t embellish.
- Know that you probably won’t be presented to a client unless you have the right experience and skills.
- Remember that if you are presented to a client, one of the most important variables in getting the job will be chemistry.
- Keep in mind that the higher up the ladder you climb, the more open you must be to relocation.
- Follow up with search firms when you have switched jobs to tell them how to reach you at your new position.
- Share your full compensation with a search consultant; you don’t want them to waste your time.
- Keep in mind that the search process always takes longer than everyone wants for numerous reasons.
- Act with integrity at all times and expect the consultant to do the same.
DON’T:
- Limit yourself to recruiters in your own geographic preference areas. It’s a global workplace, and executive search is not a local business.
- Bother to send more than one resume to a search firm—all search firms keep candidates in their databases.
- Expect a search firm to help you change careers; they are looking for a specific background and demonstrated results of success.
- Try to convince a search consultant that you are perfect for the job if they have already told you that you are not a good fit.
- Pester a search consultant, but if you haven’t heard from them in several weeks, it’s okay to place a friendly follow-up call.
