From the General Sessions: How to Leverage Executive Search Firms: Getting Positioned for Your Next Executive Role
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By Sheryl S. Jackson
A blue ribbon panel of executive search firm leaders offered advice on how to make yourself visible to search firms and what to expect when working with a recruiter.
Billy Dexter, partner at Heidrick & Struggles, moderated the panel, which included Victor Arias Jr., senior client partner and global leader of diversity and inclusion for Korn/Ferry International, Dwain Celistan, executive recruiter of the global diversity practice for DHR International, Darrell James, principal of James and Jordan, and Ginny Clarke, principal of Knightsbridge Human Capital Solutions.
Tips and advice offered by the experts included:
- Be clear that the executive search firm is working on behalf of the corporate client, not the job candidate.
- Do not pay recruiters for a job placement.
- Be honest on your résumé – recruiters verify education, references, salary and past employment.
- Meet with a recruiter for a face-to-face, telephone or video session to review your experience and give the recruiter a chance to get to know you.
- Even if you are not looking for a job, talk to recruiters when they call – your behavior, ability to refer someone else, or conversation may lead to future connections when you need them.
- Be specific about what you want and create different résumés tailored to different positions.
- Best way to get recruiters’ attention is to be referred to them by someone they know.
- Another way to get noticed is to publish articles or books, speak as an expert at conferences, or take on leadership roles in organizations. These efforts lead to recruiters calling you, rather than you contacting them.
- Don’t focus only on executive search firms when looking for a position – use the network you’ve developed to find opportunities.
- On résumé and in conversations, describe your talents and skills with examples of what you’ve done and how your achievements added value to the company’s bottom line.
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