The Executive Search Process: What Can You Expect?

Many employers hire executive recruiters to help them fill their most senior and highest-paying positions. It is beneficial for you to build a relationship with a recruiter long before you intend to actively make a career move.

Tips for Success

For an executive recruiter to do their job well, they must match the right person with the right opportunity. Help your recruiter to fully understand your unique situation and exactly where you would like to take your career.

Be prepared to answer the following questions:

• What is your current base salary?
• What are your compensation expectations?
• If you are in transition, why did you leave your last employer?
• Which companies have you applied to in the past year?
• Are you willing to relocate?
• Do you have any contingencies attached to your pending job change, such as selling your home or finding a job for your spouse or significant other?
• Did you sign a non-compete agreement?
• Can you pass a background check and drug screening?

As you set these relationship building blocks, keep these considerations in mind:

• Be honest. Your recruiter will strategize how to work around obstacles and leverage your strengths, but they cannot do their job unless you are upfront with them. Never exaggerate your credentials or accomplishments. Any lies discovered will damage your credibility and reputation.
• Be sure. Offer yourself as a candidate for a position only if you have a serious interest in it. Thoroughly assess your current situation before making any kind of commitment.
• Offer to help. If your recruiter contacts you about a job that does not interest you, suggest other professionals whom you think may want to pursue the opportunity. You will improve your standing with both parties as a result.
• Define your boundaries. Let your recruiter know if certain industries, employers or geographic areas are off limits for you. Hint: Keep in mind that the more you narrow your search parameters, the fewer options you will have.
• Provide references. Include the names and contact information of references when you send your resume to a recruiter. They can be former bosses, colleagues or direct reports. This helps a recruiter’s efforts to best represent you to their clients.
• Explain rejections. Let your recruiter know the reasons why some jobs are not a good match for you. This will enable them to clear up any inaccurate impressions they may have and gain a fuller understanding of your preferences.
• Stay in touch. Keep your executive recruiter in the loop. Check in with them every couple of months to stay on their radar. If they set you up with an interview, provide prompt feedback on how it went. Work with them by doing your own research on preferred employers and offering a list of those that you feel would be a good fit.

Partner with an executive recruiter from BrainWorks to help guarantee optimal success as you seek your next great job. Use our Submit Resume Form to send us your information right now.

If we have an opening that is right for you, we will contact you as soon as possible. We can not only assist you throughout the interview process, but also help with negotiations, offer acceptance and your successful onboarding in your new role. Contact us today to learn more.