​Understanding the Executive Recruitment Process
Insights from Evolve Career
Understanding the Executive Recruitment Process
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Executive recruiters play a key important role in the job search process. It's important to prepare for and approach these interactions with them strategically.
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There are Three Main Types of Recruiters:
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1. Those that are employed full-time by a company and are recruiting talent for that company only.
2. Those that are employed by an executive search firm and seek talent for several different companies (although generally are focused on a specific role - C-Suite, non-profit leaders -- or industry -- healthcare, life sciences, etc.).
3. Independent recruiters who are likely to be working to fill very different roles and may not have similar roles to the ones they are recruiting for now coming up in the near future.
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There are other companies that will source jobs for the candidates. Generally, they charge the candidate for their services and can really vary in cost. Some just provide lists of jobs without any connections to the employer. Others may help the candidate prepare for the job search, such as writing resumes or updating their LinkedIn profile. It is important to distinguish these coaches or career consultants from executive recruiters who are motivated to fill positions which are likely not advertised and are in the hidden job market.
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Tips for Working with Executive Recruiters
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When you first talk to the recruiter, they are likely to ask about the salary. Have a range in mind for the job you are talking to them about. State only your desired total compensation not base salary.
If you accept the initial interview and the recruiter describes the job and you are not interested in it, tell them directly and quickly. They are paid by the company who is filling the position and they don't want to take the time to present you as a candidate if you wouldn't take the job.
Explain clearly why you are not interested in the job and instead talk about the type of job you would like and see if they ever recruit for the type of job. They may consider you for another position.
It is rare, but a recruiter may ask you to interview with a client for a position where they have a lead candidate, but the client wants to interview more than one candidate. The recruiter may ask you to interview as one of the alternate candidates. It is often a good idea to help the recruiter however you can, if they are likely to think highly about you and help you with a future role.
Recruiters will often give you insight into the role and why the client is filling it now. They may also know which of the requirements in the job description are the most important to the client. These insights may give you a leg up during the job interview.
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