I'm a
How much time should I dedicate to working with recruiters?
Answers
Networking is the number one activity you should focus on. If you receive a referral from someone that will make you stand out. Also remember that your resume will be among many in response to job ads. Recruiters work for their client and not for you.
Well said Joan, bravo!
In fact, the Code of Ethics from the National Association of Executive Recruiters http://www.naer.org/code-of-ethics/ doesn't even mention candidates, which is you, in the verbiage. You are not important.
I gave a lecture last night and the topic was Networking=Job Opportunities =Networking.
You need to network with both other finance people, but also and this is important, people in the industry that you wish to work in. So if there are industry associations, go to those meeting.
After you find your job, DON'T stop networking.... Always keep your name out there, because you never know a) who you can help and b) that person may be yourself!
Too many senior financial job seekers believe that spending time reaching out to recruiters is helpful in a job search.
As a CFO Search Specialist I can tell you that this is an inefficient use of time.
Finance People are supposed to understand business, yet few understand how Executive Search works.
The Executive Search business model is simple. *Companies* pay Search firms to find them what they are looking for. To Search Firms, the company is the client, not the candidate. When you add to the fact that Retained Search Firms are completely committed to filling the search for the company, Retained Search Firms will never market a finance professional to companies in search of mandates.
While contingent recruiters might market candidates to companies to drum up business, working with contingency recruiters has significant risks for senior financial professionals like CFOs.
Who You Know is vital to continued
My Search colleagues are excellent in their field. Just be completely aware that they know how to find you if they need you - Just make sure your LinkedIn Profile is active and up to date.
You don't need to reach out to all Executive Search professionals in the country to find a job. You need to work your network.
Samuel
1
Well said Samuel - their are some ethical recruiters and your post shows exactly where you stand. bravo!
A "pull" vs. "push" strategy works MUCH better with recruiters. In other words, you have something they want and you have the visibility that tells recruiters you have what they want and need in their search req.
That said, a good rule of thumb is to remember that recruiters hold roughly 8-10% of the job market and so your time working with recruiters should not exceed 10% of "proactive" networking time.
Wayne well said that you need to keep networking even after you have found a job as you never know when you will be looking again. Plus if you are networking better opportunities may come to you. One other tip..if you find an organization that you find useful the best way to use it is to become involved in some way. Most industry organizations rely on volunteers and your help will be welcome.
Filed Under:
Human Capital