Working With Executive Recruiters: Be A Competitive Candidate

As I mentioned in recent posts, my searches are generating a very high volume of candidates. Most are gainfully employed. It is clear that there is a lot of competition for jobs, especially for a step up, or a better situation. If you are serious about landing a new job, you must be a competitor!
 
These five points will set you apart from the rest of the field!

1. Demonstrate your match to the job requirements.
2. Prepare for all interviews and conversations.
3. Turn your accomplishments into short stories.
4. Build a Support Team.
5. Be an Effective Communicator
 
The first step is critical to getting onto the playing field. You must demonstrate your bona fides and make a good impression. I will discuss your resume later, however, at this point understand that Executive Recruiters need your entire work history. Don’t waste their time. Always provide them a resume that documents your complete work history. You may want other versions with a shorter time span, say the last ten years, which you can send directly to hiring managers.
 
You should tailor your resume, to put emphasis on your fit with the company’s requirements. One classic technique is to develop a two column handout that lists the job requirements in one column, and matching qualifications in the other column. This is a useful document to engage the recruiter and can be helpful during the interview process. I encourage my candidates to present that document to the interviewer at the beginning of their discussion. In most cases it will become the agenda for the interview. It would also be helpful to present a top-ten list of your key accomplishments.
 
The absolute best way to convey one’s accomplishments during an interview is by telling stories. When talking about your accomplishments keep the STAR acronym in mind. Your interviewer will be interested to know the situation, “ST”; the alternatives you evaluated and the action was chosen, “A”; and the result of your actions, “R.” Hiring managers are very interested in learning about your problem-solving skills. You should be prepared to discuss the implementation of the corrective action, especially if it required the management of a team. Stories make an impact! They engage the interviewer and will be remembered. For greater impact, add some humor and key learning.
 
Preparation and planning are the keys to success in any endeavor. Competing for a job is no different. You must understand the situation and adapt. Understand the company’s selection process. Do they use a “structured interview” process, if so, which model? How many people will interview you? What is their role in the hiring decision? How will you interface with those people on the job? Be sure to have an idea as to the background of each of those folks to help you establish a bond. Do you know the company culture and its values? What about the performance of the company’s key products and services? The more you learn during the recruiting and selection process, the less you will need to learn when you join the team. This will not go unnoticed.

Landing a job is a team effort! After you have established your bona fides and great stories to tell, assemble a team to help you sell your case. Your team will consist of the external recruiter, any external parties who have connections to the hiring manager, company employees who will be a part of the hiring process, and of course, your references. Let these people know of your interest in the position and your top three qualifications to do the job. Court them and win them over.

Finally, keep all relevant parties updated as to your interest in the position. Send thank you notes to everyone you meet for an interview. Remember; your thank-you note is another opportunity to sell yourself and to express your continued interest in the job. Keep your references in the loop, primed and ready. Communicate frequently with your recruiter to stay current in the search, and to respond to any important questions.
Ensure that you stand out from the crowd by your enthusiasm and professionalism! Understand that no matter how strong your background, there are many other viable candidates in the queue.
 
Key Points to Remember:
1. Demonstrate your match to the job requirements.
2. Prepare for all interviews and conversations.
3. Turn your accomplishments into short stories.
4. Build a Support Team.
5. Be an Effective Communicator

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Jim Weber, President
New Century Dynamics Executive Search
Author of: Fighting Alligators: Job Search Strategy For The New Normal

Current Assignments

1. Strategic Partner - Atlanta-based B2B Professional Services Company - Complete
2. Director of Business Dev, Atlanta-based B2B Professional Services Company: New
3. Payroll-Benefits Manager, Atlanta-based Retail Company.
4. Senior Accounting Manager – Atlanta-based Manufacturer.
5. Controller - Orlando, FL-based Restaurant Company: 

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