Executives, no matter what phase of your executive job search you are in, there will come a time when you will cross paths with an executive recruiter. They are major players in the executive search industry; and many service large companies as clients. Recruiters are an integral part of the hiring process.
 
Executive Recruiters Connect With Executives
 
It is easier than ever for recruiters to check out executives online. More than 82% of recruiters and employers will Google your name before they contact you to find any information about you online. With a mounting number of jobs listed in online job boards and websites, there is a lot of social recruiting occurring.
 
BlueSteps is a great source for recruiters to find executives. Recruiting firms are also using LinkedIn as one of their key resources for finding executives. Building your brand consistently online, positioning yourself as a thought leader in your field and leveraging social media are key to increasing your visibility.
 
The top three things recruiters look at in an executive’s profile:
 
1. What you post is important. Recruiters want to see how executives are leveraging social media and engaging in discussions to see how they think and interact with others.
 
2. Who you know. Recruiters want to know how well connected you are in your industry. Are you connected to influencers in your field? Professional groups and associations also shed light on your business interests, and can translate to your interest to learn new skills and to broaden your professional knowledge.
 
3. What your profile reveals. Executive recruiters want to find out everything they can about you in a quick sound bite. They are looking for a profile that shows them why you are the best candidate for the job they are seeking to fill.
 
Executives Connect With Recruiters
 
One of the myths of connecting with recruiters is “if you post a resume, they will call.” Being proactive and involved in your executive job search is a more realistic approach and will result in a successful outcome. Utilize the resources you have through BlueSteps, LinkedIn, and other online sites to find and connect with recruiters.
 
1. Find the right targets. You'll improve your chances of a return call if you locate recruiters who specialize in your industry (pharmaceutical, manufacturing, financial services, healthcare, etc.) or function (sales, marketing, finance, human resources, etc.).
 
2. Frame a compelling introduction message. Reach out to the executive recruiters available to you through your online (BlueSteps, LinkedIn) and offline resources with a reason to contact you. Recruiters, like anyone, appreciate courtesy, and respect for their time, and anything you can do to make their job easier is a plus for you.
 
3. Form a relationship. Many executives don't contact executive search firms until they have a career crisis. It's best if you can initiate contact with executive recruiters long before you need them—build a relationship before you conduct a search. Even if you are not the right person for the job today, you’ll gain favor with a recruiter if you can be a resource to them and provide referrals to others.  
 
Many executives feel stonewalled by recruiters who don't acknowledge resumes or return phone calls. Keep in mind their time is valuable, they are likely looking at dozens of executive candidates for different search assignments at the same time, and are usually working under tight time constraints. Understanding how to connect to and work with recruiters will help you manage this aspect of your job search with less frustration.