What is Executive Search?Executive search consulting is a specialized form of management consulting that organizations use to find talented executives to fill their most critical senior positions. Executive search consultants, sometimes known as recruiters or "headhunters," save organizations time and money by ensuring the right fit the first time. Forging strong relationships with them gives candidates access to a “hidden job market” of high-level, challenging, rarely advertised positions.

Why Do Organizations use Executive Search?Executive search firms help organizations worldwide find top talent to fill executive management positions. An executive search consultant is a specialized recruiter and management consultant who can offer industry-specific knowledge and expertise, conduct talent assessments, expand talent diversity and more to ensure the best candidate is selected for an executive role or open seat on a board of directors.

How Do You Build Relationships with Search Consultants?Search consultants are busy people like you and first and foremost they work on behalf of hiring organizations (their clients), not candidates seeking jobs. However, much of their value involves knowing specific industries and markets deeply and getting to know diverse and talented executives in those industries and markets, as well as the next generation up and coming talent. Understanding how to be a source of industry information can help you establish mutually beneficial relationships with executive recruiters.

AESC vetted recruiters search BlueSteps member profiles every day to find potential new talent for their open searches. For a more proactive approach, we also provide BlueSteps members with our AESC Search Firm Directory to identify search consultants who specialize in their industry, function and geographic location, and guide them through crafting an effective communication that resonates with recruiters.