More Questions About Working With Executive Recruiters

To complete the recap of my presentation and follow on discussion with the BENG Group earlier this month, it is appropriate to address the remaining questions posed to me.  Those three questions are addressed herein below.

1. After all these years, why are educational credentials still an issue?

One would think that after thirty years of experience, one’s educational credentials would not be such an issue.  Generally speaking, your education is less important over time because employers hire you for your experience and accomplishments.  But, that is not always the case.  

Recruiters and their researchers work off scripts.  They are given Job Descriptions and Candidate Specifications by the client.  In many cases, I help my clients write job descriptions.  Education credentials are usually a baseline, not necessarily a deal breaker.   For the mature executives with long careers, education becomes less of an issue than for someone beginning their career.   For technical fields, where mastery of state of the art is required, academic credentials are more important.  For most of these occupations, it is unlikely to have built a career without the proper educational credentials. 

In the service sector, a formal education may be overcome by on-the-job training.  Where interpersonal skills are more important than technical skills, educational requirements may be less relevant.

Sometimes educational credentials are a cultural imperative, especially if the company is a highly desirable employer.  If you have a lot of people who want to work for you, increasing the hiring standards is a natural progression for selection.  If there are a lot of candidates interested in the job opening, the hiring manager will be more discriminating.  In this case, if not a match with the hiring criteria, one would be well-advised to look elsewhere,

The issue may not be confined to having a College education, but the prestige of the College you attended or the degree you received.  Assuming a leadership role is easier if the employee has a more distinguished education, “street cred,” as it were.  Window dressing or hiring managers with impeccable educational credentials is usually more significant for the most Senior Executives in Public Companies.  However, there are exceptions to this rule as well. 

[Tweet “All things being equal, your accomplishments;  history of success, trumps all other criteria.”]  Overcoming educational deficiencies later in one’s career may not be a productive use of time.  However, a wise strategy for any career-minded person is to invest in continued professional development.  Continuing education and professional certification may well mitigate a weak educational background.

 

Click Here to For Our Free Resume Cheat Sheet Offer!

 

2. How much information should I include in my LinkedIn profile?

Recruiters use LinkedIn to find viable candidates.  If you are looking for a new job, LinkedIn must become a prominent part of your job search strategy.  I recommend that you step up to a paid subscription, as the added features will enhance your ability to find a job in less time. 

You must leverage the value of LinkedIn.  Ensure that your LinkedIn profile is a complete representation of your career history. It should include every bit of career information you present in your resume, and more.  Use industry-specific terminology and keywords relevant to your functional discipline.  Edit your status to indicate that you are between situations and actively looking.  Make sure your contact details are available and easy to find.  Make periodic updates to keep your network engaged.

Use LinkedIn’s full capabilities.  Actively build your network by becoming linked to more people.  Be involved in groups and follow target companies.  Become a subject matter expert and publish articles relevant to your career.   Ask for as many recommendations as you can. 

3. How does one find an executive recruiter that specializes in my professional niche?

This was the easiest question to answer.  Even so, it was a bit of a surprise.  I assumed that this would be common knowledge for these folks. Lesson learned! The obvious places to find Recruiters that specialize in your industry sector include Trade Associations, The National Association of Personnel Services, and by old-fashioned networking.   Additionally, you can locate this information by searching LinkedIn.

Kennedy Information Inc. and the Association of Executive Search Consultants publish directories and provide database services for a fee.  Before making an investment in these services, check with your local library as they may be a subscriber.

Free directories to consider are RileyGuide.com, recruiterlink.com, onlinerecruitersdirectory.com, searchfirm.com and i-recruit.com

The role and function of the Executive Recruiter are often misunderstood. One does not need to grope around in the dark, however, as there is information available to improve your knowledge base.  All that is required is a few commands typed into your search engine.  Or better yet, follow my blog for useful tips and insight.

Thank you for visiting my blog.  I hope you enjoyed my point of view and would like to receive regular posts directly to your email inbox. Toward this end, put your contact information on my mailing list.  

Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read. Your input is important to me so; please leave a comment.

 

Jim Weber, President

New Century Dynamics Executive Search

JimWeber@NewCenturyDynamics.com

Author of: Fighting Alligators: Job Search Strategy For The New Normal

 

Job Search Strategy For The New Normal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assignments

1. COO- Atlanta-based Casual Dining Restaurant Company – New

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

 

 

Free: Executive Resume Cheat Sheet

SEND ME THE FREE EXECUTIVE RESUME CHEAT SHEET!

 

I see a lot of resumes, believe me!  It is a fundamental part of my job.  Most of the resumes I see are dreadful. They are working against the job seeker, forcing them into a prolonged period of unemployment.   Unfortunately, most job seekers don’t appreciate that their poorly written resume is hurting them.

If you are unemployed, you can only think of getting another job to protect your financial well-being.  That is understandable.  You might not know that your resume is working against you.  That it costs you time and money, you cannot afford.   It is hurting your career and your financial goals.   Do you want to get back to work, or suffer a prolonged period of unemployment?   The solution is in your hands.

From time to time I help my candidates craft an effective resume for a fee.   My most successful candidates understand the need for an effective resume and are willing to pay a reasonable price for my help.   No, resume writing is not my primary line of business, but I am happy to help when I can. 

I understand that conserving cash is a priority for most unemployed people.  I get it! 

So, what if you knew the secrets to crafting a killer resume; one that would shorten your job search.  A resume that will help you get the job you want.  Wouldn’t you want to know that secret?  Wouldn’t you want to shorten your time between jobs?   I certainly would!

Fortunately for you, I have been presented with a fantastic resource which I can make available to you, compliments of my friends at CareerTuner.   I have been authorized to share the secrets of the best resume writers, at no charge to you.  That’s right.  I am allowed to help you craft a killer resume at no cost to you.  I have been granted the right to send you The Executive Resume Cheat Sheet, free.  I wholeheartedly endorse this fantastic tool!  It will ensure that you have a professional resume which will help you land that ideal job in the shortest time possible.

SEND ME THE FREE EXECUTIVE RESUME CHEAT SHEET!

 

Need a Resume for a Manager Level Job?

SEND ME THE FREE MANAGER RESUME CHEAT SHEET!

 

Need a Resume for a Non-Manager Level Job?

SEND ME THE FREE NON-MANAGER RESUME CHEAT SHEET!

 

Need a Resume for a Career Change?

SEND ME THE FREE CAREER CHANGE RESUME CHEAT SHEET!

 

Are You a Recent Grad in Need a Resume?

SEND ME THE FREE RECENT GRAD RESUME CHEAT SHEET!