Rita Ashley, Career Coach. Field tested advice for executives.

BASIC RULES FOR CONTACTING EXECUTIVE RECRUITERS
And a few things not to do

The Recruiter you want is one of the busiest professionals in town. Don’t waste her time and please, don’t take it personally if she won’t take your call, doesn’t respond to your emails or doesn’t remember your name. More than likely she works long hours on behalf of her clients, the hiring authority, and vets many executives whose credentials look and feel just like yours.

If she is so busy, how do you get her attention? The most effective way for an Executive to get any Recruiter’s attention is through a referral. You know that and you have an excellent referral or introduction.

That part is easy, now to make that phone call or send that email. Understand even with a referral, you still have to motivate the Recruiter to respond.

• Be prepared to leave voice mail; keep it short and articulate your contact information very slowly. Then repeat it.
• Have a 30 second elevator pitch ready.
• Let her know the best time and way to contact you.
• If you email, make certain she is on your “allowed” email list.  Check your spam folder constantly.
• Have an answer to, “What can I do for you?”
• Have an answer to, “How do you know [name of referring party]?”

Understand the probability she is working on a search that matches your background is very slim. Understand she is busy focused on her bottom line; finding candidates for her current clients. Understand she may be friendly, but she is not your friend; keep all conversation on point to your mission.

Remember, she has heard it all before and does not like to be patronized, manipulated or “sold.” A few things not to say include: “Hello, Sally, How are you today” is one of the most annoying words a Recruiter hears from hopeful candidates. It wastes her time.  Other comments she has learned to abhor: “I thought we could discuss how we can work together” or, “I’d like to discuss your representing me,” or, “I am trying to choose someone to represent me.”

That is not why you called so don’t lie or sugar coat it. Get to the point.

“I was referred by your client, Steven Spielberg. I am a [elevator pitch here]. I appreciate you may not be working on a search that matches my background but I wanted to introduce myself for your future searches. May I send you my resume?”

If she engages you in conversation, be certain to learn how she likes to work and what you can do to make her job easier. You may even volunteer a few referrals for her current searches. But above all else, don’t ask to meet for lunch or coffee. She simply doesn’t have the time and if she responded to all those “casual” requests, she would never have time to do her job; which is sourcing, vetting and placing executives.

If she does have an active search for which you are qualified, she will proactively extend an invitation to meet. That is a good use of her time and her decision. And that is the hardest part of working with a Recruiter; you are an Executive and you are the one who is in charge. Well, in an Executive Job Search, the Recruiter is in charge. It is your job to relax and enjoy the ride.

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