Working with a Retained Search Firm

Two months ago, I was faced with the reality of the closure of the company that I had been with for four years. Because it was a liquidation, it was abrupt and immediate. Fortunately, I have been able to land an exciting new position that is the dream of a Lean practitioner. More on that in the future. I had to have a strategy to land on my feet and I knew that I needed help. I would like to share a few pointers on how to work with executive recruiters and how to make the relationship last after you are back at work.

I spent the first 30 days researching the market for my talents and find out who could potentially help me in my search. I knew that I would have to work with the top retained search firms as most positions at my level are not advertised. You have to find firms and recruiters who are well regarded and at the top of their field of expertise. A few things I learned were:

• Do your homework. Do not just contact one or two and expect them to find you a position that is a great fit for you. Remember, they are retained by their clients, not by you and they work for them. Research which firms and recruiters work in your "space" or market and reach out to them with a personalized letter or email. Tell them how you can help them with their search. Sell yourself on how you can help them.
• Do not get upset of you do not receive an immediate response; you are not the only recruit they are looking at. Be patient and take their call when they are ready.
• Try to have a call or meeting with them so they can get to know you and see how you fit into their search. Be prepared as if it was a job interview because it is. If you go in expecting them to be happy you called them and not able to communicate why you will be a great candidate, they will not help you. You make or break their reputation when they submit your name and credentials.
• Be pleasant and polite. Return their call or message as soon as you can. Help them do their job.
• Do not be afraid to tell them that the position they are recruiting for may not be a good fit for you at this time. Tell them why and tell them what position would be a better fit. Do not send them down a rabbit hole if you really are not interested. They will appreciate your honesty.
• Always try to provide a recommendation of another candidate if it is not a fit for you. Networking is a two way street.
• Thank them if you do not get the position because you may work with them again.
• After you are hired, always, always, take their call and try to provide a candidate recommendation for them to pursue and share your network. Do not shun them as they can and will help you in the future. You may even engage them to help you with a hire at your new company. Stay in touch.

These are a few things I learned and found helpful. There were great people who worked to help me and I appreciate that. I intend to repay them even though I landed my new position direct from my new employer. I can say that working with the folks that I did was a valuable learning experience and will help me in the future. And I hope I can help them.