How to Conduct Your Own Executive Search

By Greg Albrect, Managing Partner – M&A Executive Search

So you’re out of a job and wondering what to do?  What are the steps to take in conducting your search for your next opportunity?  How do I begin?

The three most important things to learn about conducting your own search for your next opportunity are networking, networking, networking.  The key to finding your next opportunity it working your network and networking with centers of influence that can help position you into your next opportunity.

Did you know that most jobs are filled through networks?  About 85% of all jobs are filled directly through networking, 10% are through executive search firms like mine and only 5% of jobs are filled through the job boards like Monster, CareerBuilder, etc.  What most people don’t know is most recruiters find people through networking.  Thus, 95% of all jobs are filled through a network: an executive recruiter’s network or an employer’s network!  This point underscores the importance of networking and building your network.

The first thing to do is to develop a list of target companies you want to explore and think would be good fits for your background.  Go onto their websites and check to see what the company is doing, what press releases have been issued lately, where the company is going and how they plan to get there.  Then develop a strategy to see what you can do to help them reach their goals whether it’s improve sales, increase return on investment, lower cost of goods sold or improve operating efficiencies through lean manufacturing.  Also on their website you can check to see what kind of opportunities they might be looking to fill  then send a letter of introduction on how you can add value to their organization.  This may spur an initial interview with a key stakeholder in the organization if you can demonstrate that you can add value to their organization.

One of the best ways to develop and enhance your network is through www.linkedin.com.  If you’re not a member, sign up and use this tool to develop your network of people who know your background, by listing companies you’ve worked f, schools you’ve attended, organizations you belong – the more people you can get networked to the better opportunity you have of finding your next position.

Join a professional organization.  When recruiters look for talented individuals they go through professional associations and networks to find those people, the more you’re linked to these organizations and professional groups the easier time recruiters will have finding you.

The other aspect of your search should involve working with a recruiter.  Work with one or two recruiters who specialize in your area of expertise whether it’s sales, marketing, general management, manufacturing, finance or logistics. Get to know that person but respect their time.  Send them your resume and follow-up with an e-mail and a call.  Don’t be surprised if they don’t contact you back.  Please remember that recruiters work for the employers not for the candidates.  Employers retain the recruiters to find people that meet their exact qualifications and expectations.  Therefore, they must spend most of their time directing their activities to find candidates that match up to what their clients are looking for. 

With persistent networking, building your contacts, working your network and letting everyone you know that you’re looking for your next opportunity, you will be amazed at how many opportunities you will become aware of in your search to land your next position.