5 Tips for Executive Candidates from Executive Recruiters
As experts in executive recruitment, our Talent and Organizational Performance (TOP) Practice team knows a thing or two about interviewing. Our experience screening hundreds of candidates in various industries and positions has given us quite the tool box of interviewing “dos” and “do nots”. Here are our top 5 tips for executive search candidates looking for their next role.
1. You are interviewing just as much as you are being interviewed.
A common misconception is that the purpose of an interview is solely for the company to get to know the candidate when in reality, the candidate is also there to get to know the company! Do your homework on the organization, its leaders, and the position. Ask questions that will help you learn more about why the position needs filled, what the expectations are of the one who fills it, and how that person can expect to grow their career within the company.
2. Be prepared to discuss compensation.
Pay transparency is here, and here to stay. This means both the employer and candidate must be ready when it comes to discussing salary. Are you flexible with pay? Say so. Do you have a range you are specifically looking for? Make sure to mention it! Compensation does not need to be a taboo topic.
3. Tailor your resume.
Did you know, the average recruiter spends between 6-8 seconds reviewing a resume? That’s not very much time for a candidate to pitch themselves! Experiences that are most relevant to the position being applied for should always be placed at the top. Remember: not all job descriptions are the same, so neither should the resumes being submitted.
Don’t forget about your online resume too! Platforms like LinkedIn are essential to keep up-to-date so that recruiters can get an initial sense of who you are. A good LinkedIn profile may also qualify you as a passive candidate for a job you did not know existed.
4. Maintain communication.
Just as much as you hate being ghosted by companies you’ve applied with, recruiters hate being ghosted by those they’ve interviewed! Poor communication is detrimental to the chances of being extended an offer because it shows lack of true interest and is an indicator of how that person will perform in the role. Even if interest has lessen, communicate that with the company.
5. Know your experiences and skillset.
Be clear about what you want and why you want it! Use past experiences and projects to show off your skillset and then explain how you could use them in the position. Share AND show why you think you would be a valuable asset to the company.