Creating a Relationship with a Retained Executive Search Firm
by Ryan Baggett, Associate Partner
The executive job market is constantly changing and can be highly competitive. To stand out and secure the right position, it is important to connect with a trusted and experienced partner. Retained search firms work with organizations and executives to place high-level talent. Leveraging their extensive network, expertise, and industry knowledge, they can provide personalized and effective support.
Benefits of networking with Retained Search Firms:
- Access to Exclusive Job Opportunities: Retained search firms often have access to job opportunities that are not publicly advertised, increasing the chances of securing a desirable position.
- Industry Insights: They have in-depth knowledge of the industry and its trends, providing valuable insights and advice to executives looking to make a career move.
- Strong Network: Most firms have established relationships with a wide network of organizations, providing executives with greater exposure to potential employers.
- Personalized Attention: Retained search firms offer a one-on-one approach, taking the time to understand each executive’s background and goals. This tailored approach ensures that the executive is matched with the right opportunities when the time arrives.
- Time-Saving: Networking with a retained search firm can save executives valuable time as the firm manages the entire job search process, from identifying potential opportunities in the market to negotiating the offer.
Tips for connecting effectively with Retained Search Firms:
- Be transparent about your goals and expectations: Communicate your career aspirations and priorities clearly to ensure any potential good matches within their client base.
- Be proactive in the job search process: Participate actively in the search process by providing updated resumes and references.
- Keep the lines of communication open: Maintain open communication with the firm, providing feedback and updates throughout your search process.
- Trust the process: Retained search firms have extensive experience and knowledge of the executive job market, so it is important to trust their expertise and advice.
Creating a relationship with a retained search firm can be a valuable investment.
At Buffkin / Baker, our work focuses on recruiting executive talent for healthcare, private equity, higher education, technology/media, digital transformation, and non-profit industries. We are truly a firm that is an inch wide and a mile deep in our practice area.
Each of our partners has over 20 years of executive search experience and are leaders in their respective practice fields; giving them the the industry knowledge and understanding needed to provide the most qualified talent for our clients.