Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs About Executive Search Firms, Interviews and Job Opportunities

How can a search firm help me further develop my career?
How many search firms should I send my resume to?
What are my chances of getting an interview?
Who do search executives work for?
Do colleagues at search firms share information about potential candidates?
How does being unemployed affect my chances of working with an executive search professional?
Can executive search professionals coach me during a career transition?
Are interviews with executive search consultants relaxed and informal?
To get an interview, how should I approach a lead search consultant?
What is successful networking?

1. How can a search firm help me further develop my career?
Executive recruiters have keen insights into many industries and are often aware of job openings unknown to the general public. Some positions are exclusively assigned to recruiters and are never advertised in newspapers or online, giving recruiters access to what many people refer to as “the hidden job market”. Over the past twenty years, recruiting firms have gained more influence in today’s job market, making it increasingly important for jobseekers to understand and leverage this resource. top

2. How many search firms should I send my resume to?
It’s a common misconception that there are about a dozen executive search firms in the GTA: in reality, there are over 250. Ideally, your resume should be registered with as many search firms as possible. Different recruiters may be aware of different positions: by distributing your resume as widely as possible, you will be placed in many different confidential databases and be alerted to a broad cross-section of job opportunities. If you send your resume to only a few recruiters, you’re less likely to be presented with a wide selection of positions that may be well suited to you. When you start a new job, it’s also wise to send follow-up letters to recruiters and keep them up to date on your latest career move. top

3. What are my chances of getting an interview?
It’s estimated that only 1% to 3% of all resumes sent out will result in job interviews. So, if you send out 50 resumes you’ll probably only get 2 interviews. Send your resume to as many recruiters as possible to increase your chances of getting an interview. top

4. Who do search executives work for?
Clients pay search executives for their services. At many executive recruiting firms, client relationships are over once payment has been received. Not at PHC. We make an effort to develop and maintain strong relationships with all of our clients and candidates. Please watch our video testimonials to find out what our clients have to say about us. top

5. Do colleagues at search firms share information about potential candidates?
In general, recruiters won’t share your resume or personal information with any prospective employer or colleague without your permission. A recruiter will contact you to discuss a particular position and then ask your permission to share your resume with that particular employer.

6. How does being unemployed affect my chances of working with an executive search professional?
It’s a myth that search professionals will be less likely to want to work with you if you’re unemployed. Employed or not, search firms are looking for candidates who are self-aware, goal oriented and exceptional performers. The only distinction is that search firms can do discreet checks on candidates who are unemployed to verify career performance. top

7. Can executive search professionals coach me during a career transition?
Executive search consultants are not career coaches, who provide a distinctly different service. Search professionals can only assist with career transition issues specific to the search assignment. Conversely, professional outplacement/career transition coaches don’t usually do job searches. To view a list of career coaches click here. top

8. Are interviews with executive search consultants relaxed and informal?
One of the biggest mistakes candidates make is to assume that an interview with a search professional is not formal. We are an extension of our clients: our function is to evaluate potential candidates on their behalf. Be prepared to put your best foot forward and give 100% at each interview. A bit of research and pre-interview preparation can be very helpful; take the time to learn more about the executive search company and read the bio of the person you’ll be meeting with. If a specific client has been mentioned, find out what you can about that company in advance of the meeting. top

9. To get an interview, how should I approach a lead search consultant?
Your approach is critical. It’s a good idea to contact the executive search professional (by email or voice mail) and ask about how they prefer to be approached. Provide a brief synopsis of your experience, explain the value that you can bring to their clients and ask about how you can raise your profile at the firm. Be sure to provide detailed contact information—your name, telephone number and email address. top

10. What is successful networking?
Networking can be defined as a supportive system of sharing information and services among individuals and groups having a common interest. In this case, successful networking means being referred to two or more people through a business or social connection. In our view, the best networkers always give back—it’s a two-way process that we like to call “net-weaving”. And it’s not just about finding a new job—being employed doesn’t mean you should forget about networking. A personal network is an invaluable survival tool made up of relationships that should be strengthened and developed on a regular basis. A strong personal network can make the difference between success and failure in your professional and personal life. If you’re having difficulties developing a personal network, explore some of the many networking sites that allow you to connect with others via their personal networks.

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