Career Advice & Insights

There are too many names to keep track of: recruiter, agent, headhunter, executive recruiter, search consultant. Which is which? And most importantly, which is right for your job-search campaign? Do you expect your recruiter to be your agent? If so, you have confused an executive recruiter and an executive agent. There is an unmistakable distinction: … Read More

Five steps to managing your online identity and ensuring that when someone Googles you, they see the personal brand you build. In 2004, I delivered a personal-branding presentation that, for the first time, included a slide that asked the question: “If you don’t show up in Google, do you exist?” That slide got a huge … Read More

Tactics job seekers can use to work more effectively with recruiters. Here’s a short list of tactics to make the recruiter’s life easier — and increase your chances of landing that job. Don’t try to be a square peg in a round hole. If the hiring company is looking for a candidate with 10 years … Read More

A step-by-step guide to how recruiters and job seekers partner together. In a recent editorial package, “How to Work with Executive Recruiters,” on working with executive recruiters, Elizabeth Bennett explored the frustrations Ladders hears from job seekers confused and angry about a lack of responsiveness from executive recruiters. “Nobody has the professional courtesy to get … Read More

A quiz to test job seeker’s networking skills at professional functions and events. How much do you really know about navigating networking events? This little quiz is a fun way to brush up on your schmoozing skills without having to balance a drink or hail a cab. The answers are at the bottom of the … Read More

Working with a Recruiter in a Buyer’s Market My book about how to best work with recruiters, Headhunters Revealed! , was actually written in the heights of a candidate-driven market (1999-2000), but only hit the shelves of Barnes & Noble at the beginning of a client (employer) driven market (2001). We’ve now made the cycle … Read More

In order to catch the eye of a prospective recruiter or career coach, demonstrate these credential-building assets. With the job market becoming saturated with quality candidates, it’s time for you to start getting creative in your quest to engage in your next professional opportunity. Give some thought to engaging the services of a recruiter or … Read More

The reality behind how they work and what they do. I suppose you may remember one particular scene from the 1946 debut of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Cast me as George Bailey, and cast Mr. Potter as the executive recruiter. This is how I felt when I met with executive recruiters early in my career. … Read More

In order to get the job you want, you have to protect the job you have. If you’ve been in the job hunt while you’re out of work, you know how hard it can be to sustain the confidence, enthusiasm and momentum you need to land the position that’s right for you. That’s why I … Read More