Executive Recruitment Agencies

Tips to help you land the executive job of your dreams

Obtaining a senior management role is not too different from landing any other job. However in the executive jobs market there are some things that are different and the executive candidate needs to be wary of some of the pitfalls.

However, the process is very similar in terms of the overall process

1. Read the job advert

2. Submit CV

3. Perhaps an informal telephone discussion

4. Formal first interview

5. Formal second interview usually with a presentation and to a panel

6. Offer

7. Negotiation

8. Reference and checks

9. Commence employment

However the actual mechanics of each element can be slightly different.

1. Read the job advert:

The advert will probably be much more specific for executive jobs. Make sure you read it and that you have the necessary skills, competencies and experience. At the moment companies are being very specific in what they are asking for. The job specifications are very tightly defined and with the number of candidates available at the moment clients can afford to be choosy. If you don’t meet the requirements do not apply. If you have any doubt about your suitability for the executive role you should ring the recruiter for an informal chat.You could be weakening your chances of success later by being seen as a serial applicant!

2. Submit your CV:

Make sure your CV highlights your experience and achievements. Recruitment consultants are not mind readers. If it is not in your CV, it didn’t happen. Read the job advert, research the company (if named) and try to provide relevant information. If you are unable to find out the company name, at the very least you should research the industry, even if you are already working in it! You have seconds, not minutes; to make an impact, so make the first few paragraphs count, make them want to read more. Your resume should be clear and concise and just a couple of pages (around 1000 words or less is fine )Do not write pages and pages, do not widen the margins so that you get more on a page, it just looks poor. A senior executive is supposed to be able to write concisely, your CV is the first report you new boss is going to see from you. Keep it clean, no gimmicks, no fancy font, no lies and make sure you have a tailored each application for every job.

3. Telephone interview

If you are having a telephone interview make sure you prepare. Have your CV ready, a notebook, a list of all the questions you would like answering at this stage and make sure you are in a quiet place away from distractions. Take lots of notes and listen carefully to what the recruiter says. You could pick up a nugget of information that may make the difference in the interview. Straight after the interview type up your notes.

4. Formal first interview

I know you have heard it all before but executives are no different:

• Research the company and the individuals that are interviewing you. Google them or look on LinkedIn. Check out the company web site.


• Have answers to all the usual questions prepared-Management style, Leadership, past achievements you are proud of etc


• Have a haircut


• Check out the location in advance-where is it, how long will it take to get there, where will you park?


• Select clothes that are smart but that you are comfortable in. Don’t wear tight clothes as they can make you sweat and look unsightly. Keep your jacket on even in hot weather. Guys make sure your collars are not too tight, girls make sure your collars are not too loose! Make sure you can sit down comfortably.


• On the day-shower, shave, shine. Make sure everything is perfect, lay out a spare set of clothes the night before in case a button pops or some other catastrophe happens.


• Arrive around ten minutes early


• Smile at everyone (not like a lunatic though)


• Firm handshake


• Sit upright in the chair and maintain eye contact


• Answer questions directly, maintain eye contact, and don’t feel you have to fill silences.


• Have sensible questions prepared. Questions about the bigger picture.


• Do not ask about salary, bonus, car etc. This makes you look like a mercenary


• Do not criticise your past/current employers


• Do not talk too much, answer the question and then shut up!


• Do not forget to say thank you at the end

The Next Stage

5. Formal second interview

o As above but this time it will probably be different people and perhaps more of them. You may also have to prepare a presentation. If you do have a presentation to do, provide it in the format they request. Practice it so that you can deliver it without notes and make sure it answers the question and is not over long. Try to deliver it to others first and try to anticipate the types of questions you will likely to be asked.

o Make sure your questions are strategic and probing. Ask them about organisational challenges, organisational climate and culture. What are the issues affecting their business etc.

6. Offer

o Accept the offer straight away, even if you are unsure. Of course if you have decided this executive job is not for you decline immediately thanking them for their interest. Do not burn your bridges!!

7. Negotiation

o Now’s the time to talk about salary bonuses etc. Remember, the salary you accept now could affect your earning of the next five years. £5-£10k extra now means that every time you get say a 3-5% yearly increase it goes on that extra bit you negotiated. 5% of 10K is £500 compound the interest and as they say in America do the maths!

o Do not get greedy. You want as much as possible but be realistic, research the market and manage your expectations.

o Negotiate good benefits-Pension, holiday and bonuses are more important than cars.

o Ask about personal development and training courses

o Select a car with a good Co2 rating-It will affect how much tax you pay

o Laptops, phones, company credit cards are not benefits. Do not be influenced by them.

o Once a company has made an offer, any offer, you are in a strong position. However do not abuse it, the offer can be withdrawn. Be realistic and meet them half way otherwise you could see yourself back to the interview stage with another company.

8. Reference checks

o Well let’s hope you have not lied!! A good company will check things like

• References-Professional and personal


• Qualifications


• Director checks


• Credit checks

9. Commence employment

o First impressions count

o You will usually be on a probation period

o As a senior executive or manager you will have a leadership role to fulfil. People will listen to and judge everything you say in the first few days. Be careful…