This is part two of a two-part series of networking with executive consultants. This is an excerpt from our free guide “Global Guide to Personal Branding for Executives”

Don’t Send Mass Emails

Many executives mistakenly think that volume over targeted outreach will work in their favor when networking with executive search consultants. It doesn’t. Sending mass emails is strongly discouraged and executive search consultants will spot a mass email immediately, dramatically reducing your chance of receiving a response. Make sure you create a targeted list of consultants to contact and then explain why you would be interested specifically in working with them as an individual within your initial email

Don’t Ask Search consultants to Find you a Role

It’s important to understand and acknowledge that executive search consultants work for the employer, not the executive. Their client will always be their primary focus; and while they might keep you in mind should further opportunities arise, they will not be able to actively search for roles on your behalf.

Don’t ask Search Consultants for General Career Assistance and Advice

As mentioned above, executive search consultants work for their client, the employer, so it is not part of their role to review your resume, give general interview tips (unless they are putting you forward for a role), or to provide career advice. This should all be finalized prior to connecting with the search consultants.

Don’t only seek to build relationships when you need them 

Creating relationships with search professionals should be done at the earliest opportunity in your executive career. It’s much easier to engage with existing connections when you need them than to start with a blank page if you have been unexpectedly laid off or have had to resign.

Download the entire guide “Global Guide to Personal Branding for Executives”