As trusted advisors to organizations worldwide across industries, AESC Members help attract top executive talent, advise boards and develop internal talent for leadership roles. Thus, they are in a unique position to gauge the pulse of the global business climate. 

AESC’s Global Executive Talent Outlook 2019 outlines business intelligence for C-Suite leaders related to talent trends and new opportunities in the market. AESC Member consultants share input on top organizational challenges and opportunities business leaders are facing and forecast industry, functional and geographic market trends. 

I’ve been thinking a lot recently about the importance of three things: a positive mental attitude, a willingness to embrace change and the need to take a balanced, medium- or long-term view of the world around us.

There’s been so much going on out there – and negative news has been easy to find.

Sometimes it’s worth taking the time to look below the surface, then step back and take in the broader picture. And I do like to put a positive spin on things!

Let’s talk about Brexit

Making connections within the executive search community can dramatically increase your professional options and skyrocket your career trajectory. But understanding the intricacies of executive networking can be a stumbling block for many executives.

If connecting with recruiters is your New Year’s Resolution, here are our top tips on how to put your best foot forward to make valuable, long-lasting and mutually beneficial relationships.

1. Build Your Network Before You Need It

I'm not sure if I'm a typical executive recruiter in saying this but I receive thousands of unsolicited resumes. Thousands. What does that mean for you? How can you stand out?

Retained executive recruiters work for companies to help find great talent for senior roles. At any given time, I am unlikely to be working on the exact role that you are looking for.

Given those realities, what part should executive recruiters play in your search for your next career chapter? Here's how to think about it:

First of all, consider a relationship with a recruiter as one that should play out over the course of your career, not just when you are in transition. Secondly, know that direct networking is often the most productive route in looking for a job.

CEOs and C-suite executives often identify failure to attract and retain top talent as their No. 1 business issue. The key to success is having the right leaders leading in the right way. Aiding in this are executive talent search and assessment providers, who can profoundly impact businesses. As President and CEO of AESC, I am often asked what hiring organizations look for before signing an agreement with an executive search firm from those looking to hire and candidates alike.

Here I share what hiring organizations want to know about an executive search firm and how it affects candidates:

Each year, many executives make huge leaps in their careers with the help of executive search. But there are several key elements of the search process candidates need to understand prior to connecting with a recruiter.

The retained executive recruiter is like a casting director for the client. The recruiter wants to know: “Can I see putting the candidate on stage with the client?” Recruiters will have a handle on the organization’s leadership priorities and sensibilities but will be less able to speak about all the details of a job or organization—which you can learn from the hiring manager (if you make it onto that stage!). There is an aspect of long-term value to discussing a new position with a recruiter.