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Search Firms
Although executive search firms are retained to serve specific client interests, they may help in an individual's attempts to find employment. Because each search firm has the potential to refer someone to more than one potential employer, they represent a point of information leverage. While most executives will not find a job through a search firm introduction, search firms are in important vehicle to use in the process.
And extensive listing of search firms appears in The Directory of Executive Recruiters which is available from The Consultants News, Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire, 03447 (telephone - 603/585-2200). There are hundreds of firms in the executive search business and the strategy should be to send a resume and cover letter to virtually all of them. There are firms that have reputations for dealing with certain industries or functional specialties and a cross-index is included to identify those specialties. However, only the recruiter knows what assignments are in progress. For example, in spite of a firm's stated specialty in the chemical industry, they may well be engaged in a presidency search in the metal working industry. Since it is not possible to outsmart the system, be comprehensive and write to all the firms.
When mailing resumes to search firms, there are three assumptions to watch: First, do not assume that search firms serve only local clientele. Recruiters often have clients located across the country and local clients may have widely dispersed subsidiaries. So, to get full coverage, write to everyone. Second, do not assume that firms with multiple offices will necessarily communicate the receipt of a resume from one office to another. To be safe, write to them all. Third, do not assume that all firms retain resumes. Most don't. Someone who is still active in the job market three months after the first mailing should send another.
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