Mr. Hoffmann, one of the world’s most influential headhunters and Chairman and CEO of DHR International, served as my expert guest during the first CEO speaker series in September 2009. Below is the executive job search advice he shared with our listeners.

Retained Executive Career Firm Overview

Retained career guide executive search firms are retained by client companies and do not work for candidates per se. They get paid upfront from clients which could be one third of a candidate’s first year cash compensation. Companies expect these firms to search the country and at times the world to find the best possible candidates for their jobs. Likewise, retained search firms will contact actively employed potential candidates to see if they are interested in these opportunities; since they could be offered a step up in their careers, more compensation, a transition to more stable businesses, a better career guide, and so on.

Download this episode (right click and save)

Job seekers get frustrated when they contact a search firm and get no or little response. This is because the firm may not be working on things at that moment and time that fit their backgrounds. However, their information is entered into candidate databases. Search consultants use these databases as one of those vehicles to find the best talent possible for their clients.

Economic Climate

This is probably the most difficult economic environment over the past 30 years. Clients and companies are very reluctant to hire, a strong rebound in hiring has not occurred, and a jobless recovery continues in many respects. The available jobs are for replacing retirees or people who have been recruited away. There are hardly any new created jobs and certain sectors such as financial services, industrial manufacturing, and retail have been hit really hard.

Job Search Guidance

Job seekers have to stay positive and diligent because this recession will pass. They have to work their networks and define and be honest with themselves regarding their skill sets. Job seekers need to conduct an honest assessment of their skills, highlight their strengths, and focus on companies who may need what they offer.

Expect the cycle to change in 2010 and the job market to return to some form of normalcy. Likewise hang in there, keep doing what you are doing, focus on your skill set and network, and continue to be positive.

Differentiation Advice

Job seekers need to create one page resumes with bullet point highlights of their significant career accomplishments. In other words, highlight five to six things they think are significant and will differentiate them from their competitors.

Entrepreneurship Guidance

Networking, having realistic expectations, and finding investors (including friends and others) who will believe in their concepts are important. A lot of entrepreneurs have failed because they ran out of capital. Thus seek to be overcapitalized instead of undercapitalized. Job seekers must also understand that it is not going to be easy because they have not done this before. Entrepreneurship is a different way of life and the most rewarding aspect of one’s career but it’s also challenging and difficult. However, entrepreneurship does not prevent job seekers from conducting a job search simultaneously.

Additional Job Search Advice

It’s important to keep a bright face and stay positive. However, that is easier said than done. This is the most difficult environment in some time and is a tough economy. It makes the aftermath of the job market in 9/11 look pretty easy since we quickly saw that job market change much more rapidly than this one. We believe this is the most significant downturn since the Great Depression in terms of employment and think the real unemployment level is approaching 17%. Job seekers have to realize that it is not them but the economy and it will change. They do not need to hang their heads if they are displaced or unemployed currently since people are fortunate to have jobs and their hearts go out to individuals who do not. Likewise, hang in there, it will change, and hopefully it will change sooner than later.

Feel free to leave feedback or ask questions below this post. The knowledge of a crowd is richer than the wisdom of a few. Likewise, participate in JobRadioUSA’s career community and entice others to do so as well.

Bonus Lens and Hub Articles You Should Read (If You Have Not Done So)

• How to Successfully Conclude Your Job Search in 2010
• How to Supercharge Your Stalled Job Search
• How to Get a Job by Networking with Your Warm Contacts
  
• Tap into the Hidden Job Market via Cold Calls
• 4 Ways to Uncover Hidden Jobs
• 6 Step Process to Ace Any Job Interview
• The Characteristics of a Dynamic Resume
• The Four Components of a Dynamic Cover Letter
• How to Prepare for an Upcoming, Potential Layoff
• How to Cope with a Difficult Job Search

Sphere: Related Content