Employment Agencies/Executive Search Firms
There is a very thin line between what is an employment agency and what is a legitimate executive search firm. Regardless of the difference, this has shown about a 2 to 5 percent result in finding a job, according to most surveys. With this kind of return, it is important to spend your time judiciously dealing with them. If you are to have any realistic chance of success, you must do research to discover which ones have any expertise in your particular field.
Unless you know someone who succeeded using this resource who recommends a particular firm, it may not even be worth your time.
College or University Placement Service
First of all, contact the placement service at your college or university! They serve old alums as well as new graduates, and the service is usually FREE!
Personnel Agencies
Agencies that specialize in executives can sometimes provide assistance to unemployed
executives. Unfortunately, too many of them define an executive as anyone who walks in the door. The trick here is to sort out the good ones from the bums. It is well to remember that they make their living fulfilling openings, not searching for them, so do not be surprised if they do not spend much time worrying about you.
Most agencies make their money on volume, so they key in on the jobs below $60,000. They prefer many small listings to one big listing. But it may be worth a little of your time, depending upon the income you are seeking and the progress of your job search. If you do locate a job through this means, the employer should pay the agency fee.
In working with employment agencies, use chronological resumes showing the dates and work performed from the beginning of your first job up until the last one held.
Executive Search Firms
These are specialists who act as agents for companies seeking to fill specific executive openings. They usually operate at salary levels above the realm of personnel agencies. They work for their clients, not for the unemployed searcher, meaning they are unlikely to work for you or your job interest. Many are branches of the large national consulting firms.
Executive search firms prefer not to be dubbed as headhunters, body shops, slave traders or pirates! Contacting the search firms is a matter of playing the odds-long odds, at that! If you happen to show up at the EXACT time they are looking for someone like you, you might have a chance.
Otherwise, forget it. Many show total disinterest in a person who is already unemployed. Apparently, the best course to follow with these firms is to get to know them, keep in touch with them, keep reminding them, and go on and on about your business of finding a job without them. If you get lucky, one of them might call you. Maybe. Possibly. Anything can happen!
Remember, looking for a job is a numbers game. The more contacts you make, the faster you will make a connection. Use every opportunity to interview whether you want the job or not. It is good practice. And it is also networking!
Your Expectations
You should know what to expect during your job search. If your experience follows that of others, you will go through:
1. High hopes and optimism
2. Feeling stymied and impotent
3. Frustration and disappointment
4. Unexpected positive developments
5. Confusion and uncertainty
6. Confidence and joy
These ups and downs are normal. Through your own preference and with the support of your family and friends, you should be able to keep the low points shallow and brief. HINT: Do not let yourself get isolated and do not bottle up your frustrations. Find the good listeners and talk to them.
And make all the contacts you can! |
