C-suite recruiters, also known as executive recruiters, are individual recruitment experts or recruitment companies that specialize in identifying, approaching and screening talent for key positions in organization of various sizes and compositions (the “C” in the name comes from the word “chief” used in the names of top-level positions, such as Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer). The job description of C-level recruiters includes many requirements and skills – here are some of the most important ones.
Discussing Requirements and Needs with Clients
C-suite recruiters are hired by the organizations that are looking for candidates to fill their top positions. The first step of the recruitment process is a discussion of the client’s expectations regarding the ideal candidate as well as the components of their offer to the candidate.
The Search Process
Most good C-suite recruiters have data bases with active job seekers as well as with passive candidates. While active job seekers are either currently unemployed or they are employed, but looking for new challenges, passive candidates are people who are employed and not known to be looking for a new job, but who can be challenged to change their employer.
C-suite recruiters will start the recruiting process by identifying the candidates that seem suitable for the client’s requirements, then will continue by contacting the candidates to request updated resumes. The recruiter will examine the resumes received not only to determine whether the candidate is indeed suitable for the position, but also to look for any gaps in the candidate’s employment history and education history. The recruiter will also perform background checks based on the information provided by the candidates in their resumes.
Interviewing
Most recruiters also undertake some interviewing duties, conducting at least one or two preliminary meetings before the client takes over the final interviewing phase and makes the final decision. The recruiter might also take part in the final process and might provide expert opinions when the client evaluates the performance of the candidates during the interviews or might participate in the negotiations regarding the candidate’s payment package and in the contract signing process as well.
Essential Skills and Abilities that C-Suite Recruiters Need
C-suite recruiters are excellent communicators and excellent listeners who also have great sales skills and are able to convey ideas in a very convincing manner. Executive recruiters are also able to process large amounts of information quickly and are meticulous observers able to spot discrepancies either during personal meetings or while reviewing candidate reviews. These specialized recruiters also have outstanding networking skills – their recruitment processes usually rely heavily on their networks of key people in the specific industry segment that they are recruiting for.
The best C-suite recruiters are also characterized by grit – they need to be perseverant to achieve success and they also need to combine that perseverance with their passion for working with people and for solving problems and difficult communication situations.
Solid computer skills are also important for C-suite recruiters as most of their processes rely on computer programs and applications.