Working with Executive Recruiters: Build Relationships Early

Headhunter Hints: Why executives should build recruiter relationships early

 

Working with Executive Recruiters: Build Relationships Early: You’re happy in your current position. You can’t imagine working anywhere else. So why reach out to build a relationship early with an executive recruiter or headhunter in your industry?  In my many years of experience, happy loyal employees often find their lives upended on a dime when companies merge, downsize or relocate. Even top performers can find themselves unexpectedly seeking out an executive recruiter while their heads are still spinning from an unexpected layoff.

While in the middle of a whirlwind, job seekers can find themselves easily frustrated with executive recruiters, often feeling ignored or overlooked. And I get it—it’s a tough time to navigate. And if you don’t have an existing relationship with a recruiter, your cold pitch emails to headhunters may go unanswered.

The root of this frustration usually comes down to one thing: expectations. There’s a big disconnect between what many people think headhunters do and what we actually do. 

Headhunters are working to find the perfect fit for our client companies. We are always actively meeting with potential candidates to fill the roles our clients currently have open, as well as any potential future opportunities that arise with our clients and prospective clients.  

Who We Work For (Spoiler: It’s Not Job Seekers)

Executive recruiters work for the companies that retain us. They’re our clients, and they pay us to find the best talent in the industry — plain and simple. Our job is to identify and connect with top-tier candidates who fit the roles our clients need to fill, often at high stakes, executive level positions. We’re naturally career coaches, however, that isn’t the service we are offering, nor get paid to do. We provide companies with talent from their competitors, target companies, and the industry as a whole. Unfortunately, needing a job or being unemployed doesn’t automatically move your resume to the top of the pile. It’s always about finding the best fit. 

So, when you reach out and don’t hear back, it’s not because we don’t think you’re talented or worthy. It’s just that our current roles might not be aligned with your background right now. We’re constantly juggling roles, requirements, and candidate profiles, and it’s a bit like a puzzle—we’re always looking for the right piece that fits. If you’re not that piece today, it doesn’t mean you won’t be in the future.

Build Relationships When You Don’t Need Them

Here’s the best advice I can give you: don’t wait until you need a job to start building relationships with recruiters. I can’t stress this enough—your career is something you should be managing even when things are good. The truth is, the best time to connect with us is when you’re not actively looking. That’s when you can approach networking from a place of strength, curiosity, and genuine connection, rather than urgency.

The professionals who stand out to us are the ones who keep in touch, even when they’re not looking for something new. A simple message on LinkedIn, an update about a project you’re proud of, or even a comment on an industry post can go a long way. You don’t need to be in constant contact, but staying on our radar keeps you top of mind when that perfect opportunity does come along.

Think of Your Career as a Long Game

One thing that surprises a lot of people is that we’re often playing the long game when it comes to talent. Just because we don’t have a role for you today doesn’t mean we won’t have something tomorrow. We’re always meeting and interviewing people we believe might be great fits down the line, based on our clients’ future needs and business plans. We keep notes, track market movements, and stay ahead of industry shifts, all to make sure we’re ready when the right match shows up.

That’s why it’s so important to be proactive in your career management. Don’t let your career trajectory be defined by someone else’s decisions. Keep an eye on the market, nurture your professional network, and keep your skills sharp. When you’re in control of your own path, you’ll be better positioned when a great role comes knocking.

The Key: Control Your Career, Don’t React to It

If you take one thing away from this, let it be this: your career is in your hands. Waiting until you’re in a job search panic mode is not the time to be scrambling to build relationships. Start now, when things are calm and you have the space to be thoughtful and intentional. Engage with recruiters when you’re on solid ground—you’ll find that those relationships will serve you well when you do need them.

We’re here to find the best talent for our clients, and that’s a job we take seriously. But we also genuinely want to help people make the right connections and grow their careers. So don’t hesitate to reach out, introduce yourself, and keep in touch. Build that bridge now, and when the timing is right, you’ll be in the perfect position to cross it.

Remember, this whole process doesn’t have to be daunting or discouraging. With the right mindset, clear expectations, and a little bit of proactive effort, you can set yourself up for success—and maybe even find the role you’ve been dreaming of. Keep going, keep connecting, and keep believing in what you bring to the table. You’ve got this!

 

Connect with Liz Gehl on LinkedIn

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