Candidate Resources

Making yourself visible to executive search firms and executive recruiters is a positive way to advance your career to the next level.

Experience managing P&L has become an increasingly desired skill sought by executive recruiters when searching for executive candidates. The ability to successfully decrease costs while increasing revenues is obviously a talent any company would find attractive in a candidate under any conditions, but one that becomes even more crucial in prolonged periods of recession or instability. In times like these, executives who spotlight their background in P&L management--in their resume/CV, online profiles, and networking opportunities--will gain a considerable edge in the eyes of executive recruiters, and at the same time, it just may enhance an executive's chances of securing the deal during a job interview.

Louise Kursmark, executive career coach, resume writer and Director of BlueSteps Executive Career Services (BECS), recently asked members of The Executive Search Network on LinkedIn, 'What are your biggest candidate turn-offs?' Read on below to see what executive search professionals had to share with executives regarding making search firm connections.

Negotiating your job offer It's a delicate moment. You’ve been approached for a very attractive position. Now the company wants to make you an offer. All that remains is to agree salary and benefits. What is your opening move? The way you handle this negotiation is critical to any new role and to your long-term career. Get it right and you will be respected as a professional able to balance the needs of individual and company. Get it wrong and you risk starting on the wrong foot with your new employer – or even jeopardizing the offer.

How do I arrange a sabbatical? ‘Grown-up gap year’, ‘sabbatical’, ‘career break’: whatever you call it, these days more and more people think about taking some time out from work – and more and more employers are prepared to entertain the idea. But is it a good idea, and how can you make sure that your sabbatical enhances, not hinders, your career? Here are our top tips: