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Whether in an active job search or just proactively managing your career progression, building relationships with retained executive search consultants is an essential element to a successful career strategy. BlueSteps, the executive career management service of the global Association of Executive Search Consultants (AESC), recommends that executives establish a system of targeted outreach to search consultants who work within their own specific function, industry, and region. Sending a mass email to all the consultants you can find is strongly discouraged, and will very quickly place you on the consultant's list of executives who do not fully understand the retained search process.

When reaching out to your carefully-chosen select few consultants, be aware that first impressions count, and ensure that you are remembered for the right reasons. If you can arrange a personal referral to a search consultant via a colleague or business associate who has an existing relationship with the consultant, it is in your best interest to do so. The consultant will likely be happy to respond to you and you can begin to build your network. Find out which industry events and seminars your targeted consultants will be attending, and if possible, join that audience and prepare for an in-person introduction.

Remember that search consultants are not career advisors or employment agencies - they may consider you for active searches, but they will not search for a job on your behalf (they work for the client--the hiring company). Furthermore, do not ask for assistance with your resume, for general interview tips (unless being put forward for a role by them), or help in deciding your next career move – you should know this before approaching the consultant.

Many search consultants prefer to receive a short and to-the-point email from executives who are looking to develop a relationship. Attach an up-to-date copy of your resume/CV in a widely accepted format such as Word or PDF.

Briefly introduce yourself and include 4-5 bullet points on what function, industry, and region you are looking at, and any specific key career achievements that they would be interested in. Finally, be sure to offer yourself as a source to the consultant; state that you are well connected in your industry and could assist them with any searches they are working on that are not suitable for yourself. This will position you and the search consultant in a mutually beneficial relationship.

Quick tips for networking with recruiters:

• Do not send a mass email of your resume/CV to all search consultants you can find.
• Instead, send a personal email to a select number of search consultants that specialize in your industry, function and region. This should be a total of 4-6 consultants.
• Keep your introduction brief and to the point. Be concise about what you want from the consultant.
• Remember that a retained search consultant works for the hiring organization - not you!
• Let the consultant know what you can do to help THEM - networking is a two way street.

BlueSteps is the executive career management service of the Association of Executive Search Consultants (AESC), putting senior executives on the radar screen of over 8,000 executive search professionals in more than 75 countries. Be visible, and be considered for to the70,000+ executive opportunities handled by AESC member firms every year. Find out more at www.BlueSteps.com.