Have you decided to use retainer executive recruiters in your job search? These can include those large, medium-sized and “boutique” firms. There are numerous firms out there.
Because retainer firms work only “on retainer,” each is filling a completely different list of jobs. You’ll have entirely non-overlapping exposure, even if you contact all of these firms. The bulk of firms are generalists and likely to conduct searches that interest you. Some are specialists. Do your research before you contact a firm not in your field.
- Many of these firms accept resumes by email. When you email, apply a “Dear Recruiters” email cover letter not addressed to any specific person in the firm. A growing number of these firms request that you visit their websites to input your information, even though they continue to accept email submissions. A rare few accept only on-paper mailings.
- If you decide to submit by postal mail, send to the firm’s home office and address your cover letter to a specific person. If a firm has multiple offices, use the home or corporate office. If there are cities with branch offices (with phone number and name of local manager), locally and nationally you can, if you like, phone and ask who specializes in your field. However, unless you’re trying to target a personal appointment, there’s no advantage. The firm’s internal process will typically redistribute your inquiry appropriately.
- Although not mandatory, you may decide to send an on-paper letter and resume to one person in each of a large firm’s offices. But also email the firm! If only an electronic file is kept, in a few weeks the papers will have served their purpose and be discarded. If papers are kept, extras will be discarded. Redundancy will not have any negative repercussions.
It is easy to get overwhelmed by online lists. One of my favorite resources is Hunt Scanlon, the publisher of Executive Search Review’s Top 50 Recruiters https://huntscanlon.com/top-50/. This leadership intelligence company has covered the retained search industry for more than three decades and regularly produces detailed reports. Hunt Scanlon Media says it interfaces daily with more than 60,000 human capital professionals in more than 30 countries. Its staff regularly communicate with heads of talent acquisition, hiring executives, and executive search consultants. They seem to have a finger on the pulse of things. Their research appears current.
Note that addresses, key staff, and preferred ways to receive resumes are constantly changing. It will serve you well to research online or elsewhere before responding to a list.
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