Resources and Best Practices for Executive Career Transition

Over the years, we have compiled -- and continually update -- an ongoing listing of Career Transition resources -- some of which we highlight below. We've developed these "best practices" in an attempt to be helpful to (other) executives and professionals who are making decisions about changing jobs -- or careers. We've compiled this advice and insights, based on our experiences on both sides of the desk, as both the "head-hunter" (search consultant) and the "head-hunted" (candidate).

First, make a crucial decision: When should you work with recruiters? (And when is it best to apply directly?)
The Three Magic Bullets, suggests that there are (at least) three key factors to consider.

Our -- somewhat controversial -- views on when NOT to leverage recruiters sparked debate on .

If it makes sense to work with recruiters, consider the differences between retained versus contingent search firms. From a hiring (prospective employer) perspective, if you are in the position engaging a search firm to conduct a particular search, asking some of these key questions may help you evaluate each search firm.

From a candidate (prospective employee) perspective, see how to identify and work with the right Search Consultant(s) and Firm(s) for your situation.

One of the best ways to get your resume in front of the right executive recruiter is to identify those who specialize in your industry or function. For retained firms, look up the appropriate practice leader for your relevant industry or functional expertise on the firm's website. When sending your resume, avoid using a mass mailing approach. Instead, contact only those recruiters who specialize in your "sweet spot" and tailor your cover email to address the recruiter by name and the subject line appropriately, e.g. "Resume of VP level enterprise software sales exec" or "CFO with successful IPO experience in healthcare - resume attached".

One of the questions we USED to hear a lot is "Should I post my resume on a job board?" Thanks to business oriented networking sites like Linkedin.com and the ability to set up search agents on aggregator sites such as Indeed and SimplyHired,, the value of posting on generic job boards has diminished considerably. most narrowly focused niche job boards.

Our experience has been that everyone can benefit by reviewing our "Interviewing Dos and Don'ts" and our updated "Interview Preparation Guidelines".

A good way to approach the First Interview is to stay focused on earning the option of taking the next step, i.e. "Your Goal is a Second Date". Additional interviewing advice from includes "Surviving The Interview" and "Preparing for the Interview"

Ann Boland was quoted in an article on Negotiating the Salary Minefield by the . Another resource that may be of use in the closing stages of a new job negotiation, is: How to Negotiate a Salary by Alex Markels of the .

Most successful professionals are busy with their 'day jobs' -- not particularly familiar with how executive search works -- and sometimes frustrated by 'unresponsive recruiters'.

Reading one of the books above can help de-mystify some of search rhetoric. To help you assess when to work with different types of recruiters, review "Differences Between Retained and Contingent Search."

In tough economic times, it can be hard to deal with the "deafening silence" you encounter after sending your carefully crafted email cover letter and resume in response to a posting. You are not alone. Many companies are "interviewing, but not hiring", even in the information intensive industries in which we specialize. But this trend is starting to correct itself, and we're seeing much more pro-active interviewing, offers being extended (and accepted) and employers hiring.

There are some helpful books for execs in transition. "Rites of Passage" by John Lucht, for example, is (arguably) the best resource available to help executives who are contemplating a career transition understand how to leverage the executive search process for their own benefit. "Rites" is available at RiteSite.com, Amazon.com and Half.com. Another book -- exploring the impact of executive search on companies and careers -- came out recently. Authored by Joe McCool, BusinessWeek online columnist and ExecuNet senior editor, the occasionally controversial insights in “Deciding Who Leads” range from the obvious to subtle.

Don't have time to read a book? Here are two articles on how to leverage the search process on your behalf. "How to Capture A Recruiter's Attention" By Valerie Patterson and "Making Headhunters Work For You" By By Garth McCardle of WetFeet.com.

See also, how to make the most of an unexpected exit, e.g. "Negotiating a Fair Severance Package" by Paul H. Tobias and Susan Sauter of the National Business Employment Weekly.

Relocation for a new job can be one of the most challenging -– and rewarding -- career decisions you make. This Old House.com offers a comprehensive, how to pack your house in less than a week checklist to help you plan and execute your move.

HomeFair.com has a calculator tool that allows you to compare the cost of living of the city in which you’re currently living to the target city, as well as information on local schools, crime rate and the community.