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One of the best ways to get your resume in front of the executive recruiters who specialize in
your industry or function is to research the firm directly by going to each firm's website and identifying the practice leaders for various retained executive search firms.
How to identify these firms? We've identified below executive search firms that have been in business for at least ten years. While there are no guarantees, mediocre firms tend to be weeded out during economic downturns. While the actual firm names can (and will) change, reflecting ongoing mergers, acquisitions and spin-offs, the practice leaders tend to remain focused in their area of expertise -- regardless of which firm they currently have on their business card. Once are known to a practice leader in your area, that established relationship will continue to serve both of you, regardless of your respective employers.
You can search each firm's website to determine if they have a practice in your area of expertise (industry or function).
While you can search by geography, keep in mind that most retained search firms are either national or global in focus. Your interests are better served by identifying boutique firms or larger firms practices that specialize in your industry or functional area of expertise. You want to only send your resume to a retained search consultant whose specializes in your "sweet spot". This may be an owner or principal of a boutique firm, or one of several practice leaders identified on a large firm's website.
It's important to do your homework, first, before contacting a practice leader. Avoid any thing that smacks of a "mass mailing". Once you've identified the name of the practice leader for your specialty area -- research their background. Most search firm website have consultant's biographies, but you should also research your target's profile via LinkedIn and Google -- before you contact them. If you can find a common connection (alma mater or mutual colleague) then you have a "warm" introduction. Either way, carefully tailor your cover email and subject line accordingly. Be sure to use the word "resume" in the subject, and as much information as you can to entice the recipient to actually open the email, e.g.
A final note of caution. When targeting a large search firm (website lists multiple offices), keep in mind that the geographic office managing partner may not be the best person to approach. It is important to target the right recipient, before sending your resume to a larger firm. You only want to send your resume to someone (e.g. a practice leader) who will have a vested interest in making your background known to others within the firm who work in your area of expertise. Otherwise, you can unknowingly take yourself "off the market" -- from the perspective of hundreds of search consultants around the world. Once your profile is "in the custody" of any one recruiter, no one else in the firm can contact -- even for referrals -- without explicit permission.
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Identifying & Working With
Retained Search Firms