NCBiotech Jobs Network: Working Effectively with Executive Recruiters

NCBiotech Jobs Network: Working Effectively with Executive Recruiters
Blog by Ali Ghiassi, Account Manager Aerotek and Steering Committee member, NCBiotech Jobs Network

I hope everyone enjoyed listening to our great panelists Don Alexander, Claire Cormier, and Art Burke, as they discussed best practices for working with an executive level recruiter and the resources available to help in your job search. Our panelists discussed some of the advantages and the how-to of working with an executive recruiter. Let’s ensure we are all partnering effectively to identify the next opportunity by leveraging the networks and resources around you.

 Takeaways from the Event

  • When working with recruiters, a warm call is best. If you have to make a cold call, clearly state the value you bring to the search firm.
  • Create a strong resume that tells your story regardless of expertise or current/former job title and highlighting accomplishments. Don’t just create bullet points.
  • Don’t underestimate the importance of effective networking and maintaining your network because 70% of jobs are never advertised.
  • Consider temp-to-perm employment if you are moving to a new vertical market.
  • Know your salary range, but don’t price yourself out of the market.

View presentation slides from the event

Our panelists were:

Don Alexander, Practice Head and Vice President, Life Sciences, Carlyle & Conlan

A recruiter with over 16 years of professional and executive search industry experience, Don has spent the last 11 years focusing exclusively on talent acquisition, nationwide, for mid-career to senior level professionals in the Life Sciences sector (Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical, Medical Device and Diagnostics). His recruitment projects have involved senior level individual contributors through C level executives, with particular emphasis on sales, business development, marketing, product development, project management and pre-clinical R&D. In addition, Don has prior experience recruiting in Technology and Engineering.

An enabler of relationships that have resulted in quantifiable goodwill for his constituency, Don is recognized by his clients, candidates and peers, as routinely creating value through a powerful network and deep industry knowledge. Throughout his recruiting career, Don has often finished in the top 10% and consistently finished in the top 25% of his peer group, as ranked by revenues.

Prior to the recruiting industry, Don spent several years in the financial services industry and managed several million dollars in assets. He holds the designations of CFP®, AAMS® and CPC as well as a BA in Business Management and Economics from North Carolina State University.

Claire Cormier, President and Founder, Full Scale Solutions, Inc.

Claire has 20+ years recruiting industry experience and has worked in various capacities for several national search firms prior to founding Full Scale Solutions, Inc. in 2001.  Under her direction, Full Scale Solutions has established a solid reputation for providing a comprehensive suite of recruiting services to C-level management and HR Practitioners to help guide them through their growth plans, and for executing recruiting best practices to help them achieve their hiring goals.

Full Scale’s primary focus is within the Life Science and Technology sector.  Known for their unique “virtual business model,” Full Scale Solutions has been responsible for placing hundreds of candidates in a multitude of highly rewarding positions locally and nationally.

Art Burke, Executive Vice President, The Nautical Group

Art Burke is the Executive Vice President and Partner at The Nautical Group, a Retained Executive Search firm headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Nautical Group is a boutique Retained Executive Search Firm that serves corporate clients seeking to identify, recruit and retain the best executive leaders. The Nautical Group’s business structure provides tremendous flexibility to help clients fill positions they consider critical, regardless of industry or position level.

Art has over 30 years of senior executive management recruitment experience. His entrepreneurial and creative spirit – along with seasoned judgment – helped him achieve success in a variety of organizations and business cultures. He is well versed in orchestrating and leading complex executive recruitment strategies in multiple markets and industries globally and across North America. Through extensive research, networking, strategic recruitment, maximizing the “hidden candidate market,” and the utilization of his training and extensive experience in behavioral interviewing, candidate identification and assessment, Art consistently finds the “right fit” for clients.

He is a certified Human Resources and Compensation professional, certified Master Coach, and certified Behavioral Interview Trainer.  A graduate of the Executive Development program at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Art also holds a Master’s degree in Change Management and Strategic Human Resources and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

Ali Ghiassi
Job search strategies
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