What if You are Not the One Hired?

It can be very frustrating and disheartening to be one of the finalists in an executive search only to lose out to another candidate.  Here is what you should keep in mind:  Most executive searches start with a research process that can involve over 100 potential candidates, most of whom have at least one conversation with a research associate or principle.  That large number is narrowed to ten or so whom the partner will interview and evaluate thoroughly against the position description.  From that "long list" comes a "short list" of five to six candidates who are then presented to the client, any one of whom can ostensibly do the job well.  Occasionally one or two will be dropped and a couple of more added.  Client interviews then occur, usually with at least three candidates initially.  More often than not, the client settles on one of those three and an offer is extended.  As stated in my previous blog post, smart clients and recruiters do everything possible to ensure that all three candidates are kept informed and interested.   The client extends an offer to one, and generally speaking, that individual accepts after a round of negotiations that usually also involve the recruiter who serves as a "go between."  The other two...the back-up candidates...are left with nothing...or so it seems.

In these difficult economic times you may be out of work and this job is critical.  If you get the job, be glad.  If you did not get the job, keep in mind that almost all recruiters never forget who their finalists were.  In essence, the client picked the "first among equals."   It just was not your day.  When the recruiter does a similar search, more often than not, you are the first to be called.  It is human nature to remember the best of the best and go back to them.

If you have been the runner up on several occasions, this can be especially disheartening, I know.  Keep the faith.  Be sure to level with the recruiter and ask for some detailed feedback to ensure that it is not a repeatable issue that is costing you the front runner position.  If you can improve some way, do so. 

Just remember that you started in a huge group and got down to the very, very few.  That should build your confidence rather than erode it.  Stay in touch with the recruiter and let him or her know what you are up to.  If you are open to another opportunity be sure they know this.  If you are out of the search mode, tell them that as well, but encourage them to always keep you in mind if another viable opportunity presents itself.  And always be willing to serve as a referral for other potential candidates.  Recruiters really appreciate this and will not forget that you did so.  Neither will your friends.   http://www.esiassoc.com/   http://www.michaelkburroughs.com/