Statistics fascinate me: you can slice them, you can dice them, but when they come from one of the world’s premier International Executive Search providers one has to take a harder look.
In Korn/Ferry’s recently released International Executive Recruiter index the following questions were asked to 198 international recruiters with some interesting results:
Generally speaking, what is the best time of year for a job seeker to look for a new position?
- The first of the year 41%
Spring 32%
Fall 22%
Summer 3%
Holiday season 2%
Rank the following forms of networking, in order of how effective they are for job seekers (with “1” being the most effective and “7” being the least effective)
- Regular social interactions 1
Membership in business/trade associations 2
Attendance at conferences and seminars 3
Alumni organizations 4
Direct Mail 5
Online networks and communities 6
Involvement with non-profit organizations 7
What is the best way to get an executive recruiter’s attention?
- Work for a highly-regarded company 36%
Proactively develop relationships with recruiters
In your region/industry 29%
Be the highest performer in your department/function 20%
Personal Branding 11%
Take on high-profile, risky assignments 2%
Acquire international experience 2%
When comparing finalists for an executive position, what gives one candidate the biggest “edge”?
- Cultural fit 42%
Character/personality 32%
Work experience 17%
Growth potential 8%
Educational background 1%
As a professional who interacts with clients at the senior executive level, these figures do not surprise me. In fact, they emphasize the job search strategies and techniques I have been saying to my clients for a long time.
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