Contacting Recruiters

I recently discovered manager tools find it an excellent resource, I wished I had known about it sooner. Thank you so much for making your experience available!

I was listening to your podcast titled "Contacting Recruiters" and it brought to mind something for me. In 2006, I was in a Director level position where I was laid-off after working at that company for just over 1 year. After the lay off it took me approximately 6 months to find very good job which I began in September 2006, I am now President of a small wholly owned subsidiary of a much larger firm. Part of the delay was caused by the fact that I live in a small market (upstate NY) and my inability to relocate at that time due to family concerns.

In the course of listening to your podcast and based on the difficulty I had getting my current position, I have come to absolutely agree with your suggestion that I should begin managing my career including building relationships with recruiters. However, given the fact that I have only been at my current position for 7 months, I have a concern regarding the potential perception a recruiter may have given my short tenure at my existing employer. I will point out that I am not looking to move right now, I am enjoying my company and the challenges it presents, however I would prefer to be proactive at this point in the event I find myself in a future situation like I experienced in 2006.

Also, during my search last year I attempted to find a good recruiter and was more than a bit disappointed at what I found in my market. Most of the individuals I spoke with were primarily staffing company people calling themselves recruiters. I have spoken with some trusted colleges and they have shared my frustration that in my area, there seems to be a lack of recruiters.

I would appreciate your perspective on how I might be able to handle this situation or even find and approach a good recruiter at this point.

Thanks very much!