Getting on the Radar of the Right Recruiters

Getting on the radar of the right recruiters is not about sending your CV everywhere. One of the most powerful and overlooked ways to be noticed is through referrals. Recruiters and search firms place enormous weight on candidates who are introduced by people they trust, such as CEOs, board members, or executives they have placed before. A warm introduction immediately lifts your credibility and changes how you are perceived.

This is why your existing relationships matter so much. After a major project or role, you can thank your CEO or executive peers and ask who they would call if they were looking for their next role. CIO peers and industry contacts can also point you toward the search partners who are truly influential at your level. Even if it has been years since you last spoke, a simple and honest reconnection is often enough to reopen the door. Authenticity builds trust faster than pretending nothing has changed.

You do not need dozens of recruiter relationships. Focus on three to five who specialise in your domain, have a strong track record at your level, and are visible in your target market. By building trust with the right few, you ensure that when the right opportunity appears, you are already top of mind.

Practical tip
Ask three trusted leaders who they would call if they were hiring or looking for a new role tomorrow. Use their answers as your shortlist of recruiters to approach through warm introductions.

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