Episode 75 How to Work Effectively with Executive Recruiters
In this episode, Sarah breaks down how executive recruiters actually operate - and why the typical “send your CV and wait” approach doesn’t work at a senior level. If you’re aiming for leadership roles, you’ll learn how to position yourself strategically, build strong recruiter relationships, and stand out as a credible, low-risk candidate.
What You’ll Learn
- The biggest misconception about executive recruiters
- How recruiters assess senior candidates
- Why positioning matters more than your CV
- 5 practical ways to work with recruiters effectively
- How to make recruiters a powerful part of your job search strategy
Timestamps
[00:00] Welcome & podcast introduction
[01:00] Global reach milestone + episode overview
[02:00] Client story: feeling stuck and overlooked by recruiters
[03:00] The biggest misconception about recruiters
[04:00] Why a passive job search strategy fails
[05:00] Case study: shifting positioning and strategy
[06:00] How executive recruiters actually think
[07:00] What makes you “easy to place”
[07:30] 5 practical strategies to work with recruiters
[07:30] 1. Be specific about what you want
[08:00] 2. Lead with value, not your CV
[08:30] 3. Build relationships, not transactions
[09:00] 4. Prepare properly for recruiter conversations
[09:30] 5. Don’t rely on recruiters alone
[10:00] The mindset shift: recruiters are part of your strategy
[11:00] Final thoughts + how to get support
Key Takeaway
Recruiters don’t find you a job - you position yourself so they can confidently place you. When you get clear, strategic, and visible, they become valuable allies rather than a frustrating dead end.
Useful Links
Sign up for Weekly Career Inspiration
Learn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching Programmes
Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn
Rate & Review the Podcast
If you found this episode of Unstuck & Unstoppable helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
If you're kind enough to leave a review, please do let Sarah know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: sarah@careertreecoaching.co.uk
