Public Finance Blog

Today’s blog is going to explore the process of how I select a candidate to be presented to a firm.  This may sound somewhat self/serving but it’s not.  Let me explain below.

The Opportunistic Approach

With my opportunistic approach to recruiting, I have the ability to show any candidate that I see worthy to any one of my 30+ firms that I have an existing contract with.  The caveat to my approach is that if I show a candidate to a firm, that is the only firm I share that candidate with.  This causes me to be extremely specific with my recommendations as I need to really know that this candidate is truly the only one for this particular firm.  I need to be very sure of this recommendation.  You may be wondering, “What is it that causes you to choose that particular candidate for that firm?”

You’re It!

When I talk to a prospect, I am looking for that “je ne sais quoi.” The “it” factor that makes me feel comfortable to make that sole recommendation.  We might call that “your unique selling proposition.”  It’s what makes you different than all the other candidates out there.  I must feel that there is something special about each and every candidate that I work with in order to get that intuitive bite that you are perfect for one of the companies – either bank or legal firm.  For me to see this “something,” you must present it in our discussions (not once, but all the time).  Each and every candidate has “that something” that makes them special, and you must be aware of that.

What You Bring To The Table

When you talk with any recruiter, it’s your job to sell them on you.  It’s not just originations, niches that you cover, past performance; it’s that vision that you can project.  It’s your confidence that you know exactly who you are and what you are looking for.  If this is not there, you’re just like every other candidate in the pool.  But if this is present, a recruiter will put additional effort finding and making that perfect match.  They will scour their clients to make that opportunistic fit.  Most importantly, they will feel that special thing you are representing to them and to your future employer.  Help me make that special introduction.  Know thyself, but most importantly, share that with any recruiter you work with.

Conclusion

You don’t need a resume to chat with us! If you would like to discuss your options, please reach out for a confidential conversation at 760-477-1284 or email at harlan@hfriedmansearch.com. He can also be reached on LinkedIn. Harlan publishes a blog every Thursday here. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter here, which is a compilation of our weekly blogs, so you never miss one. We have also been mentioned in Forbes this year, click HERE to read more.  

About Harlan Friedman, JD & Founding Member, H. Friedman Search LLC. Harlan is a thirty-year veteran Public Finance Banker turned recruiter who specializes in the placement of all levels Public Finance Bankers, Healthcare Bankers, Municipal Advisors, Compliance Officers, Issuers, and Bond Counsels.