When I’m working with a candidate that considers making any sort of change in their career, I try to put myself in their position. This is different from empathizing with somebody. This is allowing me to see what I am suggesting through their eyes. I believe this is one of the main attributes that I can bring as an experienced public finance banker to the recruiting side of the business. By understanding what you (my candidate) may be considering, I’m able to help you see things slightly differently as an experienced public finance recruiter.
A Candidate’s Concerns Of Circulation
If I was a prospective candidate considering making a transition within the next year or so, I would have some concerns moving forward. The purpose of this blog is to address those concerns. My first concern would be my name is now going to get out in the marketplace. My resume is going to be circulated. My firm is going to find out about my consideration in making a move. All these concerns deal with the perception of how most recruiters work with candidates. If I had to guess, after having a conversation with a candidate, most recruiters would immediately begin circulating their name and their resume to the firms in our industry that have expressed the desire for new hires. If I was a candidate, I would be concerned with this approach too. The approach that H Friedman Search takes is very different. We do not circulate your name or your resume, other than one firm should you elect to move forward in the process. This is after an exhaustive one-hour conversation with an experienced public finance recruiter. It is what I like to call a “drill down” on you and your needs.
An Experienced Public Finance Recruiter & Opportunistic Hiring
Let me elaborate on this. All the firms that we represent understand that we offer opportunistic situations only. That means a firm will create a new position for anyone that they believe is qualified to represent their brand. It does not matter if you are a public finance banker, a bond counsel, or any other public finance professional. The firms that we represent will create positions for the right candidates. Our philosophy is that we only share one company with you at a time. The company knows that they are getting an exclusive look at a special candidate. You (the candidate) know you are getting a high-level exclusive look at the firm. Should either one of you at any time in the conversation decide this is not the right place, we would then look at a second firm if we felt there was one as good for you. Statistically speaking and as an experienced public finance recruiter, the first firm that we represent is usually the right one. What all this means is that your name has only been shared with one firm; therefore, your name nor your resume is out circulating in the marketplace.
The Experienced Public Finance Recruiter Often Hears The Question:
“Will It Be A Waste Of Time If I’m Not Ready To Make A Move?”
Another concern that I hear raised is, “I’m not really sure at this point if I really want to make a move and I don’t want to waste your time as well as the client’s time.” First, let me say when I hear this echoed, I greatly appreciate it. But when I address it, I share the following: if you are a professional in the field of public finance (i.e., as a banker, trader, underwriter, municipal advisor, salesperson, or bond counsel), it is never a waste of my time nor my client’s time. We are all aware that timing is everything. If it turns out that this is not the right timing for you, that’s fine. The reason it is fine is because you now know where you really stand. You’ve had interviews with a firm that has expressed desires, you’ve had conversations with me (an experienced public finance recruiter), and we all got to know you better. Neither of us, not my clients or myself, are going anywhere. This means there will always be new opportunities when the timing is right for you now that we have gotten to know you better. Do not be concerned about starting the process and not completing it. That is just part of the recruiting process, and we understand that.
Next week we will continue with more concerns you may have. Whatever concerns you may have we can address to your complete satisfaction.
Conclusion
If you would like to discuss your options, please reach out for a confidential conversation at 760-477-1284 or email at [email protected]. He can also be reached on LinkedIn. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter here, which is a compilation of our weekly blogs, so you never miss one. You can find our listing in the “supplier and services” section of the Red Book under the title of “executive recruiting”.
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.