It’s the question recruiters are asked numerous times a week, “How did you find me?” The question comes with two sides to it; one a person is curious as they did not want to be found and fly under the raider while the other is really pleased we found them. Which one are you?
The Obvious Routes
For certain types of bankers, it’s extremely easy to locate your names. My go-to source is clearly the Red Book, yet more and more firms are not paying to be included in the Red Book anymore. That was the source when I first started recruiting and it was easy to locate the right banker or bond counsel to reach out to (and for candidates to be found). Another source for bond counsels is the NABL directory. It’s not easy to find since I am not a member, but over the years I have received old ones to view. As attorneys don’t necessarily move, even procuring an old directory has proven to be helpful. Sometimes an old GFOA or conference directories that I find online can be of assistance to other public finance professionals.
A Little More Digging…
Today the main source is clearly LinkedIn. This is especially true since firm directories don’t always list bankers anymore. Law firms tend to provide the names of their attorneys by practice groups which does make it easier. So, why am I revealing our sources? The real reason for the blog today is to let you know if you want to be found you have to provide more information, especially if you have been displaced or are looking to have conversations with new firms. Let’s look at how you can be found if that is indeed what you would like.
LinkedIn Necessities
With LinkedIn, it’s important that when you accept a connection you have an email in your profile, preferably a personal one. In the event that you change jobs, a personal email will allow recruiters to follow and contact you. Whereas, if you decided either voluntarily to leave or you were terminated for any reason (even a firm exiting the business), with only a business email you cannot be located. In some cases, you may view that as a good thing, but you are closing yourself off to hearing about opportunities. Next, make yourself available to accept connection invites since that is how you will start future connections and meaningful conversations. Another label that recruiters look for is the “open to network” badge underneath your name. If you are open to network (and in essence, you want to be found), beef up your personal description and business profiles, specifically your previous positions and education section so recruiters can determine if you are the right fit for them to reach out. Today more than ever there are firms in both banking and law that are looking for professional public finance people. If for some reason you are entertaining the possibility of a move in 2025, now is the time to start to engage. Make it easier to find you and you may be pleasantly surprised at the opportunities that can be shared.
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 [email protected]. 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, click HERE to read for yourself.
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.