Should You Stay Or Should You Go?

Your finance recruiter should recommend all options, even staying.

“STAY!” That’s right, you read it correctly: stay. A word that most finance recruiters do not use in their normal vocabulary. I am not saying I am the only recruiter that recommends this, but I truly believe that most finance recruiters do not recommend this option enough. Why? Recruiters are afraid in the possibility of losing a candidate or a client. However, I believe this is the opposite; we gain respect in their eyes. Staying should be an option in all your transitional decisions. By knowing you have the option of staying at any time in the process, it will cause you to be more diligent in your analysis.

Explore Your Options

As a finance recruiter, I have recently been working with numerous candidates that have different options in front of them. This is all due to the candidate-driven market that I have referenced previously. As they evaluate new firms and new opportunities, I have clearly stated that if the new opportunities do not overwhelmingly improve your perceived situation, then you should stay. However, you owe it to yourself and your family to explore new options if you have any concerns about your existing employment status. Not only your employment status, but also any platform deficiencies, management changes, mergers, etc. In our fluid environment, change always brings new opportunities, internally or externally. Even though change can be afoot, it is up to you to embrace it. You can embrace it by staying put, or you can embrace it by placing yourself in a better situation. There is also the choice to leverage the option of change in your current position. Any of these are strong options that should be explored.

The best time to embrace change is when you are at the top of your game and everyone wants you. When this occurs, you come out the winner in every situation. Being a finance recruiter, I have noticed that firms are looking to fill voids as they reshuffle seats.

This Finance Recruiter’s Motto Is…

In summary, my mom always shared with me that it is better to know the apple that you are currently eating than to guess about the one you left in the bowl. You know your current situation, you know what is both good and what needs improvement. If you are looking for a new challenge, explore other options or simply stay put! I have been fortunate enough to move a lot of people over the last few years, and I would say that 90% are exceptionally pleased when they get to their new firm. However, there is always the 10% that I later find out may have been better off remaining at their current firm, or possibly exiting the industry altogether. Open communication, especially with your finance recruiter, is the key to solving problems. If you do not get what you need, then the time to move is right. Most importantly is that you know it!

If you would like to discuss your options, please reach out to me for a confidential conversation at 760-477-1284 or email me at [email protected].

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 level Public Finance Bankers, Health Care Bankers, Municipal Financial Advisors, Compliance Officers, Issuers, and Bond Counsels. He can be reached on LinkedIn, at [email protected] or 760-477-1284.