Strategies for Building Relationships with Search Firms

Some Essential Facts About Search Firms
Search firms work to serve their clients - employers who want to hire an employee for a specific position. The focus of a search firm is always on finding candidates who will optimally match their client's specifications. These firms want to ultimately find the best candidate for a specific job, a candidate that will result in an "ideal fit" for the position that needs to be filled. In order to find the "ideal candidate," search professionals will extensively research and seek out the best candidates. This research includes identifying and talking to executives that may not be currently looking for a job. When search consultants are seeking a candidate, they are focused on the current search. If your credentials, experience, etc. do not meet the search criteria, consultants will not be motivated to return your calls as quickly as you would like them to.

http://www.challengergray.com/
Challenger-Gray provides quality outplacement programs for the employees of their clients. These include executives, middle managers, other highly valued employees, along with relocation for spouses and services for groups.

http://www.selectrecruiters.com/?channel=srrrbabout
The counterpart to Kennedy's paper edition allows detailed searching for recruiters across the country. A fee is charged for the results, but the cost may be worthwhile in time saved.

http://www.employmentguide.com/browse_jobfairs.html
Web guide to job fairs and career expos.

http://www.godfreypersonnel.com/

Godfrey Personnel, Inc is a search firm specializing in the placement of Property/Casualty Insurance and Life/Health Insurance Executives, Managers, Underwriters, Raters, Claims, Actuary, Marketers and Brokerage.

Jhttp://www.ides.state.il.us/info/event/
A listing of Job Fairs and large employer recruitment events from the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES).

http://www.linkedin.com

"Over 75 million professionals use LinkedIn to exchange information, ideas and opportunities. Stay informed about your contacts and industry. Find the people & knowledge you need to achieve your goals. Control your professional identity online."
• Re-connect - Find past and present colleagues and classmates quickly. LinkedIn makes staying in touch simple.
• Power your career - Discover inside connections when you’re looking for a job or new business opportunity.

Use the Power of the Internet to Develop Your Network.

Internet mailing lists and discussion groups are available for any number of careers, industries and job-related topic areas. Use them to meet people in your field, to stay in touch with what's happening in your industry and to learn where the opportunities are in the "Hidden Job Market"!

http://www.refergroup.com/
Business Networking Referrals.

http://www.tutormentorconnection.org
The T/MC is working to create a flow of resources (volunteers, dollars, training, equipment, media attention) into every Chicago neighborhood to provide a positive tutoring/mentoring program where needed, and to support the next generation in getting launched in the world of work. T/MC also maintains a listing of best practices in tutoring/mentoring and a directory of Chicago tutoring and mentoring programs, which is available in print or from their website.