Sooner or later, as you move up in an IT career, you’re going to need to interact with executive search firms.   Knowing how they operate, what they’re looking for and what they consider to be “red flags” is therefore essential.

Enter Maureen Waindle to get you started.  Hear about her background, and it becomes immediately obvious that she has been very successful managing her own career and has the work experience to help others do the same.  How to get on the radar of an exec search firm?  Get your resume out there, and “become known.”  As Maureen put it, “You’re going to need a referral” to get yourself established with an executive search firm.  To accomplish that, “You need to be mature in your career.”

Did you know that hiring companies expect to have 6-8 ready-to-be-evaluated, vetted candidates in two weeks?  Think about that…  With competition that intense, you better have all your ducks in a row; and probably be ready to relocate.

What does an executive search firm look for?  Start with executive presence, deep industry knowledge, a strong technical background and people skills.  Respect of superiors, colleagues and subordinates is essential.  And there’s more!

Listen to the full interview to learn more about politics, “chemistry,” other essential competencies indispensable to successful IT career management.

Tags: IT Career Path Radio, job search