Episode 75 How to Work Effectively with Executive Recruiters

In this episode, Sarah breaks down how executive recruiters actually operate - and why the typical “send your CV and wait” approach doesn’t work at a senior level. If you’re aiming for leadership roles, you’ll learn how to position yourself strategically, build strong recruiter relationships, and stand out as a credible, low-risk candidate.What You’ll LearnThe biggest misconception about executive recruitersHow recruiters assess senior candidatesWhy positioning matters more than your CV5 practical ways to work with recruiters effectivelyHow to make recruiters a powerful part of your job search strategyTimestamps[00:00] Welcome & podcast introduction [01:00] Global reach milestone + episode overview [02:00] Client story: feeling stuck and overlooked by recruiters [03:00] The biggest misconception about recruiters [04:00] Why a passive job search strategy fails [05:00] Case study: shifting positioning and strategy [06:00] How executive recruiters actually think [07:00] What makes you “easy to place” [07:30] 5 practical strategies to work with recruiters [07:30] 1. Be specific about what you want [08:00] 2. Lead with value, not your CV [08:30] 3. Build relationships, not transactions [09:00] 4. Prepare properly for recruiter conversations [09:30] 5. Don’t rely on recruiters alone [10:00] The mindset shift: recruiters are part of your strategy [11:00] Final thoughts + how to get supportKey TakeawayRecruiters don’t find you a job - you position yourself so they can confidently place you. When you get clear, strategic, and visible, they become valuable allies rather than a frustrating dead end.Useful LinksSign up for Weekly Career InspirationLearn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching ProgrammesBook a Free 121 Clarity CallConnect with Sarah on LinkedInRate & Review the PodcastIf you found this episode of Unstuck & Unstoppable helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.If you're kind enough to leave a review, please do let Sarah know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: [email protected]