Whilst conducting an executive consult last week, the subject came up of direct enquiries and applications to hiring companies (as opposed to recruiters).
My consult was wondering whether to pursue this channel proactively or to stick with only applying to specific positions advertised through various media.
In fact, we have found that corporates are advertising more positions than ever themselves, due to the combined effect of the user-friendly and highly targeted nature of internet advertising and the downturn necessitating the need to look for cheaper routes to market.
HR departments are now more comfortable using executive job boards and business networks to source top talent; building links with contacts not only for present but also for future needs.
Talking directly to companies is a necessity with more jobs being secured than ever through networking and particularly through direct job adverts.
Evidence of this can be found on executive-i.com, with direct adverts having increased by 73% over the last 12 months (as at 31st May 2010).
Evidence can also be found with the growing trend of Talent Acquisition experts joining the HR teams of corporates throughout the UK. They are essentially internal headhunters tasked with maximising routes to market for present and future needs and minimising the need for external service providers.
It is therefore essential that you proactively approach target companies to maximise your prospects. Make sure you speak to the key decision makers throughout the process. This will ensure you can not only influence the right people but also gain relevant and essential feedback to ensure you can make improvements and learn from the process.
Have a productive week…