Why Executives Should Work with Executive Recruiters
The Power Move Most Executives Overlook
Why Networking with an Executive Recruiter Gives You the Ultimate Edge
By Brian Boomsma, Executive Recruiter & Career Strategist
You wouldn’t go to the gym without a plan. You wouldn’t invest without strategy. So why leave your career moves to chance?
Whether you’re climbing the ladder or eyeing your next big role, your network is your strongest asset—and that includes the right recruiter.
The difference between reacting to career shifts and controlling them comes down to who you know—and more importantly, who knows you when high-level opportunities emerge.
Recruiters don’t just match résumés to roles. The right recruiter is an insider, a connector, and a strategic partnering your long-term career trajectory. If you’re not already working with one, you’re moving through the market at a disadvantage.
Here’s why—and how—to start building that relationship now.
The Best Executive Opportunities Aren’t on Job Boards
By the time a leadership role is posted publicly, the real selection process has already happened behind closed doors. You don’t want to be in the applicant pool—you want to be in the conversation before the job ever makes it to market.
Companies turn to executive recruiters first for high-level searches because they need:
- Confidentiality – Many leadership hires happen quietly before leadership changes are announced.
- A Curated Shortlist– Companies don’t want 500 applicants; they want the right three to five.
- Market Intel – Recruiters know who’s ready for the right move, even before executives start looking.
This is where relationships matter. If you’re not connected to a recruiter, you’re relying on outdated methods to advance your career while others get direct introductions.
What to do: Start now. Introduce yourself to a recruiter in your industry. Not when you need a job—when you’re positioned to explore the best options.
Your Career is an Investment—Manage It Like One
The same way you diversify assets and track market trends, your career requires strategic managementstrategicmanagement. If you’re waiting until you need a change, you’re already playing catch-up.
A recruiter helps you:
- Know your market value – Are you being compensated competitively? Where do you stand among peers?
- Plan for shifts before they happen– Whether it’s economic downturns or leadership restructures, being prepared keeps you in control.
- Evaluate new roles with clarity – Not every opportunity is the right one. A recruiter helps filter quality over quantity.
Executives who consistently advance aren’t just lucky. They understand their value in the market and stay ready for the right opportunity.
What to do: Even if you're not actively looking, have a recruiter assess your career position at leastatleast once a year. Just like a financial check-in, it keeps you ahead of the game.
Recruiters Don’t Just Fill Jobs—They Build Careers
It’s easy to assume recruiters only step in when companies need to hire. But the most effective recruiter relationships are long-term partnerships.
The right recruiter helps you:
- Align your career with your strengths and goals – Not all leadership roles are the right fit, even at the right salary.
- Fine-tune your executive brand– How you position yourself in the market impacts who reaches out with opportunities.
- Navigate leadership transitions – Whether you’re moving from VP to C-suite or shifting industries, having the right advocate matters.
Think of it this way: elite athletes don’t just have coaches—they have agents, strategists, and teams helping them make career-defining moves. Your executive career deserves the same deliberate strategydeliberatestrategy.
What to do: Look beyond short-term hiring needs. Find a recruiter who understands where you want to go and keeps you positioned for the right opportunities.
Your Reputation is Your Strongest Asset—Protect It
Your name carries weight in leadership circles. But who’s talking about you when you’re not in the room? Recruiters don’t just introduce candidates—they actively shape the perception of executive talent.
- Your name gets mentioned for the right roles– Even when you’re not looking.
- You stay visible to key decision-makers– Long before formal searches begin.
- You control the narrative of your career – Instead of waiting for opportunities to find you.
Executives who understand this don’t just relyrely on their network—they make sure recruiters are part of it.
What to do: Stay engaged. Even if you're not in transition, keep a recruiter updated on your achievements and career goals. Visibility today ensures access tomorrow.
Future-Proofing: Why You Always Need a Plan B
Market shifts happen. Companyrestructures are inevitable. No leadershipNoleadership role is permanent. The executives who land on their feet fastest aren’t the ones who panic-search LinkedIn when layoffs hit. They’re the ones who:
- Have ongoing relationships with recruiters
- Know exactly where they’d move next if needed
- Get first call when top roles open up
Even if you love your current role, career stability comes from having options—not from staying in the same seat too long.
What to do: Think long-term. A recruiter ensures you’re never caught off guard when the market shifts—or when a better opportunity arises.
Final Takeaway: The Right Relationships Keep You in Control
Every high performer knows that success doesn’t happen by accident.
Whether in business, fitness, or finance, the best outcomes come from being intentional, staying informed, and making the right connections. Your next big move—whether it’s an internal promotion, an industry shift, or a new leadership role—will come from the network you’ve built today. And a recruiter is one of the most valuable connections you can have.
So, the real question isn’t whether you should start networking with an executive recruiter.
It’s whether you’re willing to leave your career moves to chance.
About Brian Boomsma
Brian Boomsma is an executive recruiter specializing in matching top-tier leadership talent with the right opportunities. With deep industry insight and a track record of helping executives advance their careers with precision, he helps top professionals make their next move with confidence.
Want to stay ahead in your career? Let’s talk.
More Executive Career Insights and Actionable Tips to Explore
- Staying Market-Ready: The Benefits of a Passive Job Search
- 3-Year Career Check-Up: Your Blueprint for Strategic Growth
- Is Your Compensation Truly Reflective of Your Leadership Value—Or Are You Leaving Money on the Table?
- Key Questions to Ask in a Job Interview That Will Set You Apart from the Competition
