I was recently let go from my VP job because the company is in Chapter 11.

Anonymous

April 26,2022 at 5:23PM UTC

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I was recently let go from my VP job because the company is in Chapter 11. I reached out to 4 recruiters. Spoke with them all, started the process. Now, they have all gone silent. No one will return a call. What is happening here? If they didn’t want to work with me, why would they waste my time and there’s. Makes me not want to trust any recruiter. Why does this happen?

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AnonymousApril 26,2022 at 6:10PM UTC
Make sure you reached out executive places recruiters specializing in your field of expertise. Most recruiters do not place at your level.
I would network like crazy because chances are the jobs you would consider are not going to be advertised. They will be discussed internally and tge board or CSUITE will come with recommendations.
This is where your network will come in handy. They will be aware of openings and will reach out if there's a fit.
Recruiters are great if you have established a relationship and they are aware of your value and experience already.
AnonymousApril 26,2022 at 8:11PM UTC
thank you for the insight!
I will definitively continue to network and make those important connections!!
AnonymousApril 26,2022 at 7:47PM UTC
You are likely going to get lots of recruiters commenting with excuses but the fact is that most of them are very poor about keeping in touch.
They do not prioritize communication with candidates, period. They are "too busy" or have "too many things moving" or "are working on lots of searches at once" but the answer is still that as a profession they do not put a high value on staying in touch with people who are not immediately filling a need they have to count: interviews scheduled, candidates, placed, etc.
AnonymousApril 26,2022 at 8:05PM UTC
They might not have any current openings that fit your skillset at the moment.
If this is true, this shouldn't stop you from checking in with them every 3-4 months.
Alexandra DApril 26,2022 at 8:13PM UTC
I don’t like recruiters for this reason, unless they’re specifically internal to the company. They’re likely funneling hundreds of people a week, and for some it’s easier to just not pay any mind to “cold leads”.
AnonymousApril 26,2022 at 8:14PM UTC
Most recruiters are not very connected and therefore just run after whatever job is posted.
At a VP level you will need to deal with highly connected recruiters that have cultivated a large clientele and have a history if successful placements at VP level and above.
Spend your time wisely with recruiters. They will most likely fall below VP level placement so make sure you get a sense of their recent track record or you'll me having a lot of conversations around taking a step or 2 down and considering working temp jobs.
Gretchen SkalkaApril 26,2022 at 10:08PM UTC
I agree on the networking front.
LinkedIn can be fabulous for this. More than 500 million users worldwide and upwards of 90% of businesses using their recruiting tools. It will always be time well spent to network there.
Stef FlorieApril 26,2022 at 10:46PM UTC
Not to take away from FairyGodBoss (I do love this site and how supportive everyone is), but a VP level job requires a headhunter, not a "recruiter". And because organizational structures are usually somewhat pyramid (or clusters of pyramids) shaped, VP positions are more scarce than anything lower. TheLadders.com is resource for $100K+ jobs, and might be a better resource for your job search than FGB or LinkedIn.
Best of luck to you!!
AnonymousApril 27,2022 at 6:11PM UTC
Thank you for the explanation. I appreciate the information. Sounds like good advice, and I still have my work cut out for me!!
AnonymousApril 27,2022 at 12:38PM UTC
recruiters won’t reach back out to you unless they have something I’ve been on the phone for hours with many of them to never hear from them again if I’m not a fit for the job they’re trying to fill at hand that’s not how it works you’re supposed to build a pipeline as a recruiter because I’ve been one for over 10 years and I know how it works successfully find new recruiters
AnonymousApril 28,2022 at 2:21AM UTC
Recruiters’ clients are companies that need new hires, not potential employees.
They will reach out to you if — and only if — they have a position for which you are a suitable candidate.
I understand that this is frustrating, but that’s how it works.
AnonymousApril 28,2022 at 6:44PM UTC
I might suggest reaching out to Robynn Storey - she's lights out at this: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynnstorey/