Startups are always on the lookout for great leaders who can take their businesses to the next level. As a candidate, building a relationship with an executive recruiter is one way to stay competitive in the job market and learn about opportunities that align with your experience and professional goals. 

Knowing how to properly vet the opportunities presented to you by an executive recruiter will save you time and—potentially—career missteps. To ensure the right fit, we’ve compiled a list of key questions to ask when an executive recruiter reaches out. 

Related: Five Lessons You Will Learn Faster at a Startup 

1. How long have you been working on this search?

This question helps you determine what stage of the hiring process the company may be in with other candidates, as well as their success to date. 

If the search has been open for a month or longer and no candidates have been interviewed—or the company has interviewed many candidates without a hire—this may be a red flag. It could mean that their team is not aligned on what they want in a candidate. 

On the flip side, if the search has been taking a long time, the recruiter may have better insights into what other candidates have lacked. 

2. How many other firms are working on the search?

If the recruiter’s search firm has exclusivity and is the only one trying to fill the role, you probably have a better chance of your resume being seen by the hiring manager. If there are several search firms trying to fill the position, they’re likely considering a higher number of candidates, and the process may take longer. 

Be respectful of the recruiter’s time but follow up for updates to evaluate and determine if the recruiter is doing everything in their power to move things along. 

3. Have you placed other roles at the company?

The purpose of this question is to help you understand the recruiter’s past success and relationship with the client. If a recruiter has made multiple placements with the startup, they likely have a good eye for identifying top candidates and understanding the types of people who will fit well with the organization’s culture and needs—all of which could increase your chances of being hired.  

4. How does my background measure up with other candidates you’ve submitted?

This question can give you guidance on how to stand out to a hiring manager during the interview process. Perhaps there are certain skills you have or projects you’ve worked on that line up perfectly with the employer’s needs and you want to be sure to highlight. Or, if there are areas where you have less experience compared to other candidates, you can figure out a way to address them and assuage any concerns. 

Related: How to Showcase Your Skills During the Startup Interview Process 

5. What is the compensation range for the position?

To avoid wasting the time of everyone involved, ask the recruiter about the salary range for the position and what is included in the compensation package. Remember, compensation is more than just a salary. Startups can differentiate themselves by offering flexible work arrangements, stock/equity options, and other perks tailored to early employees.

6. What is the company’s ownership structure and funding status?

If you’re looking for a role with a startup, you may be comfortable with some degree of uncertainty—but ultimately, you’ll still need to feel secure about taking the job. Don’t be afraid to ask your recruiter about how the business is funded.  

7. How often do you work on searches that could potentially align with my career goals?  

Building a relationship with a recruiter can benefit you in the short and long term. If this opportunity doesn’t work out, there will likely be others in the future. The very best executive recruiters have large professional networks that you may be able to plug into. 

LinkedIn has become a cornerstone for professional networking and job searching. Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced professional looking for new opportunities, optimizing your LinkedIn profile can significantly enhance your visibility to potential employers. According to a survey, 67% of companies review a job candidate’s LinkedIn profile before making an offer, so it’s crucial to have a strong presence on the platform. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to make your LinkedIn profile stand out. 

1. Professional Profile Photo 

Your profile photo is the first thing people see, so make it count. A professional, high-quality headshot is essential. Here are some tips: 

  1. Wear attire that suits your industry. 
  2. A simple, clutter-free background ensures you’re the focal point. 
  3. Smile and appear welcoming to create a positive impression. 

2. Compelling Headline 

Your headline is more than just your job title. It’s a chance to showcase your expertise and what you bring to the table. Instead of just stating your position, consider including your current role, a key skill or area of expertise, or an achievement or unique selling point (e.g., Digital Marketing Specialist | Expert in SEO & Content Strategy | Helping Brands Grow Online). 

3. Detailed and Engaging Summary 

The summary section is your elevator pitch. It should be a concise narrative that highlights your professional journey, skills, and achievements. Make sure to: 

  1. Grab attention with a compelling opening. 
  2. Share your career story, not just a list of accomplishments. 
  3. Use industry-specific keywords to enhance searchability. 
  4. Encourage readers to connect with you or visit your portfolio. 

4. Experience Section 

Detail your work experience with specific achievements and responsibilities. Use numbers to demonstrate impact (e.g., “Increased sales by 30%”), highlight your main tasks and responsibilities., and incorporate relevant keywords to enhance searchability. 

5. Skills and Endorsements 

List skills that are relevant to your industry and career goals. Prioritize the ones that align best with the roles you’re seeking. To bolster your LinkedIn presence and validate your skills, consider requesting endorsements from colleagues and supervisors. Regularly update this section so that it properly reflects your current skillset. 

6. Custom URL 

Create a custom LinkedIn URL to make your profile more professional and easier to share. Go to your profile settings and personalize your LinkedIn web address (e.g., linkedin.com/in/yourname). 

7. Engage with Content 

Being active on LinkedIn shows that you’re engaged in your industry. Ways to engage include: 

  1. Posting articles or updates relevant to your industry. 
  2. Interacting with content from others in your network. 
  3. Writing and publishing your own articles on LinkedIn to showcase your expertise. 

8. Join Groups 

Join LinkedIn groups relevant to your industry. This can help you connect with professionals in your field and keep up with industry news and trends, while giving you a forum to share your insights and engage in conversations. 

9. Showcase Your Work 

LinkedIn allows you to add documents, visuals, and other content to your profile. Use this feature to showcase the great work you’ve done. Include links to projects or portfolios, upload presentations or documents that highlight your expertise, or share video content that demonstrates your skills or projects. 

Conclusion 

Optimizing your LinkedIn profile is a continuous process. Regularly update your profile, engage with your network, and showcase your professional journey. By following these tips, you’ll enhance your LinkedIn presence and increase your chances of attracting potential employers and opportunities. 

Connect with a Viaduct recruiter today to learn more about our opportunities for jobseekers. 

This blog was authored by Senior Talent Consultant and Executive Recruiter Jennifer Seal.