Ask HN: How do you get over the executive wall? • Hacker News Board

Re: Ask HN: How do you get over the executive wall?

#21

Post by bartozone » Wed, Oct 04, 2017, 1:31 AM UTC

exogeny wrote: post #8

twunde wrote: post #4

There are some recruiting firms that specialize in executive recruiting. That may be an option for you and is worth exploring. Another option is to reach out to some of the tech recruiting firms and let them know that you're looking for an exec position (director/VP/CPO/whatever) and to reach out if they see one. I've occasionally seen those pitched. You may also want to look at consulting firms, as those can turn in…

That's helpful, thank you. I should also state that I previously may have been too prideful to look into something like that in more depth, but I'm increasingly concluding that viewpoint is silly.

In technology it is VERY common as these exec recruiters are paid handsomely. 100K+ to find the right executive and place him/her at a company. These are not the low level recruiters spamming your inbox.

These people have a network, and know who has been where and for how long. After that 3/4/5 year mark, they start pinging people to let them know of interesting opportunities. That said, you DO want a good recruiter who's well respected.

I'd do your research on who some of the best are, and target them to work with. Perhaps people here can make suggestions?

Re: Ask HN: How do you get over the executive wall?

#22

Post by tedmiston » Wed, Oct 04, 2017, 3:32 AM UTC

exogeny wrote: post #13

rdiddly wrote: post #9

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That sounds like an argument for the "slow pace" that you bemoan as a trait of the acquiring company. Slow growth and low risk go together. It's not a bad thing.

Good point - maybe what I'm looking for is the middle ground, to the extent that it's possible. I'd enjoy the stability of a slightly larger company, without the slowness and bureaucracy of a large one. I think my wheelhouse would be a Series B and above growth trajectory company that is looking to flesh out it's founding team with established and experienced execs. Seems like a needle in a haystack.

This isn’t the most helpful answer but I’ve heard similarly to the sibling comment that most of the search for these roles happens through backchannels. There’s discussion around related topics in the app Blind.

Re: Ask HN: How do you get over the executive wall?

#23

Post by HD134606c » Wed, Oct 04, 2017, 5:09 AM UTC

Taking some time off to purely focus on networking could be a good option. Networking is great fun when you have spare cycles. Networking when you have a full-time job - not so.

Maintaining a network when you have a full-time job is much easier than building one.

Re: Ask HN: How do you get over the executive wall?

#24

Post by q-base » Wed, Oct 04, 2017, 5:24 AM UTC

Thanks a lot for asking this. I actually find myself looking somewhat in the same direction without really having found a clear path. But a lot of good answers here that I will look further into.

I just made my life a little more complicated by doing freelance development work and now in the short run probably will have to accept a major pay cut to prove myself in a VP/C* something role of a smaller company, until I would be able to break into larger firms and better pay.

Re: Ask HN: How do you get over the executive wall?

#25

Post by q-base » Wed, Oct 04, 2017, 7:16 AM UTC

bartozone wrote: post #21

exogeny wrote: post #8

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That's helpful, thank you. I should also state that I previously may have been too prideful to look into something like that in more depth, but I'm increasingly concluding that viewpoint is silly.

In technology it is VERY common as these exec recruiters are paid handsomely. 100K+ to find the right executive and place him/her at a company. These are not the low level recruiters spamming your inbox. These people have a network, and know who has been where and for how long. After that 3/4/5 year mark, they start pinging people to let them know of interesting opportunities. That said, you DO want a good recruiter…

Interesting and obvious in many ways. The recruiters of course has all the interest in the world to deliver the right candidate. I would be interested if people have any recommendations in this regards as well.

Re: Ask HN: How do you get over the executive wall?

#26

Post by tixocloud » Wed, Oct 04, 2017, 1:21 PM UTC

Another opportunity you might consider is connecting with venture capital or private equity firm partners. They are constantly monitoring their portfolio of companies and at anytime may want to bring in someone with your significant experience to help scale their startups.

Another avenue you could try is cold-calling another executive and essentially selling yourself: https://www.forbes.com/sites/susanadams/2014/04/22/how-cold-...

Outside of technology, most companies usually find executives through their network - it's the safest way to be relatively assured that they won't be hiring wrong. If you're not into networking at a large scale, what about taking people out for coffee 1:1 and build the relationship that way?

Re: Ask HN: How do you get over the executive wall?

#27

Post by gyardley » Wed, Oct 04, 2017, 8:39 PM UTC

Reach out, either through a respected intermediary or directly, to CEOs of companies that are about to need executives but haven’t made a bunch of external executive hires yet. Get on their radar before they start their recruitment process.

Sure, this is networking of a sort, but taking a half hour to talk with the CEO of a company you might join is hardly a ‘forced conversation’.

Re: Ask HN: How do you get over the executive wall?

#28

Post by telebone_man » Sat, Oct 07, 2017, 3:32 PM UTC

Food for thought... Whilst you might find the 'typical post-conference drinks to be incredibly tedious', you will find that this same thing (or something similar, in principle) will encompass part of being an exec at most businesses...

These businesses are looking for 100% the right person when filling these roles. And if you look like the right person, and they haven't yet filled it, then it won't matter when you apply.

But to answer your questions directly.

- I wouldn't waste yours and the other person time trying to force yourself to enjoy a conversation. Just chalk it up as one of your weaknesses when asked in an interview. - Yes there are specialist firms, and they typically have headhunters, and in my experience are quite good at finding candidates. - There is indeed a narrowing of the pyramid... Execs are at the very least highly motivated and highly intelligent. There are also very few jobs!

Re: Ask HN: How do you get over the executive wall?

#29

Post by telebone_man » Sat, Oct 07, 2017, 3:33 PM UTC

bartozone wrote: post #21

exogeny wrote: post #8

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That's helpful, thank you. I should also state that I previously may have been too prideful to look into something like that in more depth, but I'm increasingly concluding that viewpoint is silly.

In technology it is VERY common as these exec recruiters are paid handsomely. 100K+ to find the right executive and place him/her at a company. These are not the low level recruiters spamming your inbox. These people have a network, and know who has been where and for how long. After that 3/4/5 year mark, they start pinging people to let them know of interesting opportunities. That said, you DO want a good recruiter…

Indeed, but I'd like to add that these recruiters are often penalised if the candidate leaves the business before a set period.

So they have a financial motive with not just placing a candidate, but also them staying there.