Customer Reviews

The Secrets of Executive Search: Professional Strategies for Managing Your Personal Job Search

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

The title of this book is somewhat misleading because it incorrectly suggests that Melancon's scope is much narrower than in fact it is. True, he has many insights into the executive search process itself, insights which may well be "secrets" previously unknown by most readers. His primary audience consists of career executives who are either now seeking another position or realize the need to plan a career which includes but is by no means limited to the position they now occupy. Melancon's insights can also be of incalculable value to students, their parents, and guidance counselors as well as to any others who wish to be better prepared to help students as they seek employment after graduation. (Over the years, Melancon has given a great deal of expert advice to the daughters and sons of family members as well as those of countless personal friends and business associates.) I also think this book will be of value to those in human resource departments who are involved, directly or indirectly, in the recruiting, screening, and (perhaps) interviewing of job applicants. Finally, I highly recommend this book to owners/CEOs of smaller companies who must identify and evaluate candidates but are unwilling and/or unable to retain executive search assistance from those such as Melancon.

There are 46 of the "secrets" to which the title refers. Each reader is already aware of several. Moreover, what were previously known before may have been forgotten so reaquaintance with perhaps prove helpful. For example: "Include a keyword summary in your hard copy resume (#8), "'Close the loop' with your references" (#15), "Always ask how you fit!" (#26), "Always ask for a copy of your test results and the interpretation" (#31), "When possible, ask for X weeks/months advance notice of termination" as well as "Negotiate extended temporary housing allowance" (#39). Some of the "secrets" are obvious (obviously) but all, together, can help a variety of readers (not only those actively seeking jobs) to understand much better the entire process by which people can most effectively secure better, more appropriate positions.

This book can indeed be of substantial assistance to those "on the either side of the desk" who wish to (a) strengthen their own interviewing and talent evaluation skills and (b) improve substantially the process by which to select those candidates who are best-qualified to fill the given positions. One of the most useful features is the series of "Checklists" which Melancon provides throughout the book. Melancon's tone is informal, conversational actually, as he shares various "professional strategies" which will help anyone to manage both a personal job search and, in process, an entire career. Well done.

I expected something more than a review of search criteria that should be well known to anyone who has been through the job search process. This is especially true with the executive search process. I found no revelations here. In fact, I thought that the book was written on a much lower level than those to whom it was written to help. Unless you have never been involved in the executive search process, don't bother reading this book.

Melancon has written a very readable and actionable guide for anyone who is in the job market or plans on advancing their career. As one who has recently been in a personal job search, The Secrets of Executive Search helped me to focus on what is important and develop an actionable plan tailored to my needs. Within weeks I saw a noticable improvement in the quality and quantity of the follow-up inquiries I was receiving.

The Secrets of Executive Search breaks down the search process into each of its component pieces from resume development to offer negotiations, offering the reader constructive help in each area while providing light anecdotal stories from Melancon's experiences as an executive recruiter. Did you know resumes should be organized differently on the Web and in databases for greater effectiveness? The book is chalked full of the small and large tips like this that would come from a recruiting professional with years of experience.

This book is required reading for anyone serious about marketing themself. It's a reference you'll go back to time and time again.

Just finished reading the book of "secrets." Perhaps it is because of the general degradation of the English language over the years, but the word "secret" seems to have lost its original meaning. No secrets here. This book is just a check list of things to remember, in other words, some helpful hints. A very fast read. My major concern however, is that the author appears to have a heavy bias towards recruiters/headhunters, perhaps because he earns his income in that way. For example, one of the "secrets" given in the book is: "Be kind to the headhunter." The advice on interviews is very scanty. You could get more useful information on interviewing from the average newspaper article on the subject. In summary, it seams as though this book was written in order to glorify the author's career as a headhunter. Naturally, he cares more for his clients (those that pay them his fees) than he does for job candidates. He spends an entire chapter warning job seekers never to accept a counter-offer from your current employer. No surprise, because one of the most frustrating things to headhunters is on those occasions when they find out that they aren't going to close on a deal. This book is OK for a person just starting out, but will produce a yawn for anyone with ten or more years of work experience. The advice is just too obvious ... and obviously biased.

I am an Executive Search Consultant, a Headhunter, and I found this book to be a simple and useful checklist, especially for more senior hires. It is so easy to forget that the competition out there really is very high for jobs, and the more senior you are, the more you have to make sure your career management strategy is a very deliberatly executed and well thought out one. No one has time to read verbose books, so this one is light, and easy to remember and to refer to later.
I admit that it covers the basics, but if you get those right, then you have a strong foundation on which to build. The book is a good start.

The Secrets of Executive Search is a great resource for anyone that wants to sharpen their career skills. My wife has been a professional recruiter for 9 years and agreed with the sound advice given in this book.

One of the greatest strengths of the book is that there are no wasted words. It is a quick read, but packed with useful information.

The "You Asked For, I Have" cover letter was my favorite tip. With 80% of baby boomers expected to work at least part-time in retirement, and as Melancon points out, the average person changes jobs every 5 years, sharpening job search skills is a must.

Ashley Hodge, CFP
Southlake, TX

I ordered "Secrets" even though I already own a great many books of this type. Mr. Melancon has done a super job of taking a great deal of information, simplifying it, and giving live examples that help to make each point. One of my favorite aspects of the book is that it is so user-friendly. Following each chapter is an outline of points to remember, followed by space for taking notes. If you are looking for a job, particularly at the executive level, this is the book you will continually refer to.

"Secrets of Executive Search" is a wealth of information. As a Human Resources professional for 30 years, at the officier level for the past ten years-I have had the opportunity to recommend many books such as "Rites of Passage" etc. Now I'm recommending "Secrets of Executive Search" because Melancon is right on target. This book is a good read for anyone - but a must read for anyone conducting a job search.

Melancon has written a very readable and actionable guide for anyone who is in the job market or plans on advancing their career. As one who has recently been in a personal job search, The Secrets of Executive Search helped me to focus on what is important and develop an actionable plan tailored to my needs. Within weeks I saw a noticable improvement in the quality and quantity of the follow-up inquiries I was receiving.

The Secrets of Executive Search breaks down the search process into each of its component pieces from resume development to offer negotiations, offering the reader constructive help in each area while providing light anecdotal stories from Melancon's experiences as an executive recruiter. Did you know resumes should be organized differently on the Web and in databases for greater effectiveness? The book is chalked full of the small and large tips like this that would come from a recruiting professional with years of experience.

This book is required reading for anyone serious about marketing themself. It's a reference you'll go back to time and time again.

From resume reviews to job-search seminars, there is no lack of career advise within most MBA programs. Melancon puts all this advise and more into a short, pithy book that is written as much for his readers' enjoyment as it is for their education. It is an excellent book for those proactive individuals who want to develop their career in the new economy.