By Jean Hollands

Executive recruiting: show time to slow time

The fascinating work of retained search is suffering a little. As compared to two years ago, when the phones rang incessantly thanks to companies looking for new executives in the skimpy world of the currently unemployed or underemployed, searchers are now straining to find the right executive for the few slots open.

The good news is that organizations are still looking for productive officers for their companies. Some of the “iffy” search companies are having to close their doors, and some of the individual consultants are looking for new ventures. This means that those still in business are solid, dependable and honest companies with enough moxie and durability to weather this drought.

Matchmaking of all kinds can be fascinating work. In Japan there is actually a titled executive called the “matchmaker.” He is charged with matching up eligible employees within a company for possible matrimony. Keeping the family within the company sounds pretty good to me, but of course we cannot do that here in the United States.

Our corporate recruiting companies, the professional employee version of matchmakers, find the right CEO type for the right job.

At this moment in time, the most popular position to place is the sales professional. Everyone wants more salespeople - not accountants, marketeers or manufacturing gurus, just someone who will go out there and find the business.

If you are in the sales world, go for it. If you are not, and you still want to be gainfully employed, learn how to sell. It is not innate; it is a learned skill.

Jean A. Hollands, CEO of Growth & Leadership Center, author of the book “Same Game Different Rules - How to Get Ahead Without Being a Bully Broad, Ice Queen or ‘Ms. Understood’,” was voted Business Woman of the Year in 1986 and 1996. Write to GLC, 1451 Grant Road, Mountain View 94040.