Knowing where to look, both inside and outside of the traditional or logical spheres of influence, is pivotal. Empathy - Hiring is a stressful task for an employer. So is changing jobs. An understanding of these pressures is crucial to mission of facilitating the process whereby both employer and potential new hire come out as long-term winners. Observant -Executive recruiters need the ability to see things as they really are rather than what the employer or candidate would have you believe.
Companies often have no clue about the realities of the marketplace from which they seek to hire.
Likewise, candidates who have not been on the job market for many years may have 'perception' problems about their true worth and the actual value of their experience. Only someone like an alert and interactive executive recruiter can recognize symptoms and correct problems likely to derail a deal before they go irretrievably off the track. True grit - A high tolerance for rejection is a must, from start to finish. Nothing in the executive recruiting profession can be left to chance. No steps can be short-circuited.