This is one of my favorite stories about professional networks, and a GREAT career lesson about the important of relationships. The CIO Mixer – As many of you know (and have attended!), I host three or four client mixers annually. Back in 2009, I hosted a CIO (Chief Information Officer) Mixer at Hollywood Park racetrack. Of the 25 CIOs on the guest list, only 15 showed up. There were 10 “no call, no shows.” Keep in mind, I paid $250 per person to host the event. My only pur

At the executive level ($100,000+)...online job postings don't work. And at the executive level ($100,000+)...applying for jobs online is a lottery. You have a better chance of hitting the lottery. Here is your $50,000 of hiring/career advice...pro bono. Hiring - Was reviewing the hiring progress of a project in Las Vegas. All the usual suspects. In Las Vegas you are competing with the best casino operators on the planet. If you hire the "B" squad...we will be rooting for y

This quote is from a client on a recent executive search. I only ask two things from the hiring company: Interview my candidates and provide feedback. After 20+ years and 1,000+ successful executive placements, I'm not guessing. I only submit candidates that are a strong match. If I don't have any, I submit no one because I value my client's time. And I take great pride in giving every candidate closure. It seems to be in vogue for some companies to leave people hanging. If t

About 85% of jobs come from your professional network, and another 10% come from executive recruiters. So how do you find one if you haven't been in the job market for a decade? The Godfather is here to help.

The White-Collar Recession started in May 2023, and the job market has been dreadful ever since. If you are unemployed, it's especially challenging. Here are The Godfather's career tips, no sugar coating, just the truth.

Let me start by setting expectations. Owned this executive recruiting business for 22 years and placed 1,000+ executives. My space starts at $150,000; however, most of my placements are $200,000+. This article does not really pertain to individual contributors making $60,000 Candidates – Let me start by saying on a scale of one to ten, the current job market is a five. The Pandemic Job Gold Rush of 2020 gave way to the White-Collar Job Recession of 2023. No more 25% salary

My completely unscientific survey shows 85% of executives who accept a counteroffer are terminated within 12 months. Do you really think your employer likes you leveraging them for a few extra dollars? Let me give you two real examples of why you should never accept a counteroffer.

I'm going to tell you the story of how NOT to treat people. In my 22 years owning an executive recruiting company, I have never had a candidate treated this way. This should be an HR case study. The intent is not to call out the company. Admire and respect the CEO. The purpose of this post is to say, "You will never hire quality executives if you treat them this way." I submitted a VP level candidate, and the first two phone interviews were positive. They invited him for a pr

Last week I received resumes from several people who ignored my outreach just a year ago. Ghosted my emails. Didn't respond to my LinkedIn requests. Now they need help. Here's the career advice I give everyone, before they ever need a recruiter.

Job hugging, staying in a job longer than usual for comfort or security, is on the rise. In an uncertain market, that's understandable. But is it the right move for you? Here's how to think through it, depending on where you are in your career.

Anyone who understands how private equity works knows exactly what's coming. Hundreds, if not thousands, will be in the reduction in force. If you're a long-term employee at a company facing that kind of pressure, here's my honest advice on when to stay, when to go, and how to protect yourself either way.

Everybody has dreams. Doesn't mean you're going to be that thing. After a brief career as a professional bowler, a tech executive, and two successful company exits, including one acquired by IBM for $75M, I've learned that finding what you're talented at beats chasing what you think you want. Here's what that looks like in practice.

More than any other interview question, "Why did you leave your last job?" has the potential to end things right there. After 22 years in executive recruiting, I've heard every version of the wrong answer. Here's what to say instead.