4 tips for attracting talented C-level staff

In today's business world, gifted C-level staff can directly impact organizational success in an immense way. In fact, companies that successfully hire top executives see an average overall sales increase of 20 percent, according to recent polling data from Gallup.

Of course, attracting transformative, dividend-altering talent is a common objective for most companies. To overtake your competitors and nab these brilliant employees, you should reevaluate your organization and make key changes to some of your operational processes.

Facilitate a strong corporate culture
Modern companies often rise and fall on the strength of their corporate culture, the Harvard Business Review reported. Consumers and talented job hunters with executive experience want to invest in organizations with engrained, definable identities. So, as you look to fill vacancies in your C-suite, consider how potential talent might perceive your internal culture. Are your employees close-knit and united under one common goal? Or do many seem disengaged and prone to petty infighting? If you're dealing with the latter, the individuals you call in for an interview will immediately pick up on the worrisome signs of your internal turmoil.

Obviously, this problem can't be solved in a matter of weeks – retooling a damaged corporate culture takes time. However, you can institute some stopgap measures that might mitigate recruitment risks. First, make a concerted effort to dole out recognition to top performers, Inc. suggested. These gestures make employees feel valued and go a long way toward reducing bad office vibes. Additionally, own up to your mistakes when appropriate. Often, leaders fail to make amends, either out of pride or because they've simply forgotten. If you mess up, admit it and move on. Staff will appreciate your humility. Finally, try talking more. Instead of hiding away in your office, make some time to speak with your employees and strengthen personal bonds.

As the days and weeks go by, these behaviors will become normal and the talented C-level staff you bring in for interviews will appreciate them.

Modern executives are interested in organizations with rich corporate cultures.

Offer a compelling message
Messaging is imperative during the recruitment process. Executives are responsible for executing the company vision and, to do their jobs, they must be excited about that vision to begin with. So, as you search for new leaders, be sure to effectively communicate your company's goals and core values.

Start by integrating your messaging into seemingly inconsequential aspects of the recruitment effort. For instance, when communicating with your executive recruiter, use engaging language to describe the opening and associated job duties, The Huffington Post recommended. Don't tell them you're looking for a chief human resources officer – instead, say you want a chief people officer. This simple title switch lends the role some nuance and removes the negative connotations some associate with the term "human resources." Additionally, don't be afraid to craft lofty job duties. Leaders find such language motivating. Plus, it will be easier for your recruitment consultant to pitch the position if it's an exciting opportunity and framed as such.

Find a long-term ally
If you wish to stimulate long-term growth by filling your C-suite with talented executives, you need a long-term partner. Retained executive search firms are by far the best solution. These organizations have deep industry connections and can easily find talented, seasoned candidates with the executive experience to make a sustained impact on your business. Most importantly, these firms form real relationships with their clients and act as organizational advocates during the executive recruitment process.

Are you ready to step up your recruitment efforts and bring on talented C-level staff? Contact YES Partners today. To see some of the roles we have already successfully searched for and placed, click here.

Finding people is easy, but finding the RIGHT people is not. YES Partners helps companies FIND the right people – for all company functions, across many industries and globally.