As an HR executive, naturally, you’ll want the best people to fill your company’s C-suite. Filling C-level positions is increasingly complex today, with the talent pool much richer than ever before as well as increased competition between companies. Your job as an executive recruiter can seem daunting, and it may seem difficult to know where to start or what to focus on for the success of your company. Listed below are some of the best tips for filling those top positions. 

1. Consider diverse candidates. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 2,704,400 top executive jobs in the United States, a number expected to grow 8% by 2030. Further, C- suite positions incorporate new functionalities, and people holding them are performing very different tasks than they did five to ten years ago. Men have traditionally outnumbered women in U.S. executive suites by approximately 17 to one; however, in October 2021, the Women Business Collaborative partnered with Ascend, C200 and Catalyst to create the report Women CEOs in America: Changing the Face of Business Leadership. They found that women now make up 8.2% of Fortune 500 CEOs, an all-time high. This indicates an increasingly rich and diverse pool of candidates

2. Get specific. 

Are you looking for a Chief Diversity Officer? How about a Chief Happiness Officer or a Chief Impact Officer? There are so many C-suite titles currently that it’s more important than ever to be on the lookout for candidates that meet the exact needs and functions you’re trying to fill. While it’s tempting to keep your options open to candidates with a variety of skills, it’s smarter to lend your efforts to zeroing on those that align most specifically with the role you’re looking to fill. For instance, if you are looking for a Chief Customer Officer, you might narrow in on candidates with a strong background in sales and marketing. 

3. Look outside the box. 

Don’t forget to consider candidates in the public sector — mayors, county administrators, school superintendents, and the like. These are often overlooked candidates who often have the skills to help your organization excel, and they may be the candidates that other companies overlook as well.

4. Be penny-wise. 

Of course, when it comes to hiring, salary will always be the most important factor to consider. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that in May 2020, the median annual wage for chief executives was $185,950. Of course, how much you can afford to offer your C-suite candidates will vary based on the size of your company or the specific job title you’re hiring for. If you are set on a certain salary, your best option as an executive recruiter is to know what your company wants and what other companies are paying so you know you’ll be competitive. 

5. Consider other perks

Remember, other companies may be offering top candidates other perks, too, like company equity, bonuses, vehicles, and air travel. These forms of compensation are good negotiating tools to help you attract your choice candidate. 

Are you hiring? 
If you’re ready to locate and hire top talent that can take your company to the next level, you’ll want an executive recruiting firm that can help build top corporate teams and establish a smooth recruiting process that emphasizes quality over quantity. Consider reaching out to Goodwin Recruiting today to match talent with opportunity.