Being considered one of Forbes’ top retained search firms is a great honor. It is also a testament to the work my firm has done over the years, helping our clients to connect with the best candidates possible. This is a passion of mine. I am honored that Forbes has taken the time to recognize my firm’s work in the industry.

To determine the list, market research company Statista surveyed over 31,000 recruiters and 6,900 job candidates and human resource managers who have worked with recruitment agencies within the last three years. A total of 366 firms made the final lists.

Linked Executive Search earned the honors of being the #1 Search Firm in Texas and 21 in the US! Competing against the biggest and best in the world, this recognition is humbling.

So, what is the recipe? I really wish that I could tell you. The fact is, I believe it is the day-to-day activities that help earn us this recognition. These day-to-day activities allow my firm to connect companies with the best candidates and fill positions at the highest levels.

Below are some of the simple things I do to provide to stay current, pay it forward while providing our clients with an extraordinary commitment:

• Replying – Every day, I get multiple messages from candidates submitting their resumes. In the last year, I have connected with over 900 candidates that reached out for help. Most recruiters immediately put these messages into a trash folder, but I reply to every message instead. Over the years, I have befriended thousands of candidates and built a strong network.
• Coaching – When candidates are in transition, they immediately think that a recruiter is their quickest way to earn a new position. In fact, most recruiters do not take these calls because they get paid by the companies that they are working for—not candidates. Every day—since I started in this business fourteen years ago—I have met with and talked to on the phone for a minimum of 30 minutes, over 3,000 candidates from all over the world. I coach candidates and provide them with the tools they need to accelerate their careers.
• Sticking to a process – Every search firm has a process for filling positions. At Linked Executive Search, the tools we use and the process that we employ are uniform. The process is simple and easy for our clients to follow.
• Communication – I have been on the other side, and I know how it feels to be informed and to not be informed. I make sure to properly communicate with all of my clients. When in doubt, over communicate.
• Learning – For over fourteen years I have been placing candidates. I have placed over 800 people. Every day I talk to CEOs, BODs, CFOs, CMOs, CHROs and hiring decision-makers. I take this data, analyze it, and then use it to maintain a sharp saw.
• An AMAZING BRAND – Years ago, I came up with my company’s name on my way to a homeless shelter where I served a few men that needed weekly assistance with budgeting. It is a great name, and it’s no mystery why people gravitate to Kurt VandeMotter, Chief Storyteller of Linked Executive Search.

I’m grateful and honored for the recognition I have received from Forbes, and I look forward to connecting more clients with the perfect candidates in the future.

To learn more, contact me at [email protected]. Your feedback, insights and thoughts are always appreciated. I look forward to speaking with you!