Welcome to another episode of the People Leaders podcast. I’m excited to share a truly enlightening session with a special guest—someone I know personally and have worked with closely, Richard Triggs, the founder and CEO of Arete Executive, an executive search and recruitment company.
With a personal connection to thousands in the business world (literally), Richard has cultivated relationships with executives from ASX listed and privately owned corporations. His expertise in placing thousands of executives into senior leadership roles and board positions speaks volumes about his impact. Richard is also the author of two books, including "Uncover the Hidden Job Market"—a go-to resource for anyone ready to take charge of their career— and his latest book, "Winning the War for Talent," is a treasure trove of insights on attracting and retaining exceptional talent.
You can watch or listen to the interview here or read the summary below.
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Recognising When It's Time for a Career Change
One topic we explored is recognising when it’s time for a career change. Richard explained that while some people find comfort in long-term roles, others thrive on change every few years. It’s crucial to assess whether your job is fulfilling you and allowing you to reach your full potential. Sometimes, feeling stuck can stem from not aligning with a company’s vision or values, or simply a lack of excitement. Richard’s advice is about understanding whether you are driven to do something or drawn to it—this distinction can illuminate whether a change is due.
Preparing for Job Interviews
When preparing for job interviews, Richard suggests understanding that interviewers may not be professional interviewers themselves. It’s key to take control of the interview by asking what the interviewer hopes to achieve. Walking into an interview, ask about their expectations and make sure you address those during your discussion. Position yourself as someone who’s done the job before, done it well, and is ready to do it again.
The Importance of Ongoing Education
In today’s ever-evolving job market, ongoing education is invaluable. It’s less about collecting degrees like MBAs and more about acquiring knowledge directly pertinent to your career interests. Employers look for practical experience and transferable skills. Richard emphasises the commitment to lifelong learning as an essential trait for staying competitive.
Skills Employers Look For
Companies today are not just looking at educational qualifications but also diverse skills like the ability to lead inclusively and deal with multicultural teams. Showing how you’ve achieved results in diverse environments can set you apart. Employers want candidates who can solve their problems and fit into their culture seamlessly.
Effective Networking Strategies
Richard believes the hidden job market holds the key to career advancement, with most jobs never being advertised. Knowing your employers of choice and networking strategically can open doors. Connect with potential employers on LinkedIn, ask for their advice on the market, and figure out their "pebble in the shoe"—their pain points. Offering solutions can lead to job opportunities that aren’t on traditional job boards.
Coaching and Recruitment Tips
Richard is branching out into coaching, especially in helping companies improve their recruitment processes. He’s excited about teaching the intricacies of hiring and retaining talent, lifting organisational capability in the process.
Conclusion and Contact Information
Richard is a visible person on LinkedIn, though his connection capacity is limited. For those interested in exploring more, sending a direct message via LinkedIn or visiting the Arete Executive website is a great start. Richard’s book "Uncover the Hidden Job Market" is offered freely, coupled with webinars for both job seekers and hiring managers.