Connective Services Issue 4

Pursuing passive candidates, career progression tips, featured opportunities and more

Kevin Sailor
President and CEO

Hello again! This month we’re kicking off our “Recruiting Myths Busted” series, in which our experts will tackle some common myths for both hiring managers and job seekers.

You don’t want to miss Christie’s insights on pursuing passive candidates below.

We’ve also got recruitment strategies for banks and, as always, our featured career opportunities.

P.S. With Thanksgiving around the corner, I’m grateful for your support of our newsletter. Thank you!

In this issue:

💥 Recruiting Myths Busted: The Best Candidates Aren’t Seeking Jobs

📄 Latest Resources from the Blog: Career Progression in Fiduciary Services & 5 Recruitment Strategies for Banks

💡 Associate Spotlight: Jacob Aubel

💥 Recruiting Myths Busted!

The best candidates aren’t seeking jobs: Why timing is everything in recruitment

By Christie Burgess
Executive Search & Talent Acquisition Team Lead
Find me on LinkedIn

There’s a myth that the best candidate is always in the job market, or that the best hiring organization is always actively recruiting.

Here’s the reality: A large percentage of candidates hired aren’t even looking for a new role. A recruiter reaches out and says, “How happy are you in your current role?” 9 times out of 10, the candidate says, “I’m comfortable but am lacking these things…”

We call these passive candidates. They’re complacent. They’re not looking for another opportunity, but they will move for the right opportunity!

What does this mean for hiring managers?

Timing is everything. My advice is to pursue passive candidates and hire when you have the best talent. You might not have a need today, but you will in two months, and that perfect candidate may NOT be available in two months.

And to candidates: Answer recruiters and keep an open mind. 

I have personal experience with the power of timing. I got a job offer when I was 8.5 months pregnant! At the time, I wasn’t focused on career development. But after a week of ignoring the recruiter’s call, I answered and my life changed.

I got to start fresh with a new opportunity that I didn’t know was out there. The company also was willing to wait until I had my baby and was ready to start work. Why? I was the right talent for their needs.

Companies will wait for the right candidate. Candidates will move for the right opportunity. But to get the timing right, you have to open the door when opportunity knocks.

P.S. Wondering how to make these extraordinary connections? Reach out and I’ll share how partnering with an executive search firm can help you get your timing right, whether you’re hiring or looking at opportunities.

📄 Latest Resources From the Blog

Career Progression in Fiduciary Services: 5 Ways to Stand Out

Reaching the highest levels of your career requires more than just excelling in your current role. Here’s how to stand out:

  1. Develop a strong personal brand. Highlight your achievements on LinkedIn, engage with industry content, and position yourself as a thought leader through writing and speaking.

  2. Master essential skills. Deepen your knowledge of fiduciary law, excel in client relationship management, and hone your analytical abilities.

  3. Seek leadership opportunities. Take on additional responsibilities and show initiative to demonstrate your readiness for advancement.

  4. Enhance your credentials. Pursue key certifications such as CTFA or CFA and commit to continuous learning and professional development.

  5. Expand your network. Join professional organizations and actively participate in industry events to increase your visibility and connections.

In fiduciary services, career progression isn’t just about technical prowess — it’s about strategically positioning yourself as a valuable asset. To dive deeper into how these strategies can prepare you for your next step, read the full article here: Career Progression in Fiduciary Services: How to Stand Out and Get Noticed >

5 Effective Talent Acquisition Strategies for Small and Medium-Sized Banks

These banks face unique challenges in recruiting top-tier talent — but with the right strategies, you can attract and retain high-quality candidates. Here’s how:

  1. Identify and define your hiring needs. Collaborate with department heads to clarify role requirements and align hiring goals with your bank’s business strategy.

  2. Optimize your recruitment process. Streamline applications, use technology like ATS for efficiency, and speed up decision-making to stay competitive.

  3. Leverage your bank’s unique value proposition. Highlight career growth opportunities, promote a close-knit company culture, and offer work-life balance advantages.

  4. Build and leverage industry networks. Utilize employee referrals, attend industry events, and partner with specialized recruiters to expand your reach.

  5. Attract passive candidates. Use LinkedIn for outreach, strengthen your employer brand, and engage in targeted outreach to draw in top talent.

Ready to elevate your bank’s recruitment plan? Explore these strategies in detail here: Effective Talent Acquisition Strategies for Small and Medium-Sized Banks >

President of Trust and Wealth

(JD, CFP, CTFA, CFA)
Texas
Recruiter: Greg McDowell
[email protected]

Firm Wide Financial Planner

(CFA, CFP)
Detroit
Recruiter: Jacob Aubel
[email protected]

Trust Officer

Houston
Recruiter: Greg McDowell
[email protected]

Commercial Lines Account Manager

Atlanta
Recruiter: Christie Burgess
[email protected]

Director of Wealth and Retirement Strategy

(CFP, CFA)
Wichita
Recruiter: Denise Decker
[email protected]

Commercial Lines Account Executive

Atlanta
Recruiter: Christie Burgess
[email protected]

Wealth Investment Specialist

(CFP, CFA)
Wichita
Recruiter: Denise Decker
[email protected]

Wealth Manager

Pittsburgh
Recruiter: Jacob Aubel
[email protected]

Commercial Underwriting Manager

Midwest
Recruiter: Greg McDowell
[email protected]

Trust Officer

Spokane
Recruiter: Rita Brannam
[email protected]

Private Banker

Tallahassee
Recruiter: Jacob Aubel
[email protected]

Senior Retirement Plan Administrator

PA & West Virginia
Recruiter: Jacob Aubel
[email protected]

🎈 Just For Fun

Remember, evaluating candidate/organization fit goes both ways.

💡 Associate Spotlight

Jacob Aubel

Jacob Aubel is an Executive Recruiter at Financial Recruiters International and Alexander Raymond. Whether it be a candidate landing the perfect job or a company with a difficult-to-fill position, Jacob is known for using his expertise to execute a long-term mutual benefit for both clients and candidates.

Originally from Northeast Ohio, Jacob resides in Central Oklahoma where he’s overjoyed to escape the harsh winters. He loves cheering on the Oklahoma Thunder when they’re in town, as well as the minor-league Dodgers. If you are ever on a video meeting with Jacob, you’ll likely encounter his cats, Squeaks and Muffin.

📰 Industry News

The Profession Has Failed Past Entrants

The wealth management industry shrunk by more than 20,000 financial advisors this year. According to WealthManagement.com, talented advisors are leaving the profession, taking their valuable skills with them. Here’s how firms can address this invisible threat. >

🔗 Connect With Your Recruiter

Greg McDowell

Executive Search Team Lead

Denise Decker

Executive Search Team Lead

Christie Burgess

Executive Search Team Lead

Jacob Aubel

Executive Recruiter

Rita Brannam

Executive Search Team Lead

👋🏼 About Connective Services

Connective Services is a newsletter brought to you by Financial Recruiters International and Alexander Raymond. Both firms are full-cycle recruiting companies connecting fiduciary services organizations with highly skilled candidates. Financial Recruiters International serves the financial sector while Alexander Raymond specializes in insurance and contract staffing.