Search in Plain Sight

Demystifying Executive Search

Why do some people get access to all the top jobs? Forget the old concept of sending your resume to stay on the radar. Somer Hackley is an executive recruiter who has placed C-level, SVP, VP, and Director-level executives into highly coveted roles, and wants to show you how it works.

In Search in Plain Sight, author Somer Hackley shares a candid view of the world of executive search. She uncovers the key players and their roles in the search process from how to develop relationships with executive recruiters to landing that dream job. This book gives you a toolkit to access the jobs you want, easily navigate the process, and position yourself where jobs will come to you versus you having to find them.

You are not alone in this opaque process. This book provides the transparency you need including:

- What recruiters do, why companies use executive search firms, and the dynamics of these relationships behind the scenes.

- Who recruiters target for executive positions and how to be on their list.

- What recruiters and interviewers want to hear and how to stand out at every stage.

- How to confidently navigate compensation discussions, learning lessons from your peers.

If you are an executive looking for a new position or new to the executive world, Search in Plain Sight will guide you on how to launch or refine your search, be on the radar with executive recruiters, and make sure the job you get is the job you want.

©2022 Somer Hackley (P)2024 Somer Hackley

Practical knowledge for the job seeker

Somer Hackley’s audiobook Search in Plain Sight: Demystifying Executive Search offers a deep dive into the world of executive recruiting. It breaks down the recruitment process from the perspectives of both candidates and recruiters, shedding light on often misunderstood dynamics. Numerous examples from Somer's real world experience and research complement actionable tips and job search strategy. The audio version is an easy listen.

Great read for executives in search of the next

I have learned to avoid books narrated by the author, but really wanted to give this book a shot and I did not regret it. Somer does a fantastic job with keeping the narration fluid and interesting. I enjoyed the personal stories allowing the reader to feel connected to the world of executive search in a different way. I recognize myself and acknowledge my mistakes in multiple of the characters presented throughout the book and it has gotten me thinking a lot about how I work with executive recruiters to find candidates, especially external ones - what makes for a great executive recruiter can be relatively intangible and Somer does a great job making it more tangible. Somer also provides an excellent set of tips and recommendations for how to improve networking and collaboration with recruiters. Next time a recruiter reaches out about a job I may not be interested in or qualified for, I am going to rethink the way I respond.

A solidly FANTASTIC book all the way through!

This is a great book for the job seeker or for the recruiter. Helpful all the way through with tips and best practices for interviewing, communicating with hiring managers, recruiters and even your soon to be former boss. Heard about this book on a pod cast and it did not disappoint!

Powerful Executive Search book

Somer demystifies the executive search process, bringing transparency and actionable advice. I love her stories and how engaging the audiobook is.

Must Read (or better yet listen)

This is a must read/listen for anyone who is in or considering a career transition. Many practical and useful insights that Somer has pulled together as a result of her extensive experience in search. Somer weaves examples and peer experience into each chapter and point/s made throughout this book. I have suggested this to others who are in a transition and they are grateful that Somer has put this together.