In today’s competitive job market, standing out to CFO headhunters is crucial for securing your next senior financial leadership position. Recently, we’ve received a surge of questions on FP&A and CFO career paths from our audience, particularly on platforms like FP&A Reddit. To address these inquiries, we brought in expert guests from Essenta, a leading global executive search firm.
Nick Gribbon, Senior Partner in the Financial Officers Practice, and Laura Streather, Consultant for Private Equity, are both seasoned professionals in the finance headhunting world. In this special feature, they share valuable insights, tips, and behind-the-scenes stories on how to get noticed by headhunters and ultimately win that coveted CFO or FP&A role.
1. Build a Strong Personal Brand
CFO headhunters are constantly on the lookout for candidates with a distinctive personal brand—someone who not only has the technical skills but also the leadership qualities that align with a company’s culture and strategic goals. “Establish yourself as an expert in your field, whether it’s through thought leadership, publications, or simply showcasing your accomplishments through a well-curated LinkedIn profile,” advises Nick Gribbon. He adds that successful candidates often have a clear online presence that showcases their value proposition and expertise.
2. Cultivate a Robust Network
Networking is key when it comes to being noticed by headhunters. The more connections you have in the financial industry, the more likely you are to be approached for top-level roles. Laura Streather stresses the importance of nurturing relationships with former colleagues, mentors, and peers in the finance industry. “Headhunters typically tap into their network for referrals. Having advocates within your professional network can significantly increase your chances of being recommended for high-level positions.”
3. Tailor Your CV and LinkedIn Profile
Your resume and LinkedIn profile should reflect not only your experience but also the specific skills that headhunters look for in senior finance professionals. “Headhunters don’t have time to sift through long resumes. Tailor yours to highlight your leadership accomplishments and strategic financial planning experience, making it easy for recruiters to see how you can add value to a company,” says Streather. Gribbon adds, “Focus on outcomes—how your leadership and decisions directly impacted the company’s bottom line or contributed to its growth.”
4. Demonstrate Your Leadership and Strategic Vision
Beyond technical financial skills, CFOs and FP&A leaders are expected to be strategic thinkers who can drive change and lead teams through challenges. “Showcase your ability to think beyond numbers. Highlight how you’ve led teams, transformed financial operations, or shaped the strategic direction of an organization,” Gribbon advises. Headhunters are particularly drawn to candidates who can provide examples of how their leadership contributed to an organization’s success.
5. Understand the Executive Search Process
The world of executive search is a bit different from regular job applications. According to both experts, it’s important to understand how headhunters work and the role they play in matching candidates to companies. “Headhunters often work on retained searches, which means they have an exclusive mandate from the client to find the perfect candidate. They look for candidates who are not just a fit for the role, but also a fit for the company’s culture,” Streather explains.
6. Be Prepared for Rigorous Interviews
The interview process for top CFO or FP&A roles can be intense, involving multiple rounds of interviews with both the headhunter and the client company. It’s important to be prepared for these in-depth discussions. “Headhunters will often test your strategic thinking, leadership abilities, and your overall fit within an organization’s executive team,” Gribbon says. He advises candidates to not only prepare to discuss their technical expertise but also to demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively and lead under pressure.
7. Stay Persistent and Patient
The search for the right CFO or FP&A role can take time. Both experts emphasize the importance of persistence. “Sometimes, the process may take longer than you expect,” Gribbon notes. “But if you keep refining your approach, networking, and positioning yourself as a thought leader, you will eventually land the right opportunity.”
In conclusion, getting noticed by CFO headhunters requires a mix of building a personal brand, networking effectively, tailoring your CV, and demonstrating your leadership abilities. By understanding the nuances of the executive search process and remaining persistent, you can significantly increase your chances of landing your next big FP&A or CFO role.
