Interview with CEO, Michael Page International

From MARC CENEDELLA

This week, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Alexis de Bretteville, CEO of Michael Page International. Michael Page operates in 166 offices in 28 countries, and they use TheLadders.com to source talent for their open positions. In fact, they have hundreds of $100K+ job opportunities listed on our site right now.

In addition to job listings, their organization has a wealth of expertise at their disposal. So, to bring some of that expertise your way, I asked Alexis a few key questions that really get to the heart of the recruiting business and today's job market. Here we are just after our meeting, in our New York City headquarters:



Read on for Alexis' take on the business he knows so well, and what you can do to move forward in your career!

Me: What's your background, and how did you come into your role as CEO of Michael Page International?

Alexis: I have a Banking and Commercial Real Estate background. Fifteen years ago, while interviewing with Michael Page for another job, I was offered a position as a Consultant. As we only grow organically, I developed an international career moving upwards through various positions in Europe (including France, Spain, Germany and Belgium). Most recently, in 2006, I became Regional Managing Director of The Americas.

MC: Can you describe for our readers your typical "day at the office"?

AB: Running such a large region, I'm usually travelling over 50% of the time. My typical day starts at 7:30 by connecting with our European offices, followed by meetings with our management and top executives, who are either Michael Page clients or candidates. I also frequently run internal meetings and training sessions with our staff to stay close to operations. As a typical European, I've always enjoyed a lunch to break up a long day and create deeper relationships with my business network.

MC: What is your firm's hiring sweet spot? What types of positions and employers make up your core business?

AB: We work for most of the Fortune 500 companies, but also for the smaller and medium-sized companies who sometimes find it difficult to attract the best talent in today's marketplace. The mid-to-senior level candidates are our main focus.

One of the biggest strengths of Michael Page is our specialization by disciplines and the quality of the services we provide. We focus on Finance, Accounting, Banking, Financial Services, Sales, Marketing, Legal, Human Resources, Procurement and Supply Chain. Each has a team of dedicated consultants which gives us a unique focus in the marketplace.

MC: In the current economic climate, what are the strongest and weakest hiring sectors? How does hiring vary geographically?

AB: As bad as the banking market looks, we've seen a rise in the hiring of Compliance, Risk and Accounting roles and we are very active in these sectors. The 2nd and 3rd tier banks are taking the opportunity to attract the best "rainmakers" from the most impacted top tier banks. Our temporary placement in the banking sector is also on the rise.

When it comes to the corporate world, although candidate and clients are becoming more cautious, we still find it very active with many new opportunities available in the majority of sectors. Apart from the banking situation, which is focused around New York, we haven't seen many changes in the rest of the United States.

MC: What do you see as the biggest challenge facing professionals in today's job market?

AB: In this fast moving economic environment, candidates need to control the game. They need to be well prepared, in case they have to move to a new job.

MC: What is one thing that you think job seekers most often overlook in the recruiting process?

AB: We most often see that candidates are not prepared; they don't ask questions in the interview and have not done enough research. When it comes to negotiating a financial package, candidates often need the support of a Michael Page consultant to achieve the best offer.

MC: What do you see as the biggest thing candidates can do to boost their "hireability?"

AB: Flexibility on their location is a major plus. National and international mobility will increase the number of good jobs available. Speaking one or two foreign languages can also make a big difference.

MC: What sourcing methods do your recruiters use, both online and off?

AB: We combine the best sourcing methods of direct approach, networking and advertising. Our own website generates many candidates for us, as do referrals from former candidates (for example, we give a free iPhone to everyone who refers a candidate to us who we then place).

Word-of-mouth is wonderful, because those candidates coming to us have sought us out as the best firm to help them with their needs. We work with quite a few job boards, like TheLadders, and online partnerships as well, to focus in on niche groups of candidates. We firmly believe in the Wall Street Journal as an excellent source of both candidates and clients as well, and we frequently advertise there.

MC: What makes Michael Page unique?

AB: Michael Page has a very unique culture. As a leading global recruitment firm, we have long term relationships with our clients. Our clients turn to us because we provide them with the best candidates on the market. Candidates turn to us because we are one of the biggest players in the world and they know we will provide them with the best jobs available.

We offer specialized recruiters focused by discipline. For example, everyone in our sales & marketing discipline has previous sales and marketing experience. Because of our specialist approach, we understand the responsibilities of roles we are filling, meaning there is a much better match between client and candidate. And because our consultants are salaried, instead of commission-based, their goals are to find the best candidate for the role, not just to play the numbers game. This salaried approach also leads to more teamwork and a strong culture within Michael Page.

MC: It's late night at the office, and you're trying to clear your to do list. What's your working iPod playlist?

AB: Singing rock and roll is one of my hobbies, so I have Led Zeppelin, The Police, Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones and the famous Johnny Hallyday!

Thanks to Alexis, and rock on, Readers!