I am a finance guy. If you asked me to recruit a new CIO, the first thing I would ask for you to give me a list of qualities and requirements.
I have never sat in the CIO chair. So while I might be aware of what the CIO does, I truly don’t know what combination of skills and experience level for each skill it takes to run an IT department.
My ability to translate the skills of a CIO from outside our industry would apply to our industry would be even more limited.
Do the skills of managing a software company IT department work in a manufacturing world? My guess is yes, but I’d be hard-pressed to tell you which ones.
As the chair of a finance executive networking group, I’ve met with about 120 recruiters. How many of those of recruiters have been CFOs? One. How many had worked in the industry for which the position they were recruiting? A handful.
Most recruiters have awareness or familiarity with the positions and industries, but actual work experience. So unless they have sat in your specific chair – then set your expectations for their ability to translate your skills accordingly.
Sidetrack: “Industry experience required”
This requirement comes exclusively from the client, not the recruiter. By time a company comes to a recruiter and is going to pay 30% of salary as a fee – they come with a very specific set of requirements. They ask the recruiter to find the person they want, not just talent.
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