Senior-level professionals are relying on networking rather than passively waiting to be headhunted, according to a recent survey by an executive research firm.

A recent poll of 500 executives carried out by Armstrong Craven found that recruiters should look closely at networking events, as 40% of those surveyed said they relied on personal and professional networks.
Some 68% of respondents said they kept in touch with their network group at least quarterly. In a perhaps worrying statistic for executive search recruiters, only 24% of those polled said they had been headhunted, and 29% had responded to an advertisement.

The key factors influencing respondents’ next move included a new challenge, better long-term prospects and achieving a better work-life balance. Money, location and family-friendly policies were not considered key issues.
“It is refreshing to see more and more senior-level executives taking a proactive approach to their careers,” said Lisa Gibson, director of career management services at Armstrong Craven.