When you are working with an executive recruiter, make sure that you know what is going on in your field. The company that you want to work for is going to of course be your focus, but remember that there are a number of other different things that you need to consider as well. Which companies are its biggest competitors, and what are your options when you are thinking about moving forward and making sure that the recruiter knows that you know? Think about it this way; on one hand, it is important to remember that knowing what is going on is a good thing, on the other hand, it is even better to form an opinion on what is going on and to be able to extrapolate what is happening. This can make a huge difference when you want to get hired with director job or management job.
Another thing that you are going to have to be dead certain on is how well you know yourself. If you don't know what you have to offer a company, chances are good that the recruiter himself or herself will not know either! Take a moment and make sure that you have thoroughly considered what your strengths are and what you bring to the table. Do not assume that your training and your certifications are going to act as perfect shorthand for what is going on in your head. While they can help, and they will certainly tell your recruiter where you have been and how you have been spending your time, remember that there is a lot to consider. How well have you applied the knowledge and what can you do to get the results that you need?
Also remember that you should have a thorough point of view on your weaknesses. Make sure that you know them as well. In general, you will find that there are a number of different reasons why you want to make sure that you know what your weaknesses are, but the important reason is that the recruiter doesn't find out and surprise you with them! If you have a weakness, you should also know about how you are going to compensate for it. Take a moment to think about how you are going to move forward and what kind of results you can get.
Remember that executive jobs, director jobs and management jobs are not easily had; the better you can impress the recruiter, the happier you will be.