AAF Columbus (formerly known as AdFed) had their monthly luncheon in April and featured a star panel of local agency leaders addressing the topic: Changing Advertising - Staying Ahead of a Dynamic Industry. Interesting perspectives were shared and several common themes came out of the discussion. One in particular felt unique to the executive search space and it was what Carey Schmitt, Partner & Chief Client Officer from Ologie said when stating a key to success is "agility."

Agility, according to Wikipedia, requires the integration of isolated movement skills using a combination of balance, coordination, speed, reflexes, strength and endurance. If you're a candidate searching for your next opportunity, are you executing your search with agility? 

Balance comes into play when your priorities are up against one another. Keeping fully engaged with your current company while providing the necessary information and dedicated thought, for that matter, to another company offering a position of interest is necessary. Coordination means working with the recruiter and providing them with the information they need to present you in the best light. Sharing of information increases your chance of success. Speed can often be the differentiating factor between you getting the job or not. Someone else may have simply moved faster on an opportunity. Reflexes play a part in the interview process and how you handle unexpected questions. 

Understand who you are and practice your responses to the expected questions. If you're prepared, your reflexive response will be appropriate. Strength and endurance come into play because it's not easy putting yourself out there for evaluation by others and your value and self-worth can be challenged by a pessimistic interviewer. Stay confident, strong and be ready for a long game...that just might be what it takes.