Dan Perez on Executive Search, Career Psychology, and Why Generalists Don't Get Hired

About this episode

Dan Perez discusses executive search strategies and the emotional aspects of job searching with host Dan Freehling.

Dan Perez (linkedin.com/in/perezdan [https://www.linkedin.com/in/perezdan/]), SRI Executive's Director for North America, joins host Dan Freehling (contempusleadership.com [https://lion-lobster-zhsx.squarespace.com/home]) to share insider advice on standing out in the job market, especially for leaders in the international development space. Drawing on 20+ years of experience in executive search and strategy consulting, Perez outlines the three capabilities executive search firms like SRI prioritize: strategic acumen, team leadership, and external partnership-building. He also unpacks how current funding disruptions, especially around USAID, are impacting hiring trends, and how resilient organizations are adapting. Beyond tactics, the conversation explores the emotional side of job searching that Dan is exploring in his forthcoming book, including imposter syndrome and the "paradox of choice." Perez shares practical guidance on storytelling in interviews, writing a 'greatest hits' résumé, and connecting with recruiters effectively. Recommended reading: "So Good They Can't Ignore You" by Cal Newport and the writings of Mark Manson [https://markmanson.net/articles]. Show notes at…

People in this episode

Host: Dan Freehling

Guest: Dan Perez

Topics covered

• executive search
• career psychology
• job market strategies
• international development
• hiring trends
• imposter syndrome
• storytelling in interviews

Keywords

• executive search
• career advice
• job market
• leadership
• funding disruptions
• résumé writing
• recruiter connections

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: SRI Executive, USAID

Books & works: So Good They Can't Ignore You

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