High potential female candidates face significant hurdles

However, opportunities go hand in hand with challenges. More and more high potential female candidates may make the shortlist for senior appointments, but the job interview is not the only hurdle they face. Soul-searching at home with their spouse can be even more rigorous.

It's ironic that many men in senior management have stopped saying a blanket 'No' to the appointment of a top female performer just as a growing number of talented women have begun to question whether they should be saying an unqualified 'Yes'.

The dilemma is showcased by recent developments in the 'head-hunting' business. Today, the talent search industry finds an increasing number of corporates will confirm their willingness to appoint women and may even indicate a preference for a female hire. Higher demand is accompanied by higher pay and greater rewards.

This means saying 'I do' to a top job can be life changing for the 30-something female professional. The work may be demanding, but life in an upscale suburb can be very appealing, along with foreign travel, good schools for the children and the chance to move even higher.

However, growing demand for female talent can create a mismatch between a woman's market value and a man's. She may be in position to earn substantially more money than he may. Male pride can take a knock. So can relationships. This implies a challenge for talent search professionals.

Women may refuse travel, relocation offered by top jobs

If the candidate were male, the prime focus would be on the package. When the candidate is a woman, husband and children take centre stage. The greater the dislocation to current arrangements the greater the likelihood a woman will say 'No'.

A new appointment at the top is often contingent on a move out of Gauteng or Cape Town. International appointments can be especially lucrative. Unfortunately, a well-remunerated leap like this triggers the most head scratching and may ultimately provoke the most resistance from the man in her life.

Without full buy-in, pressure soon mounts. In extreme cases, marital splits occur. Short-term compromises may look possible. The couple says 'We'll try it for six months and see how it goes'. However, big pressure can build in a few months, affecting relationships, family and career.

Joint decision-making

It is usually better for the executive search professional to engage properly with both the woman and her man and explain that the new appointment could be an opportunity for them both.

Pros and cons have to be weighed carefully. The criterion is simple. What's best for the family? Couples who take time to engage around family issues are better placed to face the challenges when they come.

Women are remarkably skilled at juggling the demands of children, home and career. Problems occur when struggling replaces juggling. Women now have to juggle two new variables ... top job resistance may slacken at some firms, but that does not mean resistance is no problem closer to home.