how many jobs do people at this caliber actually find by anything other than networking? i don't imagine most firms actually send out job notices for positions like CEO. seems life they are paying this job placement firms big money to tell them to call people in their professional networks... shouldn't there skills as CEOs help them realize that on their own?
You're correct in that most CEOs aren't sending out resume "cold calls" or answering ads. However, even when you are suggested for a job via your professional network, the first step is going to be the company wanting to see some sort of career history.
Unless you are going to be hired by people for whom you have worked before (or you are a "name" (i.e. Steve Jobs)), there are some formalities that are usually part of the deal.
