Who or What is a Headhunter? A headhunter, or a Recruiter or an
Executive search specialist, is not like an employment agent who simply uses
the numbers to fill positions, these are generally specialists, meaning they
work very closely with Candidates and Clients, to find exactly the right match,
often paid only on a successful placement. What this means for a prospective
candidate is that you are more likely to be placed in the position you desire
by working with headhunters experienced in your field.
It is however worth saying that you shouldn't be over reliant
upon a headhunter, good opportunities come to those looking for them, some
headhunters are going to be more interested in the fee than the candidate. But
by following some of the advice here, you are going to be aware of how to spot
that.
Search Firms or Headhunting Firms
The smaller offices work generally by geographic focus and
industry specialization, larger national and international firms may operate
cross boundary and specialisations. One of the best things for both candidate
and client alike is that a search firm offers anonymity and confidentiality,
some jobs are never advertised, and your interest in advancing your career can
stay between you and the Headhunter. Following an initial discussion with a
Headhunter try to stay involved, in other words maintain contact, but as a word
of caution, don't appear over eager (even if you are). If the Headhunter makes
a suggestion to you or recommendation, try to follow through, they generally
know the clients needs well, so you will seldom be wasting time.
Resume
Although Headhunters are not generally working with Resumes
alone, something you can do is to tailor your resume to fit a specific job
profile, doing this means you highlight more relevant points that should be of
interest to a prospective employer, this also helps the Headhunter to get to
know you better. It does not have to be one page or follow a specific resume
format, some people think that having an extensive resume is wonderful, but in
reality it may lose credibility, Headhunters and Clients want people who
provide enough detail to substantiate their selection to an initial meeting. If
you give them everything, you may not get to the meeting at all. Always feel
free to discuss your career goals with the Headhunter and to ask him for
feedback on your resume.
Interview
Assuming you are working with a Headhunter, get them to work
with you in preparation for the interview, they may know what the client will
ask, they certainly will know how to get the best out of you. You can also take
some initiative, and practice sitting the other side of the table, and
interview them as hard as they interview you. As you do this you are really
learning about how a Headhunter selects people for initial interviews, and if
done well, you are going to have few problems at that stage. Really important
in your discussions with the Headhunter is "Honesty". I have heard
some candidates say they were advised to be cagey during the interview process,
but in reality this doesn't help anyone. You don't need to mention unimportant
details, but be prepared to be open and honest, it always pays! Finally, always
arrive on time or early for interviews.
Networking
Networking is something you can do too. It is after all how the
Headhunter works, he will often ask Clients and Candidates "Who else might
be interested in XYZ?". Even if you are introverted don't overlook this,
it works. Many successful career transitions begin with networking. As always
in networking, leverage the contacts you already have to establish
communications "Hi John, listen I would be really interested to speak with
XYZ company, do you think you can introduce me?", thus avoiding wherever
possible making cold calls.
In conclusion, if you're working with a Headhunter, ask if he
will help you to prepare. They normally do, because they often are not paid
unless a candidate is placed. They want to look good before their client, they
want to seem like the experts in the field, and they want long term
relationships with Clients and Candidates. You have a much better chance of
being placed in the position you desire by working with Headhunters experienced
in your field.
Check
out here for job headhunters
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