Headhunting from a candidate perspective
Many people think that a Headhunting company is just for executive and director level employment opportunites, however a headhunter can be used by any company for any level of job vacancy they have to fill – the goal is the same whatever level and whatever field/industry – get the best candidate for the job!
So how do you get on a headhunters list?
A head-hunting company will find most of their candidates by networking and getting to know who is who in particular industries however they will also generally accept CVs and personal resumes direct from potential candidates who are actively seeking employment or who wish to take a change of direction in their careers. However a headhunter firm will not be doing their job right if they just produce a list of CVs they’ve been handed, the reputation of the candidate is important and is what will propel most candidates to the top of the wanted list, therefore it is important that in your current role you become the best you can so that people will want to head-hunt you!
If you are contacted by a headhunter, what should you do?
Whether you submitted your CV direct or your contact from the professional headhunting firm comes out of the blue you will possibly be just one in a very long line of potential candidates for any given role so although at first you may be surprised it is imperitive that you keep your cool and be professional at all times. From the outset you must treat all contact with the headhunters as an interview and take every oportunity to impress them, after all if they aren’t impressed you wont get any further, never see them as just the middle man it will be down to them to get your name put forward further.
Bear these points in mind:
Never assume you have the job because they are contacting you- Sell yourself and your personal acomplishments
- Give examples of “your worth” to any new company
- Memorise your CV inside & out
- Be prepared to answer questions from your CV
- Never slate or be negative about your current employer
- Ask questions about the hiring company and the job vacancy in question
If you do decide to submit your CV to a headhunter remember that they are there for the employer it is not their responsibilty to find you a job, your details will be reviewed and quite possibly just stored until a vacancy comes up that they may consider you suitable for. However if you are thinking longer term then registering your details with headhunting companies is a good first step – so start here!