| There are many ways to approach headhunters, | | | | questions needed regarding the position one is |
| but unfortunately sending resumes that have | | | | looking for and the industry itself. It is a given that |
| been unsolicited can result in no response as the | | | | even the best headhunter does not have all the |
| majority are now working based on referrals only. | | | | information that one requires and will most likely |
| The best start is to find out who is who in the | | | | be glad to find out and get back to you. |
| area of headhunting by looking at headhunting | | | | However, it is important to be careful to not be |
| directories. Then follow these important steps: | | | | too pushy. |
| · pick out the most reputable | | | | Then, if the headhunter agrees to researching the |
| headhunters who deal with industry specific | | | | information for you, offer to call them back |
| positions | | | | another day. Most headhunters will be glad to give |
| · call the headhunter with a list of general | | | | out their contact details. However, if the gist of |
| questions about the industry of interest | | | | the conversion seems very loose and there is a |
| · ask the headhunter things about the | | | | total lack of interest from the headhunter, then |
| current state of that industry | | | | this is a sign of a less reputable recruiter and not |
| · ask the headhunter about salary | | | | worth pursuing. |
| averages for executive positions in the area | | | | Alternatively, make a visit to the headhunter's |
| · ask the headhunter about the numbers | | | | office to get a visual look at the day to day |
| of top executive positions that have appeared in | | | | operations. A real professional headhunter is |
| the area | | | | dependent on repeated business, so the office will |
| · get into a casual discussion and answer | | | | be very organized and maybe even busy. |
| all questions regarding your own background | | | | Once inside, do the same routine as would |
| · if offered a chance to meet and discuss | | | | normally be done on the phone. However, if |
| this further, then do | | | | contacted by another headhunter after initially |
| Approaching a headhunter is all about making | | | | contacting the first, be prepared for a possible job |
| oneself visible to them as most of them now | | | | discussion. It is important then to get specific job |
| belong to professional or trade groups or | | | | details, and note how the headhunter got your |
| associations. Their directories are a powerhouse | | | | details, but under no circumstances offer a |
| of information, including in most cases a list of | | | | resume or send one in at this point. Note that |
| reputable members and what they offer. | | | | decent headhunters will respect this and be quick |
| Another approach to headhunters is to become a | | | | to respond. |
| good resource for information. It is possible to | | | | If the headhunter suggests it, then you may |
| contact a headhunter and pass information about | | | | arrange for a meeting, at which point it is |
| people that you know that are in the industry | | | | important to have an up to date copy of your |
| they deal with and give some recommendations. | | | | resume on hand. During this meeting, the |
| The headhunter will be grateful for the tips and | | | | headhunter will willingly reveal more detailed |
| very interested in your background as well, adding | | | | information regarding the job and client. If they |
| you to their potential contact and candidate list. | | | | offer to arrange an interview, make sure that |
| When getting a call from a headhunter, the best | | | | you do background research about the client |
| way to deal with this is to get as much detailed | | | | before going in. |
| information about the job position as possible. | | | | Approaching a headhunter can be both easy and |
| Most headhunters reveal little about their client's | | | | hard at the same time. Most decent ones no |
| identity, but are quite willing to discuss the | | | | longer accept resumes without the first contact |
| company's location, industrial type and size. | | | | and interview steps. However, they do appreciate |
| Next, interview the headhunter for more | | | | a call for more information. |
| information. Make a list ahead of time of all the | | | | |