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Looking for a headhunter? Tips on how to boost your search
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The term "headhunter" can conjure up images of watching National Geographic rather then looking for employment resources. In a nutshell, a headhunter is a specialized recruiter who sources talent for a niche market. Headhunters differ from their staffing industry counterparts because the positions being outsourced to a headhunter are almost always a direct hire, command a professional salary level and are often sourced out of state.
With many senior level managers and executives finding themselves out of employment, headhunters are being sought out more so then ever. Before making the rounds of sending out resumes and making phone calls, here are some tips that will save time and hopefully place you in a win/win situation.
Do your research- Not every headhunter is an expert in your field of employment. Many recruiters specialize in one industry and have developed client contacts that reflect their personal talent pool. Do your homework and research what industry a specific headhunter works with and confirm a match with your background.
Let the headhunter find you- Most executives have been approached in their careers by a headhunter. Now that you are actively looking, make yourself visible to the headhunter by targeting where they source candidates. Keeping actives with industry conferences will populate your name with on-line agendas and schedules. Aim for popular or yearly conferences that will draw the attention of recruiters. Now is the time to network and join Internet sites such as Linkedin. You will be surprised that listing your industry and position may attract attention from recruiters. Listing yourself with college alumni associations and industry trade bulletins are another good way to keep your name fresh. In South Florida, the Marine Association and South Florida's Manufacturers Association are credible and large organizations that provide exposure.
Get the Headhunter's Attention- Make your resume and cover letter a masterpiece that cant be resisted. Realize their time is valuable and you are not the only resume they have seen that day. Locate their e-mail and send a cover letter explaining why you would like to work with them as a resource for employment. Explain why your skill sets qualifies you for a specific target job they are sourcing for.
Be courtesy after finding a job- Once you have found a good job, don't forget to be polite to recruiters who come calling on you. Take the call or answer the e-mail even if you are not looking anymore. Explain your current situation and ask for their contact information, Offering a potential candidate or passing along their information to a friend or college in need keeps you on good speaking terms in case the need should arise for their help.
It never hurts to exhaust all resources open to you. Just as people are being downsized and companies are closing, their are unaffected industries searching for people. The job market is an ever changing place of people moving, taking maternity leaves and obtaining promotions. Networking with a good recruiter is a resource you just cant afford to overlook.
