Being a highly successful professional you will certainly be approached from Headhunters at all times. They should understand your industry and able to provide useful advice when you are considering new opportunities. This is a good time for you to establish a strong relationship with the Headhunter, and to achieve this we shall be sharing some valuable tips that can positively help.
  1. Understand how Headhunters operate

Headhunters are normally hired by a company to help them fill positions in certain skill sets. They are experts within their industry and invest ample time in identifying and approaching professionals that are highly suitable. Headhunters do not just rely on candidates that are actively looking but search the whole market thoroughly to find best possible talents that are not available to a recruitment agency. Here they will typically be competing with other agencies in a “CV race” and will invest minimal time on the role. The difference between both recruiters is in fact how the individuals are sourced.

At Harper-Hunt International we are experts within the healthcare industry and help companies fill challenging roles. We are often approached by professionals that are actively seeking a new job and let them know that if there was a right opportunity to discuss we will be in contact. Meantime, their CV is kept with us confidentially.

  1. Know your Headhunter’s background

There are plenty of Headhunters to approach, however you want to make contact with the one that is most relevant to you within your sector and that will have the right opportunity for you. Every industry has its jargon and abbreviations, hence check the recruiter’s website and/ Consultant’s profile to help you understand if they truly seem to know your field and are using the right terminology.

Last week one of our Consultants at Harper-Hunt was approached by a professional seeking an accountancy job, and as you know financial sector is not our speciality area. This mistake can be easily avoided if the person had explored the company’s background and from doing this you actually save time both ways.

  1. Don’t pester the Headhunter

If you are keen to update the Headhunter of your position just let them know your recent change, thereafter you can follow up with a thank you email to remind them of your skills. On the other hand, if you harass the Headhunter with numerous phone calls and follow up emails for updates it reveals that you are being desperate and insecure with your abilities. Frankly, make them feel that you are happy in your current position even though you are unemployed.

  1. Map your career path

Spend time mapping out your career path to determine your next steps for progression. For instance, the type of role and company culture you are interested to pursue, package requirements and if open to re-location. This type of information helps the Headhunter to share the right opportunity with you and in the end not wasting each other’s time.

Helpful tip: start envisioning where you see yourself in five years, and then work your way back. Review your career plan quarterly to ensure you are on track and make adjustments as necessary to your plan.

  1. Be honest and transparent

Honesty and transparency is the key to maintaining a good relationship with the Headhunter. This shows them that you value their time and equally yours too when discussing a good opportunity. While in conversation, it is best to let them know if you are talking to other recruiters, have a potential offer that you could be accepting and if you were rejecting an opportunity, the reasons why.

This kind of information will help the Headhunter to determine how to progress forward with you in the present and the future.

  1. Make the right impression

Remember that unlike recruitment agencies, Headhunters are representing the client when they approach you with a career opportunity. Hence, it is important that you are always interview ready and present yourself in the right manner as they can assess within the first five to ten minutes if you are suitable.

If you have been with your employer for most of your career you may not know how to impress the Headhunter. You can leave either a positive or negative impression in your subtle mannerisms, for instance like your hand shake, body language, appearance, communication and interpersonal skills.

  1. Show your appreciation

If you have been successfully placed by a Headhunter, it would be nice to show your appreciation. If you think they have done a good job, write them a short recommendation on LinkedIn or send a “thank you” note.

Headhunters appreciate this and will make them remember you.

I hope you find this article helpful. If you would like to learn more about this topic, do not hesitate to contact me directly via cfan@harperhuntint.com.

My next article will be on “How to get yourself headhunted”. Thanks for your time reading and I look forward to receiving your comments.

At Harper-Hunt International, we have a team of qualified Consultants on board with extensive years of experience in the healthcare industry. They are experts in providing you with a list of Candidate Services dedicated to help you achieve your career objectives:

  • Custom tailored CV and covering letter
  • LinkedIn profile optimisation
  • Interview techniques and mock interviews
  • Careers coaching and personal training

If you are interested to explore any of the options above, contact us and we will gladly arrange an initial call with you to identify how our team can help to strengthen your profile.