Headhunting - A Guide To The Sport

The most flattering way to get a new job is to be headhunter. Besides the boost to your ego, you may get more money and work for a company that recognises your skills and achievements.

Headhunting is a new concept to most people, in Britain. It is accepted practise in America to look for the sort of candidates who would benefit your company and approach them through a Headhunting or Executive Search company. There are many firms that specialise in procuring staff for clients. Recruitment Consultants also work in similar ways.

Headhunters, Executive Search and Recruitment Consultants are all used by employers to find exactly the person they need. They are all paid commission to place a candidiate in a job.

You could be spotted in your current role. This can happen in any industry, whatever level you work at from call centre operative to management level. Talent spotting is not reserved exclusively for reality TV. Your skills and talents can be recognised in any job, at any time. You may be asked to form a new department, shoulder more responsibility or a friend at a rival store may ask you to join them. You must be ready for every opportunity so always have your CV up to date.

There are many ways that you can improve your chances of being selected by a firm who desperately wants YOU.

  • Approach headhunting, executive search or recruitment consultancy companies yourself be proactive.
  • Be ready and on the lookout for opportunities. If you are engaged in your environment you will impress others.
  • Improve your knowledge base. Become involved in your career.
  • Always seek to gain recognition of your knowledge.
  • Keep in mind that the client is paying a professional, to find suitable candidates. Headhunters are not there just help you find a job; they are ultimately working for their client and their commission.

When dealing with a recruitment company, here are some tips to help you.

  • Be honest about yourself, your experience, skills and qualifications. If you lie you could be found out and dismissed. Some companies are employing CV verification services to make sure that all details are correct.
  • Keep all appointments, return any calls; always keep in touch with them. Be proactive, be memorable.
  • Listen to what you are being asked to do, if you are unsure about anything that you have been told, check .
  • Always check you have the correct details for any appointments or interviews.
  • Do your research, before any interviews, check www.ft.com and see if the company is listed.
  • Get up to speed on current events; be prepared to talk about current events.
  • Think about any job offer carefully, does it match what you were looking for?
  • Be honest with yourself, ask for feedback and review your performance after every interview.
    You can ask your consultant for help and their views on how you should answer tough interview questions.