Hunting For An Executive Headhunter
Contributed by Kristen A. Meinzer
Finding your dream job can be an overwhelming task. There is the job market to consider, the classified ads to peruse and a seemingly endless list of other factors and hurdles that present themselves when looking for the ultimate career. In the end, some people prefer to seek out the assistance of an executive headhunter rather than go it alone.
Executive headhunters are an excellent resource when you’re a professional looking to find a new job. They know how to match your skills to the job you want. They streamline the process of getting in the door. And, best of all, they have connections.
But how do you go about finding the right recruiter? Unfortunately, most well-connected headhunters will not take on just any client. Prior to making contact with them, you must build up a solid professional foundation and be prepared to sell yourself. Below are some tips for doing just that.
1) Assess your own skills and career goals
More than likely, you know what you want to be doing in your next job, or in the very least, what you don’t want to be doing. Give serious thought to this topic. Then assess your skills. Are you qualified for your ultimate career? In what areas are your skills strongest? What areas need work? The savvy jobseeker must be willing to look honestly at her skill set and employment history.
If you are not qualified for your dream job, is there another career, another rung down on the same ladder that will eventually lead you in the direction you want? Would it be better for you to take some time to further develop your skills before pursuing your dream? You’ll know for sure after realistically examining your skills and your goals. And when it’s time to meet with the headhunter, you’ll be better able to sell yourself—which is the first step in having him sell you to an employer.
2) Identify suitable, reputable headhunters
As in any profession, the world of executive head-hunting is filled with both legitimate professionals and unqualified amateurs. To make sure that you connect with a qualified and experienced recruiter, do your research. Begin by asking around. A referral from someone you trust can save you hours of unnecessary time and effort.
After identifying potential recruiters, proceed by finding out all that you can about their operations, experience, history, and areas of expertise. Get information from as many independent resources that you can access. If possible, talk with other job-seeking professionals who have used their services. Find out which recruiters actually succeed in landing jobs. And, of course, make sure that the fields in which they specialize match up with your own career path. After all, even the best recruiter in the world will be useless to you if they specialize in culinary arts and you’re looking for work in publishing.
3) Prepare a professional resume
This should go without saying. But just in case it doesn’t, let me reiterate: a solid resume is absolutely essential in landing a good headhunter. If your resume doesn’t look good, then chances are, you won’t even get a meeting.
4) Line up solid references
Before meeting with an executive recruiter, make certain that you have a list of professional references. Just as you want to know information about the headhunters you approach, they want to know a good deal about you as well. Your references will provide the recruiter with solid testimony about your prior accomplishments, your skills, and your character.
Of course, make sure to ask permission from each reference in advance, so they will know to expect a phone call. Explain to them the professional aspirations behind your job search. That way, when the recruiter makes contact with them, they will be prepared to give him the most relevant and, hopefully, positive details about you.
After following these simple steps, you should be ready not only to schedule a face-to-face meeting with a recruiter, but to sell yourself in a way that will make them want to sell you.
But don’t feel compelled to limit yourself to just one executive recruiter. It always helps to have several people working for you, especially when it comes to your dreams.
About the Author:
Kristen A. Meinzer is a freelance writer, educator, and media scholar. She holds a BA from the University of Minnesota and MA from New York University.
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