Hunting the Executive Head Hunter
By David Leonhardt
5 tips to win over an executive head hunter or management
recruiter
In order to convince a reliable executive head hunter, a job
seeker has to plan his attack. A well connected executive
recruiter will not take on just any person in a suit. You have
to build a solid foundation well in advance of making contact.
Just like animal hunting, recruiter hunting requires
strategy and planning. Here are five tips to successfully
capture the prize - the services of an executive recruiter.
Do Your Homework
The savvy job-seeker must be well armed with knowledge - not just
about his or her interests and skills, but also in the head
hunter's interests and specialties. Yes, it helps to approach a
head hunter who understands your field and has built up
connections, because there is very little need for chemical
engineers at an accounting firm (although chemical makers have
been forced to allow accountants into their sanctums, but that's
another story).
At the same time, executive management recruiters have no
interest in your skills, even if you have won dozens of awards
for the French pastries you have created.
Of course, it helps to familiarize yourself with the job market.
That is the executive recruiter's job, but it is also yours.
You will also get a lot further if you have assessed your own
skills, not just your desired employment. If you clearly are not
qualified for what you seek, you won't sell yourself to the head
hunter. And if you can't sell yourself to the head hunter, he or
she won't bother trying to sell you to anyone else.
Identify Reputable Executive Recruiters and Head Hunters
Unfortunately, in the 21st century there are a growing number of
conmen and scam artists who have injected themselves in the
business of executive head hunters and recruiters. Therefore, as
you begin your search for a bona fide and qualified executive
recruiter, it is vital that you ask around.
Before you approach an executive head hunter, find out all that
you can about their operations, history and experience from as
many independent resources that you can access. Make it a point
to find other men or women who have used their services. Find
out who has actually landed jobs for other people, before placing
your career in the hands of a charlatan.
Prepare a Solid Resume
OK. so this might be obvious. But it is not always done. Prepare
a professional resume before you make contact with the executive
head hunters on your list. Your resume is your calling card, and
it will determine whether the recruiter will even want to let you
waste his secretary's time.
Line Up Solid References
Before knocking on head hunter doors, make certain that you have
handy a list of professional references.
Just as you will want to know the details about any executive
recruiter you approach, these professionals will want to know a
good deal about you as well. They will want to be able to
contact your references, men and women who can support your
professional aspirations with solid testimony about your prior
accomplishments, your character, your skills and even your
weaknesses, too.
Make sure to ask permission from each reference in advance, so
they don't get caught off guard and say something like, "well,
uh, let me see, um...you were calling about whom?"
Schedule a One on One Head Hunter Meeting
Finally, when you have all your ducks lined up, you are ready to
meet the executive head hunter who will land you that ultimate
trophy career. Of course, it helps to pick more than just one
recruiter, and it also helps to schedule a meeting at their
convenience.
There you have it. You are ready to go and hunt an executive
head hunter. Job-searching couldn't be more fun unless it came
with a candy cherry on top and a complementary subscription to
Laugh magazine. Happy hunting.
David Leonhardt is an effective seo
consultant and a Canadian freelance writer..
He wrote this article for the Online Recruiter
Directory of Executive Head Hunters.
Sales and other recruiters sign-up form.
Many job seekers find themselves overwhelmed with dread at the
prospect of hunting down a new career position on their own.
That's why many people hope to hang their hats on the experience and connections of executive head
hunters to do their hunting for them in their ongoing (never-
ending?) quest for the ultimate trophy career.