Building a relationship with a 'headhunter'

Pri Notowidigdo, Amrop Hever, Global Executive Search

Are you thinking about contacting a "headhunter" to develop your career? If so, here are a few tips to build a relationship based on mutual respect, trust, and helping each other.

A key tip: don't be overly aggressive and force the headhunter to see you.

A headhunter prefers to receive a resume first to know whether it's worth the time to meet and talk with you. Remember that time is precious for both parties. Know and trust that you are being reviewed and considered to the best of a headhunter's ability.

Terrorizing him will not make him work any quicker and will only irritate. This is not the best way to build a good relationship.

If you don't hear back within two or three weeks, it probably means that the headhunter cannot help you at this particular time. He may not have any current openings for someone with your background.

Or, his area of specialty may be different from your interests and background. If you have chosen a headhunter with a good reputation, your resume will be given attention.

Remember also that a headhunter focuses on finding candidates whose qualifications fit the requirements of a particular search he currently conducting for a corporate client.

Your resume alone gives the headhunter enough information for him to make an initial decision. If your qualifications do not fit a current search assignment, it may well fit a future one.

A second tip: try to establish a friendly connection with a headhunter anytime you are contacted. If he hasn't contacted you, remember what was mentioned above. If you must make contact, call just to say hello or send an article which may be of his interest. Keep yourself visible but not necessarily in an irritating way.

If you are a top professional in your particular area, he will always want to be your friend. Remember that two important elements that form the basis of a good relationship are mutual respect and trust.

Take any opportunity to do something for the headhunter. A referral to a client would be greatly appreciated. You might even offer names of companies you hear are hiring or of friends or co- workers who are planning a career move. This kind of gesture only serves to make you visible with that headhunter.

A third tip: trust a good headhunter. Do your due diligence on the headhunter's background and reputation. Do clients say positive things? What are the experiences of other candidates? Check with friends who are journalists.

You can establish an atmosphere of trust through your manner of interaction.

Be open with the headhunter about everything. It is important for the headhunter to be completely knowledgeable about you as he is putting his reputation at stake in recommending you to an employer.

Remember, how you interact with a headhunter will reflect how you conduct yourself professionally. (The writer can be reached at: jakarta@amrophever.com)