If a headhunter calls ... be positive

If a headhunter calls ... be positive

SSM Consulting, Jakarta

Pursuing multiple approaches when looking for new employment
opportunities can be done in a variety of ways, one of them
through headhunting firms.

Although the headhunting business is nothing new at all, many
executives, unfortunately, have no idea what the headhunting
firms -- simply call them headhunters -- do or how to deal with
them.

Before we discuss any further how to handle approaches from
headhunters, we would like to share with you some crucial
information about the headhunting business itself.

Headhunters have one key point in common: their fees are
always paid by the company that hires them to find a suitable
individual -- usually referred to as the client -- and not by the
employee. And, for genuine headhunters, the positions they are
searching for are at senior executive level, with an exclusive
contract with the client to find an individual.

If you receive a call from a headhunter, simply listen, as
there might be several possible reasons for approaching you.
First, to create business with your firm; second, to check a
reference; third, to approach you as a prospective candidate for
their client, as we are discussing now. So, if you receive any
such calls from headhunters, be positive, since it indicates that
they have identified you as someone who might fit one of their
search assignments.

Using this approach, the chances of being placed by
headhunters who contact you are much higher than if you contact
them. Being presented to a client by a headhunter makes you stand
out from the crowd of other resumes. But please bear in mind that
you do not become a potential candidate until the headhunter has
made a preliminary evaluation of your suitability for the
position they're trying to fill. It means that headhunters,
generally, cannot place individuals who are changing career
because their clients almost always ask them to identify and
recommend individuals who already have the relevant experience
and background for the vacant position.

Additionally, headhunters should win your interest in the
preliminary evaluation process. By missing one of these two
points, you could not be considered as a candidate for the vacant
position.

At the preliminary evaluation by headhunters, you can use the
session as an opportunity to put several matters for
consideration, such as your current situation, your career plans,
etc.

Be honest regarding your remuneration package, the number of
headhunting firms you are actively dealing with and other
companies you have had interviews with too. Avoid aggressively
interrogating headhunters, pushing them to let you know about the
client's identity and details of the package.

Instead, ask them questions about their client's market,
objectives and culture. Good headhunters will provide you further
information about their client upon preevaluation and will seek
your permission before forwarding your profile to their client.

After being sent on an interview with a prospective company,
contact the headhunter as soon as possible to give them news.
This shows your level of interest in the process and the position
you are considering.

Do keep your resume up to date and be available to answer
questions and provide information, even if you're not actively
engaged in a job search. Don't forget to add your latest
accomplishments and create a resume that reflects your current
capabilities.

It's a different story if you're not interested in
headhunters' proposals. Be open and say so early on, stating your
reasons. You will gain credit for honesty, and they'll get a
positive impression of you. Or you could politely give them a
description of what you're looking for in your next move, and
when. Who knows, this way a career opening might present itself
to you later on.

You should remember that the entire search process carried out
by headhunters is extremely confidential. You have nothing to
lose and everything to gain. There is no obligation for you to
accept a position unless you think it's the right time for you to
make a career move. Anyhow, headhunters, when used properly, can
provide you a window into alternative career opportunities.