Ways to Get a Job

This does not mean that you cannot send in your CV to a headhunter. Just make sure you send it to the right headhunter – they tend to focus on specific industries, so find one that specializes in yours. And, once you’ve established a relationship with headhunter, make sure you respect it. Do not work with more than one consultant at a time or produce a standard CV and send out a mass email.

Work With Your Headhunter

Now that your headhunter has taken an interest in you, it is important that you work with him. By developing a close working relationship, you are more likely to be remembered by him among three dozen other people he has interviewed for a particular assignment. It is also helps if you are straightforward with confidential information such as your CV or work history, although you should check that the agency is a reputable one and is not going to “broadcast” your CV to their clients via email.

It is therefore important that you are completely honest with your headhunter. If you had a disagreement with your boss in your previous firm, and thus “resigned to seek other opportunities”, as stated in your CV, say so. Remember: the search consultants not the employer, so it’s not really his business to judge you. It is important that he know the truth so that when he’s in discussions with the client he can steer clear of the potential landmine. It is important that you tell the search firm first, rather than them stumbling on this information later.

Talk About Money

While being headhunted certainly increases your stature among your peers and is the most sincere form of recognition, there is little point to it if it does not bring you more money. Being able to tell you boss “I’ve been headhunted”, while incredibly satisfying, is not reason enough for you to leave your current job.

This is where your headhunter becomes really useful. Firstly, he is likely to know what the client’s maximum deal will be, much better than you, and is thus more suited for the negotiation process. Secondly, because he is an intermediary, you do not have to go through the uncomfortable feeling that you are asking for too much…and therefore settle for less than you could have.

If you quite comfortable where you are and have no pressing need to leave your present job, spell out what your minimum terms are to your headhunters so that he knows which offer to bring to your attention and which to leave out. If nothing less than USD100, 000 a year plus a company car and 30-days paid leave is the only way to interest you, say so. If what you are expecting is way above market rates, the headhunter will tell you and it will be up to you to decide whether or not you should lower your sights.

You should certainly tell the search firm your current remuneration package. Some candidates worry they will be regarded as too expensive, particularly if there are lots of other people looking for jobs. However, the firm should know what the market rates are.