This article is a rewritten version of the article ‘What to Do When a Headhunter Calls’ written by Ed Robertson, a veteran Marketing Manager, who writes various topics ranging from executive search, employment and education.
For a more efficient and effective method of finding talents to suit a specific position, companies employ the service of a headhunter – a corporation or an individual that provides employment recruiting services. Headhunters would usually make a call, send an email or contact prospective candidates through social networking sites. Receiving calls, emails or messages from a headhunter may not surprise those executives in high profile roles. For some individuals though, the encounter may be something they least expected, something they are not prepared for.
Headhunters seek out their prospects according to the individual’s expertise level. This means to say that if you happen to receive a call or message from a headhunter, it is more likely that he found some talent or skill within you. However, oftentimes the setting and timing of an approach may not be appropriate to start a dialogue regarding new employment opportunities. For instance, most of the time, the call may arrive in the current place of work with workmates around.
To prepare ahead of time, whenever opportunity knocks on the door, the following information will equip you with the correct knowledge on how to deal with the situation just in case a headhunter contacts you. The information provided below includes:
• Reasons why a headhunter calls;
• Various means of communication used by a headhunter and;
• How to interact with a headhunter
Why Do Headhunters Call
There are several reasons why headhunters call prospective candidates. Usually, it is because of the two reasons outlined below.
First and foremost, the headhunter would want to check and confirm if the individual is hypothetically interested for the role. You need not worry as to whether you should readily accept or reject the proposal. It is not yet a job offer after all. In contrast, view this as an opportunity to learn more about the proposed position. Inquire to the headhunter details about the position being offered. This will help you decide whether to continue or not. Furthermore, as a prospective candidate, you can benefit from this fine opportunity by maintaining an open mind that is, keeping your choices open.
What are some matters that you can ask about? You can ask background details about the position, the type of person the employer is seeking or any useful information related to the organisation. It is important to know such kind of details for you to assess if your skills are a good match for the proposed position. It will also help you weigh your priorities with regards to career development.
In case you find out that the position is not the right one for you, state your reasons clearly. Moreover, endeavour to keep in touch with the headhunter so that in the future, if ever there are relevant positions, they’ll be more willing to contact you.
Second, the headhunter would like to know more about your working experiences, role responsibilities, clients and etc. Certain details about the organisation are confidential. When the headhunter discloses some of these matters to you, of course with the permission of the organisation, it only speaks of his trustworthiness. In relation to this, you also have to assure the headhunter and the client that you are working with an ethical company and that any information given to you will be treated as confidential. Moreover, if they have been retained, it gives you a degree of confidence that all sides are serious and are devoted in this pursuit.
When the headhunter has already established your interest, he would want to know further details about you, including working experiences, role responsibilities or your targets. Since discussing these things requires serious attention, it would be best to have a pre – agreed appointment after the initial call or encounter. If it’s not possible for you to speak then recommend alternative times and dates when you are free to speak to the headhunter.
Important note: To avoid any suspicion in the workplace, try to remain calm in taking the call and be familiar with the caller.
Communication Approach Used by the Headhunter
Aside from making a call, headhunters may send you an email or contact you through a social networking site. Such approaches are advantageous for the candidate. Why? It gives the candidate the time to check on the headhunting company. Is the caller legitimate? How about the reputation of the organisation? Additionally, the headhunter and the prospective candidate will be able to arrange a convenient time where both can provide enough room for an in – depth discussion.
Interaction that Impresses a Headhunter
As said earlier, calls from a headhunter means informing you of a job opportunity. The headhunter neither called because he has a job offer nor a formal interview for you. Thus if both of you come into agreement – you are interested in the role while the headhunter wants to recommend you for the role – the critical part comes in. It is the time where all aspects of your behaviour will be scrutinised and examined. The headhunter’s professional integrity, judgment and reputation depend on the quality of candidates he puts forward to the organisation. Therefore it is not surprising that every aspect and manner of your communication will be evaluated during the entire process. With this idea kept in mind, it is then suggested for you to maintain a level of formality just like how a formal interview is being conducted. Moreover, being polite and courteous will be your ticket to success, such qualities will separate you from the rest of the prospective candidates. True, they may have similar background and level of experience as you have, yet it is you who possess those small touches that will make you stand out from a pool of candidates.
Always bear in mind that the headhunter is one your tickets to success. Thus it will be best to keep and maintain a long – term and fine business relationship and rapport with him.