Executive
Head Hunters should be treated like animals. Er, that is to say, they
should be hunted with strategy and planning. Here are five useful tips.
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 of executive head hunters to do their hunting for them in their ongoing (never-ending?) quest for the ultimate trophy career.
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 as you need hunting supplies and strategies in the wild, recruiter hunting requires strategy and supplies, too.
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.
