How to work with a headhunter

Headhunters have specialized knowledge of the job market and may have a list of good HR contacts with companies in your industry. You can work with a headhunter to track down positions that match your particular skills and experience. Since headhunters typically work on a commission basis, it is in their best interest to find the best match - this means they'll go the extra mile to make sure you really are the right candidate for a position. Learn how to work with a headhunter and land your dream job with these tips and preparation strategies.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paper version of your resume
• Digital version of your resume
• Current e-mail address
• Working phone number

1. Update your resume. Keep your resume current and up to date so that you can begin your job search with the right information. This will also help the headhunter gain an accurate understanding of your specific skills, strength and experience as they help you find the right job.

2. Write your ideal job description. This can be as simple as a few paragraphs, and help you determine what's most important to you. This step can help you with your job search overall so you can to look at prospective positions with these key points in mind.

3. Provide the headhunter with a top ten list of companies. Give the headhunter a few ideas on the types of companies you would like to work for. Are they large corporations or mid-sized startups? Do you want to work for a company with offices around the country, or just in your home town? Be as specific as possible to narrow down the big field of options.

4. Consult with the headhunter for interview preparation. Headhunters are not only trained to keep an eye on the job market, but also to help candidates prepare for their interview. Set up an appointment to run through a 'mock interview' so you have the right skills and confidence to meet with prospective employers during your search.

5. Ask lots of questions about prospective job openings. The more details you have before you head to the interview, the easier it will be to understand what the job really entails. If a headhunter is skipping important details such as hours, salary range and overall job duties, you may be working with a scam artist and not a real recruiter.

6. Proceed to the interview on your own. A professional headhunter will give you his or her contact information after they've set up the interview with your employer. You can contact the headhunter after the interview to learn about your successes and mistakes since they will communicate directly with the employer to handle the next steps.

Tips & Warnings

• Be prepared for a phone interview - some employers still request a phone interview or screening session before calling you in for a face-to-face appointment
• Do your homework. Don't rely on the headhunter 100 percent during your job search - do some of the research and searching on your own so you don't miss out on other opportunities
• Don't ask an employer about salary options during the interview. Either the headhunter will negotiate this on your behalf, or you'll have an opportunity to discuss salary and benefits during a second or third interview.
• Don't give your social security number or other personal information to a headhunter. The only person who should be reviewing this information is the HR department at the company after they hire you.

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