How to Find a Headhunter

Everyone changes jobs one or more times in his or her career. When changing jobs, the most common source for locating the next position is by using a headhunter, also known as a placement service or recruiter. These are professionals who specialize in developing relationships both with employers to help them locate qualified and experienced candidates and with employees who find themselves in need of a new job. Finding a headhunter is quite simple. Here are some of the essentials that will help the job seeker locate the right placement service and fully utilize its services.

Things You'll Need

• Resume - both printed and electronic copies
• Separate list of references, both professional and personal
• Appropriate business attire for the profession
• List of questions about type of position you are seeking

Instructions

The Headhunter - Your Partner in Locating the Best Available Job

1. Determine what you are looking for in your next position. Write out a list of your "must have's" and what you want to avoid. Doing this will help you select the right headhunter(s) for your search and help them locate the right company and position for you. One of the biggest decisions is whether or not to relocate, as that will determine where your search should take place.

2. Locate all available headhunters in your area or in the area you would like to relocate to. The best way is to search online for recruiters, placement services and headhunters. Be specific for your profession, as the headhunters tend to specialize in certain fields when they develop relationships with employers. A prime example of this specialization is in the field of Accounting. Companies that place accountants typically do not place other types of corporate jobs and definitely do not place any skilled labor or scientific jobs.

3. Job boards are another way to locate recruiters. A couple of common boards that cover most types of positions are monster.com and careerbuilder.com. Most job postings on these boards are from placement companies, making them a great source for networking yourself out to the right people for your search. There are some career-specific job boards that may help you in your search as well. Look through the boards for positions you would like to pursue and submit your resume.

4. Once you have located one or more placement services, go meet with them in person if you can. They have met with the prospective employers in person, and it will help you to get in front of someone who knows what those employers are looking for and to be coached on the best way to present yourself when you get an interview. Dress as you would dress for an interview with an employer. Bring a paper copy of your resume and a list of references they can use to help prequalify you for positions they are working to fill. Also bring some questions about what you are looking for and how you can improve your personal presentation when you meet with an employer. Recruiters earn their fees when you are placed, so it is in their best interest to help you prepare as fully as possible.

5. Once you have completed your meeting with the headhunter, follow up with them periodically to ensure you're at the top of their list of candidates. Send them a brief thank you note for meeting with you, call them once a week to ask a new question on your search, find out if there are any movements in the marketplace you should be aware of and make sure your resume presents your skills and experience in a way that employers will be attracted to you as a candidate.

6. After a period of time, you will be selected for one or more interviews. Follow the headhunter's advice on how to present yourself with confidence and poise and you should do well.

Tips & Warnings

• Placement usually takes an average of 2 to 6 months, depending on your profession and the job market. When you know you need to make a change, get started early to give yourself enough time for successfully locating the right position.

• Any company stating they will help you locate a position for an upfront fee is not a placement service but rather a marketing service. Some professions and some types of positions are more suited for this approach, but most of the time, they are not worth the fees because they only help you modify your resume and then pass you along to a true headhunter anyway.