Things You'll Need:
- Professional resume
- Solid understanding of your career path and goals.
- Email access and professional email address.
- Cell phone with professional voice mail greeting.
- Appropriate interview attire.
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Step 1
Seek out a qualified recruiter/headhunter. Recruiters typically work for staffing agencies, but some may work on a freelance basis. You might meet with several recruiters before you find one with whom you "click."
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Step 2
Assess your career goals and objectives. You need to be able to give the recruiter a complete picture of what sort of job you are seeking. Be able to tell the recruiter about the type of work that interests you is important. You'll also want to be able to describe the ideal corporate culture--size of company, attitude and feel of the corporation, dress code, work hours, etc. Describe your "dream job" in as much detail as possible.
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Step 3
Make a list of target companies. A good recruiter will be willing to market your resume to companies you wish to target. Providing your recruiter with a list of specific companies you wish to target is very helpful. But, be realistic. If you do not have the proper skills, experience, and education for a particular company, do not expect the recruiter to work a miracle.
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Step 4
Be available to speak with the headhunter whenever necessary. I tell my candidates that I need them to be able to take my calls whenever possible. At the very least, I expect them to return phone calls to me within 24 hours. Potential employers and recruiters become frustrated when they have to delay scheduling interviews because a candidate has been difficult to reach.
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Step 5
Communicate with your recruiter. If you are going to be unavailable for a period of time, are going out of town, are interviewing for a job elsewhere, or considering an offer, let your recruiter know. It's important for the headhunter to know your availability and level of interest in opportunities before he or she can effectively market you to potential employers.
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Step 6
Be clear about your expectations and what might be deal breakers for you in an opportunity. Nothing is more frustrating for the headhunter or potential employer than to present an offer to a candidate that is viewed as unacceptable to the candidate because the candidate's expectations were not made clear. Tell your headhunter how far you're willing to commute, how much money you absolutely must make, what hours you are willing to work, and anything else that may become an issue late.
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Step 7
Be respectful to the headhunter. Remember that your headhunter is your advocate in the job market. He or she is helping to maximize your job search efforts. A good recruiter has a book of business and connections that are a "gold mine" to a job seeker. Do not underestimate the value of working with a good recruiter. Do not take the opportunity for granted.
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Step 8
Remember that you are representing the recruiter as well as yourself. This means two things, actually. First, you should feel very good that a recruiter or headhunter is willing to present you to a potential employer. It means the headhunter has faith in your abilities and professionalism. A recruiter will NEVER stake his or her reputation on a candidate that does not meet very high standards. Second, you carry the recruiter's endorsement, but also his or her reputation with you. Be sure to show up on time for the interview. Take your preparation and presentation seriously.
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Step 9
Say thank you! When a headhunter makes a good placement, he or she is definitely paid well (by the employer--NEVER the candidate). But,that doesn't mean the candidate shouldn't also express his or her thanks. Thank your recruiter for sharing his or her expertise, for making the connection with your new employer, and for being a good advocate on your behalf.
