How to Meet With Headhunters
A meeting with a headhunter should be handled the same as one would an interview with a potential employer. Headhunters are, in actuality, the gatekeepers for their clients. They are hired by busy administrators to thoroughly screen candidates for their available positions. This means you'll have to sell yourself to the headhunter before you'll be given the opportunity to interview with their client.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Directions to your meeting place
- Interview outfit
- Resume
- List of references
- Follow-up/thank you letter
Instructions
-
Prepare for the Meeting
-
1
As with any interview, it is important to take the time to adequately prepare for your meeting. One such step is to make sure you know where the headhunter's office or your meeting place is located. Get on MapQuest or some other map site to get directions from your home to the locale. Being late for the meeting can be the end of your relationship with a firm.
-
2
Be prepared for difficult questions or objections. A thorough headhunter knows what attributes you have that would make the client hire you. They are, however, also aware of your weaknesses and reasons why the client might reject you. Prior to the interview, you will need to identify these potential objections in order to be successful in your meeting. Your answers should overcome the objection without you appearing defensive.
-
-
3
Learn as much as you can about headhunters and the recruiting process. Knowing how the process works will aid you in being able to navigate your way through the meeting.
-
4
Along with your resume, be sure to have a list of three to four references prepared to give to the headhunter.
-
5
Proper attire is vital to a successful meeting with the headhunter. Consequently, it is important to get your clothes ready for the meeting a day or so in advance. A professional business suit (in gray, brown or navy) is a safe choice for either a man or woman, and a man should always complement his suit with a nice, conservative tie. Clothes should be freshly cleaned and pressed, and shoes should be shined. Documents can be carried in a small briefcase or portfolio.
Be Professional
-
6
Remember, the objective of this meeting is to get a meeting with the headhunter's client. Without meeting the client, there is no way you will get hired. That said, it is vital that the meeting be kept professional.
-
7
Set the tone of the meeting with a professional greeting and a firm handshake.
-
8
Small talk is a part of every interview. This will be no different with the headhunter. Understand that the headhunter is simply trying to make you feel comfortable. Be cordial and friendly, but don't over talk. Shy away from personal discussions. Instead, remain focused on discussing your skills and qualifications for the job.
-
9
If meeting at a restaurant or coffee shop, allow the headhunter to order first. If the headhunter is having a light lunch, do the same. When in question, remember less is always better in this case.
-
10
As elementary as it may sound, do not forget to turn off your cell phone before going into your meeting. Not only is this disruptive, but the headhunter might be offended by your leaving your phone on.
-
11
Before ending the meeting, ask the headhunter about the next step in the screening process. This shows interest in the position as well as interest in working with this recruiter.
Say Thank You
-
12
Before leaving, don't forget to thank the headhunter for the meeting. Although the headhunter is looking to match you with a client so he or she can get paid, it is still common courtesy to say thank you.
-
13
The following day, send a thank you letter to the headhunter.
-
14
The thank you letter should again express gratitude for the meeting. It doesn't hurt to mention two to three key points concerning your skills and qualifications in the letter, but be brief.
-
15
Close your thank you letter by reiterating your interest in working with the headhunter. Although you might not be the best fit for this job or opportunity, if your meeting with the headhunter goes well, you may be considered for future positions.
-
16
If the headhunter promises to call in a couple of weeks and you haven't heard back, don't be afraid to make a follow-up call after the two weeks have lapsed.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Headhunters typically work on commission. Consequently, they can be very territorial and protective of their client's identity. Don't push too hard for information; this might seem like a red flag to a headhunter. Some headhunters have been cut out of the deal, so to speak, as a result of sharing too many details.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit closed businessman image by Alexey Klementiev from Fotolia.com
