Three tips to attract a headhunter
10 May 2010
Read by 2221 persons
The relationship between candidate and headhunter is based on a delicate balance of regular contact and a "give and take" approach.
After all, the consultant working for a recruitment firm needs good candidates just as much as you need a professional network. Here are three tips to achieve this.
Give some of your time
A key element in building an effective relationship with a headhunter is responding positively to their requests. "Don't hesitate to dedicate some of your time to calls from consultants, even just as a source of information," analyzes Serge Lamielle, CEO of Neumann International. "Good relationships work both ways. You'll find that in return, these consultants will spend time guiding you if needed." "I advise playing the game and responding even if you're not interested," agrees François Humblot, CEO of Humblot-Grant Alexander, "Currently, some candidates are arrogant because the market is tight in certain professions... But things change".
Be visible
Headhunters' CV databases are treasure troves of information that consultants regularly use. To be included, it's simple: just send an unsolicited application by email. The only condition is to have a profile that is likely to interest the firms, that is, at least three to four years of experience, a position ranging from middle to top management, and work in a sector that interests your contact. "Some firms are generalists, others are specialists. Doing your research beforehand allows for better targeting, knowing that some sectors are completely outside the scope of headhunters, such as advertising or culture," specifies François Humblot, who adds that "once the CV is sent, it's possible to maintain contact by making a phone call three months later, but certainly not every week".
Position yourself when things are going well
The best time to make yourself known? When everything is going well. "Position yourself as an expert in your profession or sector, so that recruitment firms identify you as a reliable source. Far more effective than spending your rainy weekends writing CVs!" emphasizes Serge Lamielle. Like any hunter, the recruiter prefers a healthy prey to a sick animal, in other words, a candidate in a position rather than a job seeker. "This is especially true if the headhunter has never heard of the candidate before, or if the candidate has contacted them three years earlier for the same reasons," concludes Serge Lamielle. Let's not forget that the secret of a good hunter is their elephantine memory.
By Christina Gierse
Published on November 21, 2007
Posted online on May 10, 2010
Lexpansion
After all, the consultant working for a recruitment firm needs good candidates just as much as you need a professional network. Here are three tips to achieve this.
Give some of your time
A key element in building an effective relationship with a headhunter is responding positively to their requests. "Don't hesitate to dedicate some of your time to calls from consultants, even just as a source of information," analyzes Serge Lamielle, CEO of Neumann International. "Good relationships work both ways. You'll find that in return, these consultants will spend time guiding you if needed." "I advise playing the game and responding even if you're not interested," agrees François Humblot, CEO of Humblot-Grant Alexander, "Currently, some candidates are arrogant because the market is tight in certain professions... But things change".
Be visible
Headhunters' CV databases are treasure troves of information that consultants regularly use. To be included, it's simple: just send an unsolicited application by email. The only condition is to have a profile that is likely to interest the firms, that is, at least three to four years of experience, a position ranging from middle to top management, and work in a sector that interests your contact. "Some firms are generalists, others are specialists. Doing your research beforehand allows for better targeting, knowing that some sectors are completely outside the scope of headhunters, such as advertising or culture," specifies François Humblot, who adds that "once the CV is sent, it's possible to maintain contact by making a phone call three months later, but certainly not every week".
Position yourself when things are going well
The best time to make yourself known? When everything is going well. "Position yourself as an expert in your profession or sector, so that recruitment firms identify you as a reliable source. Far more effective than spending your rainy weekends writing CVs!" emphasizes Serge Lamielle. Like any hunter, the recruiter prefers a healthy prey to a sick animal, in other words, a candidate in a position rather than a job seeker. "This is especially true if the headhunter has never heard of the candidate before, or if the candidate has contacted them three years earlier for the same reasons," concludes Serge Lamielle. Let's not forget that the secret of a good hunter is their elephantine memory.
By Christina Gierse
Published on November 21, 2007
Posted online on May 10, 2010
Lexpansion
