It’s the new year. And like the year before it will pass by sooner than you believe. That’s a good thing really. You do not want to be in a phase of life or work where every day seems drawn out. When every minute feels like it could be a day all by itself. The elephant in the room is this: what are you going to do differently this year? Is it going to be same old battle or do you seek the key secrets of getting yourself headhunted to greener pastures? Well, who knows what may come up, right? There’s no harm in being aware of what may come up- even if you were already whoever you wished you were.
The recipe and key secrets of getting yourself headhunted
- Be found. In the current world of information overload and online presence, do not live under a rock. Even if you are an archaeology major. The point in case: if a headhunter is interested in your work or field of specialization, they need to be able to see it. Headhunters are human beings and when they suddenly receive a great search mandate, they do what we will do too- search. Google and search are often synonymous in today’s world. In addition, you do not want to be a 50 year old bitter that the world (or your boss) never paid heed to your interesting opinions. Show your work.
- Be found well. Be careful on a few aspects though: a) show discretion to your social sharing policies with your current job, b) if you have to be found, be found in good conditions. Do not kill your career reputation by sharing indiscreet pictures, comments or other material which will come back to haunt you. Things on the Internet stay forever, c) Choose the right platforms for you. Are you a marketing expert on Twitter, a business networker on LinkedIn or a senior management executive on Experteer looking to be found by headhunters. You could be all of these. Or choose wisely depending on your need.
- Say yes. The first time a headhunter calls you and you cancelled the phone call without listening? You got a ‘contact request’ from a headhunter or recruiter and you decided never to reply? Sounds familiar? Doesn’t help. Half the problems in the world could be solved if we decided to stop saying no for everything even before evaluating them. Positive work personas are made of characteristics where saying yes: let’s do it, let’s try are things you expect and want in your co-workers and teams. Why would you interest any headhunter if you are a constant naysayer? That’s such a turn-off!
- Be polite. Our headhunter partners gave us a lot of interesting responses on what is the worst way for candidates to behave. As you’d expect: arrogance, poor listening top the charts. It really does pay to be polite and someone who you may possibly want to have a good conversation with. Interpersonal skills and relatability puts works at a subconscious level and is more important than you think!
Mitch Beck, Crossroads Consulting: “I often remind people that you see the same people on the way up the ladder that you do on the way down and how you treat people is essential not only to a better workplace and working environment, but to a better world in general.
Christian Göttsch, Experteer: “Think of the Happy Hour. Is this someone you can be interested to have a conversation with if you were standing next to each other at your team happy hour?”
- Follow the money. The headhunter is usually getting paid a fee when they higher a senior candidate. If they are not trying to help you but sounding off-handish instead, it may be a cue to understanding if they are reliable at all. There is no room for doubts. Instead of thinking about the quality of someone who sounds mysterious, move on to someone who is helpful!
- Ask the right questions. In a recent interview with one of our headhunter partners, Christian Böhnke gave us a great hat tip on what question to not ask: where did you find me? Come to think about it, there is plenty truth in it. The knowledge of the channel by itself is not going to add more value than focusing on the relationship you are about to build with that headhunter. The right questions should really focus on the work content, interests, long term career goals, key client information and anything that enables you to decide or think through the next steps in your career. Here are a few to ponder on!
And before we end, hopefully you will challenge yourself to get outside your comfort zones. And find your next step. We wish you luck!
