When most people think of headhunting they think of excelling in their job and getting noticed by a head hunter. While that definitely happens and being noticed for the right reasons should be a priority, if you want to be head hunted there are ways for you to expedite the process.
Why do companies headhunt?
Companies headhunt for executive and specialised roles. These roles are often critical to the success of a business so making a mistake can be costly. Seeking out the appropriately qualified professionals with a good reputation in the industry minimises this risk.
The effort involved in headhunting the right candidate for any job is time consuming. It requires contacts across industry and a keen ear to the ground. A head hunter would need to understand any changes within companies and be aware of any employee achievements. Businesses often struggle to dedicate the time needed to headhunt successfully so they use head hunting agencies.
Why should you want to be headhunted?
If you are career focused with ambitions to rise to the top within your industry, being headhunted could give you the step up you need. When you are headhunted the competition for a competitive role disappears or reduces significantly. Your credentials for the role will have already been evidenced so your negotiating position with a potential new employer is much stronger.
Why do companies use a head hunting agency
Companies use head hunting agencies because of the knowledge and contacts they have in the industry. The agency is tasked with finding an employee who can hit the ground running in the role and provide a return on investment.
Often the agency has built strong relationships with companies which gives them insight in to how they work and the movements of personnel. This builds trust, an intimate understanding of a company’s needs and crucially the quality and achievements of staff in their employ.
Take charge and make it happen
As a potential candidate you need to use head hunting agencies to your benefit. Your starting point is always to build a reputation within your current role or field of interest. Networking is important here. From there you would register with agencies.
Agencies build contacts through networking and so should you. You can do this online through LinkedIn, at seminars, training events, exhibitions and any other networking opportunity. Know and seek out the key personnel that might be influential in your career field. Its not just about making others aware of what you can offer, it’s about nurturing respect and trust. Where you can support or help, do so.
You’re selling yourself and the best sales people know how to build relationships. If you want to sell yourself and don’t feel comfortable with relationship building with different personalities, take a look at how a successful sales person does it.
If you can build professional relationships with the right people at the right level you may find yourself recommended for a future job. The more effort you put in the more likely the success. Agencies are only used because they put the work in to find candidates on behalf of the employer. If you present yourself as a good fit for an executive role you effectively cut out the middleman.
By researching and targeting employers you present yourself to the types of role and employer that best suit you. This means you may well find a new job that is a better fit than if you went through a head hunting agency.
The contacts you make in the process of networking should be maintained and nurtured. It’s often your contacts within the industry that help you stand out as a good candidate for a role.
The magic source
It’s not enough to be good at building relationships. If you don’t have the substance to back up your claims and achievements you will build the wrong kind of reputation. Understand the criteria each employer might be interested in. Research of a company and key contacts within that company should be thorough.
If you lack direct experience in certain roles you might be able to demonstrate a talent away from conventional employment. For instance, if you have a strong online presence you can illustrate your talents in digital marketing, online journalism, etc. Be creative. If you want something badly enough you need to find a way to stand out.
And finally…
Getting headhunted doesn’t have to be something that just happens to you. If you are one of the lucky ones who stand out without effort then good luck. But if, like most of us, you need to sell your value, that’s fine too. If you are ambitious, willing to put the work in and to be proactive, you just might move up the career ladder sooner than expected.