Feb 22, 2010

Marketing Search Firms Pay Off: Having a headhunter on your side gives you better access to plum jobs

Posted by Wendy Weber

…so says Betsy Goldberg, in her article entitled, “Get a Leg Up on Your Job Search”, in the March 2010 issue of Money Magazine.

Goldberg outlines these strategies for getting onto, and staying on, a recruiters’ radar:

FIND THE RIGHT RECRUITERS
Headhunters often specialize by industry or job function. Thus, the best way to find someone is via your network. You’re likely to get a better response if you’ve been referred, so ask friends in your field which pros were helpful to them, or use LinkedIn to check whether current or former co-workers are connected to recruiters; alternatively, see whether your industry association can suggest someone. It’s worthwhile doing all this even if you’re not job hunting just yet. Building a network takes time, and you might as well get a headstart.

MAKE THE INITIAL CONTACT
Write a brief introductory email explaining where you’ve worked, what you have accomplished, and what you’d like your next move to be. Attach a resume.

MAINTAIN THE RELATIONSHIP
Refer candidates when appropriate; people like to help those who have helped them. Return calls quickly and be open-minded about opportunities.

And if you land the job? Be sure to tell the employer about your positive experience with the headhunter – because recruiters especially like people who help them get jobs!

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