Being Headhunted

“I’ve been headhunted!”

It’s a great feeling to be ‘headhunted’, you feel special because you have been hand picked by a company, giving you great bragging rights, even if you don’t take the job. However, no doubt you are wondering how they got your name?

Has the client chosen to contact you because of your reputation in their sector? Has someone recommended you?  Or does it mean that since you work for a competitor you have been approached? Yes, to all three.

A search firm will use many routes to find out about you and contact you about a specific vacancy. Many clients tend to want candidates who know their sector, routes to market and customers and will often prefer those that are working, or have worked, for a competitor that they know and respect. And they also listen to recommendations by trusted colleagues and business associates.

Whatever you decide to do following the approach it is always a good idea to at least speak with your competitor and hear what they have to say. Why? For several reasons that could all be good for your career:

• it may well increase your profile in the sector

• it will give you an insight into your competitors

• further down the line they may acquire your company (or vice versa)

• the manager concerned may join your company

• you may want to move on in the future

The role of a head-hunter is to find out if you are open to opportunities, what would tempt you to move and whether the role and client is right for you at this stage in your career. 

They may well speak with many candidates before they find the few that will get to meet the client. This is because some are happy where they are, some are outside the geographical area, some are too expensive, some can’t move due to contract restrictions, and some aren’t right for the client.

Most of the individuals approached are not actively looking to move on but if it is the right opportunity, it could turn out to be a great move for you. Even if you are approached though, you still need a legitimate reason to move on – ‘I was headhunted’ is not one of them!

What do I do if I am approached?

Rather than say no immediately, the best option is to listen to what they have to say – it could be your dream move! Whatever you decide ultimately, always answer the approach; next time they call you it may be the right time.

You should probe them about the role, where it is, what type of company it is and why they think you may be a ‘fit’. It is unlikely that they will tell you who the company is at the first contact so do not insist you know before you speak to them or insist on knowing what the salary is; they will mark you down as a difficult candidate and move on. Game over!

How can I get head-hunted?

If you want to be a target for head-hunters then you need to network and quietly market yourself around the sectors and companies that you may be interested in, letting people know you and your skills and what you can bring to a company.

Being well-connected in business or on LinkedIn, means that your contacts get to know you and your capabilities, remember you and can ‘recommend’ you if asked.

So, get noticed. Make some noise in your industry, post articles and blogs, comment on what others are saying and be seen as an expert in your field and sector. Be the one people ask for advice or a comment on what is happening in your area. Volunteer to speak at seminars. Go to networking events and be visible.