Who or What is a Headhunter? A headhunter, or a Recruiter or an Executive search specialist, is not like an employment agent who simply uses the numbers to fill positions , these are generally specialists, meaning they work very closely with Candidates and Clients, to find exactly the right match, often paid only on a successful placement. What this means for a prospective candidate is that you are more likely to be placed in the position you desire by working with headhunters experienced in your field.

It is however worth saying that you shouldnt be over reliant upon a headhunter, good opportunities come to those looking for them, some headhunters are going to be more interested in the fee than the candidate. But by following some of the advice here, you are going to be aware of how to spot that.

Search Firms or Headhunting Firms
The smaller offices work generally by geographic focus and industry specialization, larger national and international firms may operate cross boundary and specialisations. One of the best things for both candidate and client alike is that a search firm offers anonymity and confidentiality, some jobs are never advertised, and your interest in advancing your career can stay between you and the Headhunter. Following an initial discussion with a Headhunter try to stay involved, in other words maintain contact, but as a word of caution, dont appear over eager (even if you are). If the Headhunter makes a suggestion to you or recommendation, try to follow through, they generally know the clients needs well, so you will seldom be wasting time.

Resume
Although Headhunters are not generally working with Resumes alone, something you can do is to tailor your resume to fit a specific job profile, doing this means you highlight more relevant points that should be of interest to a prospective employer, this also helps the Headhunter to get to know you better. It does not have to be one page or follow a specific resume format, some people think that having an extensive resume is wonderful, but in reality it may lose credibility, Headhunters and Clients want people who provide enough detail to substantiate their selection to an initial meeting. If you give them everything, you may not get to the meeting at all. Always feel free to discuss your career goals with the Headhunter and to ask him for feedback on your resume.

Interview
Assuming you are working with a Headhunter, get them to work with you in preparation for the interview, they may know what the client will ask, they certainly will know how to get the best out of you. You can also take some initiative, and practice sitting the other side of the table, and interview them as hard as they interview you. As you do this you are really learning about how a Headhunter selects people for initial interviews, and if done well, you are going to have few problems at that stage. Really important in your discussions with the Headhunter is Honesty. I have heard some candidates say they were advised to be cagey during the interview process, but in reality this doesnt help anyone. You dont need to mention unimportant details, but be prepared to be open and honest, it always pays! Finally, always arrive on time or early for interviews.

Networking
Networking is something you can do too. It is after all how the Headhunter works, he will often ask Clients and Candidates Who else might be interested in XYZ?. Even if you are introverted dont overlook this, it works. Many successful career transitions begin with networking. As always in networking, leverage the contacts you already have to establish communications Hi John, listen I would be really interested to speak with XYZ company, do you think you can introduce me?, thus avoiding wherever possible making cold calls.

In conclusion, if you're working with a Headhunter, ask if he will help you to prepare. They normally do, because they often are not paid unless a candidate is placed. They want to look good before their client, they want to seem like the experts in the field, and they want long term relationships with Clients and Candidates. You have a much better chance of being placed in the position you desire by working with Headhunters experienced in your field.

Chris Dolan is a leading International Headhunter.

For more help and highly specialised advice check out our top selling eBook Secrets Of A Headhunter available from http://getheadhuntedtoday.com