Top Ten Tips on How to Get Head Hunted

By reading the word head hunting you may picture a collection of pygmy shrunken heads strung up in your friendly recruiter’s office right? Ok well maybe not quite as graphic as this, but in a sense head hunters are quite literally after your head. The best way to get head hunted is by creating enough buzz around your name and your experience.

The better known you are, the easier it is for head hunters to find you and place a “recruitment bounty” on your expertise and skill. Head hunters or executive searchers’ recruit for senior management roles on an executive level. In order to take advantage of this “elite” method of executive recruitment, you need to know a few tips. By attempting to get head hunted you are in fact nurturing your career in ways that boost your credibility and market your unique skills. Getting head hunted usually also means a rise in pay. Your most substantial salary increases are a natural by-product of head hunting. When you are head hunted there is more of a Recruiter demand for your unique skill set which almost always secures an increase in salary. Sound Good? Read on and find Jobs.co.za’s Top Ten Tips on How to get Head Hunted.

Register Your CV with Executive Recruitment Agencies.

Research recruitment agencies that recruit within your relevant industry as well as any advertised head hunters. Make appointments to meet and interview with these Recruiters and begin to form a relationship with executive recruiters you feel have your best interests at heart. Advise the recruiters of whether you are an active job seeker or a passive one. The difference here is that an active Job Seeker is actively looking for a new position and a passive one is simply keeping their options open. Build a rapport with executive recruiters so that when an opportunity does arise you are the first relevant applicant they think of. Register Your CV with Online Recruitment Portals.

Select online job portals you feel are common places for executive head hunters to search. Select recruitment portals that are both transparent with their intentions and credible amongst other Job Seekers. You may even find some job portals specifically specialise in recruiting for your relevant industry. Register your CV with such websites, making it easier for head hunters to compare your skill. At least register a personal profile on job portals to increase your online presence and make it easier for head hunters to find you online.

Network with the Hunters.

Attend seminars, industry forums, training programmes and other industry related talks. These events present you with vital networking opportunities for you to be identified as a head hunter’s next professional target. Networking affords you the opportunity to introduce yourself to potential employers and directly market your accomplishments. By displaying expertise and communicating enthusiasm during a mid morning tea break, is certain to make an impression and get you noticed. Each time you encounter a familiar acquaintance, reinforce your initial impression with a follow up introduction and chat. When they remember who you are it’s easier to track your progress and move in for the kill.

Google Yourself.

In today’s age of Web 2.0 and with social media leading the internet, be aware of who you are on the internet. Google your name and surname and check out what information comes up. This is the information that everyone, including potential head hunters see when looking for you on the internet. Be very careful with the information you publish about yourself on the internet especially from an executive recruitment stand point.

Partake in Social Networking.

Social networking websites offer brilliant ways to personally interact with industry peers and vital business associations. These sites offer an opportunity to build an interlinked network of contacts relevant to your industry. The more powerful your network the greater your chances of getting head hunted. Always remember to be careful when submitting personal information onto the internet. Make use of personal privacy settings and be sure you know who is allowed to see your information and who isn’t.

Blog Your Way to Getting Head Hunted.

A most successful and commendable way to get head hunted is by blogging. Create a professional blog regarding your specific area of expertise. Randomly post logs or pieces of writing on your blog. By displaying both your proficiency and knowledge within your niche’ market will secure your credibility and build your reputation. If you are not so keen on blogging you could also consider contributing online, by making comments in forums, or posting responses to other blogs.

Make Comments on Record.

Open yourself up for any press coverage that may come your way. As you build repute within a given industry, PR companies may request your comments and input. Welcome interviews, speak on the record and allow publishers to quote you in relevant press releases and articles. The greater coverage your accomplishments and expertise gets the better. You will soon be referred to as an industry expert or a major contributor to the growth of a company which is exactly what head hunters are looking for.

Join Relevant Industry Associations and Groups.

Join industry memberships and associations relevant to your industry. Offer to guest speak, chair group meetings or involve yourself wherever required. The more enthusiasm you display the more passionate an employee you are. Keeping up to date with industry news and developments will further assist you when getting head hunted by aiding you make informed career decisions.

Attend Key Industry Events.

Always try to attend key industry events. Attend events that could potentially present you with opportunistic encounters with potential head hunters. Have a pocket of business cards ready to hand out but don’t be pushy. Remember, part of attending these events is to socialise on a more personal level and share in common successes and accomplishments on a group level.

Stay True to You.

Remember that you are the only person responsible for the success of your career. Stick to your business ethics and morals. Maintain a consistent reputation and always try to contribute in a positive and productive manner.

Networking is a core feature in improving your chances of getting head hunted. As much as it is important to expand your contacts, you also have to search within. Remember to do regular self assessment tests in order to keep track of exactly where you are in your career. To get head hunted you need to conduct yourself with the confidence and courage to assume a position of greater responsibility. Continuously assess your strengths and weaknesses and by applying persistence and dedication when addressing these, you will soon secure your head hunting potential.

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