How Do You Attract Headhunters?

It is often assumed that headhunters will find you when the time is right or perhaps if they don't call you, then you are not worthy of their attention. Contrary to popular belief, being headhunted is more often than not a two-way process.

How do I get noticed by them?

You've got to be open to being approached. By this what I mean is that you need to put yourself out there and raise your profile. Rework your LinkedIn profile, go and attend industry & recruitment events, conferences and become that point of contact and a spokesperson in your company. You need to put your hands up and asks the questions, or be the person who writes columns of newsletters. The idea is simple, get your name known.

You see, a lot of people say told me they can't do all these things because of their day jobs and become inward-looking. Then they get to mature age and realize they have never looked outside of their companies, their comfort zone. That's a dangerous way to play these days. Be curious and open to new ideas. You need to nurture your career and don't be afraid of taking that risk and jump. It could be an opportunity that will make you a better professional.

What about 3rd party recommendations?

One of the least talked but critically important ways of having people to recommend you is to be a good colleague, boss or if you are in sales, be a good salesperson to your customers. Headhunters often received valuable insights on potential targets by asking the 3rd parties; whom they have worked for and what's the impression like to work for them.

Headhunters often look for people who've worked with star bosses. If you work with such people, like iron sharpens iron, you pick up passion, their drive, and way of dealing with people. If you associate yourself with the best, it rubs off and headhunters are always looking for rising stars!

Do I need to be subtle about getting them to notice me?

Although attracting their attention usually involves somewhat indirect initiatives, if you are actively looking to move, you need to gently drop hints and sow the seeds along the way. Of course, this sort of brazen approach is ideally suited to those networking forums such as companies' career day, professionals & alumni associations, etc.

These networking platforms can be tremendously powerful for both meetings with your future employers and hinting to people that you are looking for a change.

So what should I do when I meet headhunters?

Well, this is the time for you to answer those questions about your career interest with detailed examples. Tell them what your desire, how can you add value, and what you want to do. Try to be as memorable as possible - tell people something about yourself that makes you stand out.

You must nurture your headhunter contacts like the way you treat others. Even though the role offered might not interest you at the moment, those in the recruitment do exchange names, messages, and recommendations in the same way other people do.

Keep on Keeping ON!

Be patient if you are not being noticed yet. Just because you are not immediately contacted by headhunters, it doesn't mean you've failed. Keep on keeping on, persist, and take that step forward. Keep your LinkedIn updated all the time and follow up like the job is yours to take! I am believing with you that it will pay off in the end. All the best!

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Hey, thanks for reading this post up to this sentence. Now, I know you're probably wondering, "Why do you post this article?" 

Well, I first started my career journey as a headhunter and the reason why I jumped into recruitment is that I didn't know what I want back then. I thought the best thing to do is to interview thousands of people, understanding their roles and industries. With this exposure, I was able to understand the mind of the recruiters, hiring managers, and years later had the privilege to be in various roles with top global companies.

I am forever grateful to all the people that came into my life and showed me that I have what it takes to pursue my goals. Today, I am on a mission to help driven & ambitious people to get in front of global leaders & world-changing companies.

If you think you have benefited from this sharing, I hope you can pay it forward by sharing this article and connect with me to always inspire each other. Stay tuned for more brewing on #rioslab. God bless!