How To Talk To Headhunters

A “headhunter”‘ is in the business of finding qualified individuals to place in jobs. A more polite term for this role would be “employment recruiter” but their roles can differ.

Executive recruiters may not always speak your language depending on how familiar they are with your industry and its jargon. It’s smart to learn theirs, however, if you want to keep moving up the organization chart.

Key Takeaways

• Employment recruiters, also known informally as “headhunters,” are in the business of finding qualified individuals to place in jobs.
• A headhunter only makes money if you get hired.
• They’re working for you as well as for the company that hired them to fill the position.
• Make the headhunter your advocate by being friendly, honest, and positive throughout the job search process.

Start a Dialogue

It’s usually worth taking headhunters’ calls or answering their emails even if you see no immediate gain for yourself in doing so. You might have the most rewarding and seemingly secure job in the world right now but that could change with the arrival of a new boss or a merger.

A headhunter might also be a useful contact for your friends, family members, or colleagues who are in the market for new positions. Headhunters who focus on particular industries can also provide useful information about what’s going on in the field. This might help you in your current job so take at least a moment to chat and be sure to get the headhunter’s contact info for future reference.

Be Friendly

Keep in mind that the headhunter isn’t exactly your friend. They’re on the side of the client they’re doing a search for. This is a business relationship, pure and simple, ideally with something in it for both of you. 

Be Honest

Hear them out and then offer a candid opinion of whether you’re at all interested if the headhunter has you in mind as a prospect for a job, The headhunter won’t be offended if you’re not but will probably be grateful that you didn’t string the process along. Ask the headhunter if you can make an appointment to talk later when you can speak more freely if you’re intrigued but uncomfortable having this sort of conversation at work.

Stick to the Point

Headhunters are busy people. Try to answer their questions with more than brief grunts when you’re in a position to talk but refrain from offering your complete autobiography. You’re probably right if you get a sense that the headhunter is becoming bored.

Be Helpful

Suggest names to the headhunter if you aren’t interested in the job but know of other worthy candidates who might be. The headhunter will appreciate it as will the people you recommend. Being helpful will make it more likely that the headhunter will call you back someday with another possibly better opportunity.

Important

Don’t recommend anyone you have doubts about or the headhunter may question your judgment.

Be Positive

You’ll make a better impression if you avoid criticizing your past or present employers, competitors, or anyone else. The headhunter may worry that you’d be that way in your next job, too, if you sound negative or gossipy. And there’s probably nothing bad you could say about anybody in your business that the headhunter hasn’t already heard from other sources.

Don’t Expect Too Much

Headhunters rarely have the time to help you rewrite your resume or offer a lot of career counseling. Remember that they aren’t working for you but for their client, the organization that’s paying them to hunt heads.

Keep Your Cool

It might seem rude if a headhunter who once seemed keen on recruiting you suddenly stops answering your calls or emails. This is common in their field, however. It’s not worth getting worked up about. There’s nothing to be gained and possibly much to be lost by sending the headhunter an angry, sarcastic diatribe for treating you shabbily. You may be right but you’ll come off as unprofessional. 

What’s the Difference Between a Headhunter and a Recruiter?

A headhunter can be a freelancer but often works for an agency. They’re external recruiters. An in-house recruiter typically works for the company that’s hiring and is charged with searching for and fielding applicants and filling positions.

How Do Headhunters Find Job Candidates to Contact?

Headhunters often begin with resumes and applications that the company that’s hired them already has on hand. They use the internet as well, canvassing sites like LinkedIn and job boards where potential candidates post their resumes. Social media sites can be sources, too. Headhunters also attend in-person networking events and they tend to have extensive networks and resources of their own.

Can I Make Initial Contact With a Headhunter If I’m Looking for a Job?

You can but you do a bit of research first. Scour your area or the area in which you want to work for reputable recruiting agencies. Make sure the agency specializes in your field or you may be wasting your time.

The Bottom Line

Try to build a cordial relationship with any headhunters you talk to. Leave them with the impression that you’d be happy to speak again in the future. Aim to keep the lines of communication open.