How to get headhunted
Photo by Daria Pimkina on Unsplash
Ever wanted to know the secret to getting headhunted? Let's face it – job searching is a whole lot easier if the opportunities are coming to you.
So is it just a case of being in the right place at the right time?
Well, yes and no.
You may get the occasional lucky break but building your brand and raising your profile in the industry is a long-game.
Clients often choose to work with me because of my experience as an executive headhunter but I’m very honest about what it takes to be successful and it’s more than a slick CV. That’s why we go deeper into the mindset of how to position and sell your expertise – that’s what gets the results they’re after.
Self-coaching & Free guide
As all of my client work is tailored and personalised, I want you to use my suggestions to reflect on your career and to embark on this as a self-coaching exercise. If you’re a senior-level director/ leader working in corporate I’ve made you a guide on ‘how to get headhunted’ which you can sign up for here.
How to get headhunted in a crowded market
As predicted we have entered a difficult economy and the market is flooded with potential candidates. One HRD told me that for a role that would normally attract 200 applications, he’s received 750. So, if you're relying on job boards and what's being advertised don't take it personally if your application is lost amongst the masses (even if you do have the right credentials).
Q: What other actions are you taking?
Turnaround experts and recruitment during a recession
When we went into the first lockdown I wrote about what happens in a recession from a recruiters’ perspective. Recruitment doesn't necessarily stop but the approach and strategies change. As businesses restructure the best people are needed and in a turnaround situation you also need resilience and an appetite for change.
'How to recession-proof your career' has some of the information from the Lockdown letter series.
Q: Do you stand out in the crowd?
Q: Will you be on the turnaround team?
How to get headhunted on Linkedin
Getting headhunted is about being visible and front-of-mind for opportunities ahead of others (even if you're not actively looking).
Using LinkedIn to raise your profile is a ‘no-brainer’ because recruiters and company leaders hang-out there. But I'll let you into a little secret ... most people aren't using the platform properly and that’s easily remedied when you know-how.
How to stand out on LinkedIn
STOP treating your LinkedIn account like a CV!
Help recruiters to discover you when they search for potential candidates by the smart use of your profile headline and completing the experience section on your page.
The about section is like a landing page for your professional profile. Make sure this section easy to read and interesting. It’s not your CV and no one wants to wade through chunks of heavy text, oh and don’t write in the third person because your LinkedIn profile is best when it shows the person behind it.
You can attract people to your profile by sharing your knowledge, experience and opinions. Do that through commenting, engaging in conversations (it is social after all) and by posting and sharing. This will build your personal brand and attract more eyes to your profile.
If you want to be headhunted you need to be visible and stay front of mind.
Do check into your LinkedIn account daily, it only takes a few minutes and you don’t want to miss important messages.
And if you only ever use LinkedIn when you’re job hunting then you’re missing a trick!
Building ‘Brand You’
Building your personal and professional profile is often neglected. If you're scratching your head wondering why you missed out on opportunities it's probably because you've been too busy just doing your job and not building your brand. Successful people do both.
Networking on LinkedIn
I know a lot of people cringe at the idea of 'networking' – try reframing it and think of it as having conversations.
How to get headhunted – revealed!
In my latest 'How to get headhunted' FREE guide I reveal the traits of successful candidates. It's based on my experience as an executive search headhunter and career coach.
You can use the guide as a tool for reflection and self-coaching.
Sign up here to receive your FREE ‘How to get headhunted’ guide and other tips and inspiration for you and your career.
More posts here!
How to get visible on LinkedIn and why you need to
LinkedIn micro-tips for your career
What to do if you don’t like networking events
ABOUT ME
I’m Tracy, Career Consultant, former Executive Headhunter and I help senior executives and leaders to land great jobs and be successful at work through 1:1 coaching.
I work with clients around the world from my London-based Zoom office.
If you’re ready for straight-talk and career guidance get in touch – let's start the conversation.
And don’t forget to sign up to The Insider – behind the scenes of your executive career for my 'insider' tips and inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.