How to Approach a Headhunter?
When it comes to contacting headhunters, knowing how to reach out is an important skill to master. Your conversation with a headhunter can determine your career path so it’s important to approach them appropriately. Here are some suggestions to get off on the right foot.
Contact Them and Offer Help
Although you can always make a phone call, it’s not a bad idea to contact a headhunter by email for your initial reach-out. This makes it easier for them to answer at their most convenient time. It will also increase your chances of him or her reading your resume and adding it to their database.
In your email, offer to help them with any searches being conducted. Maybe you know people in your industry who are good candidates for an open position? Maybe you have a vast professional network? Offering help provides them with an occasion to contact you, now or in the future, as they are always looking for job candidates or company prospect.
Linkedin is also a very popular means to get in touch with headhunters. This is the most popular social network to find and get in touch with professionals. You can use Linkedin to find headhunters specialized in placing candidates in your job field. Strategically identifying 2-3 headhunters is enough.
Instead of thinking of headhunters as people who can help you find a job, think of them as people to add to your network. Reach out and provide for them opportunities to contact you in the future even if you don’t get your desired job right now and even better, while you are not looking for a job.
Ask for What You Want
Headhunters receive hundreds of requests on a regular basis, many of which aren’t appropriate. Make it easy for them to know that you’re a good fit. This can be done in the cover letter and email as well as the subject heading for the email.
An e-mail subject line such as “Marketing Executive Resume Attached” for example will let the headhunter know instantly why you’re reaching out and what is your profile background.
Write a Strong Introductory Email with Resume Attached
The introductory email is one of the most important things to get right. Remember that these professionals are busy people who only earn an income when they make a good placement. They’ve seen all self-promotional tricks and they’ve read many good and bad resumes.
This means that you should capture their attention from the beginning by crafting a good introduction e-mail. Write an email that is direct, informative, and that goes straight to the point. If you’re applying for a specific position, focus on the headhunter and his or her needs. If you’re sending a spontaneous application, be clear about your career goal and objective.
Get Help from Professionals
Even with these tips, you may find that you’re still struggling to get feedback from headhunters in your field, especially in today’s challenging times. But you can always ask for help and get professional advice in this area. Consider booking an online consultation with a career coach.
