Every job seeker should know that how he or she approaches a headhunter is often the key to making a successful connection.
Here are some tips to help:
1. Email
By choosing email, you allow headhunters to answer you in their own time. Sending an email also allows them a convenient way to add your resume to their database. Plus, sending an email isn’t as intrusive as a phone call.
Make sure you write a strong introductory email that grabs the attention of the headhunter right away. Be direct, to the point, and informative about what you can offer the company.
2. Offer Help
Feel free to tell the headhunters you contact that you are willing to be of help in any searches they are conducting. This can serve as an open invite to contact you anytime, as headhunters are always searching for candidates.
Think of headhunters not as a source of jobs, but people you can add to your network. In this way, you are able to reach out to them, help, and therefore you’ll be more likely to receive invitations in the future. Your ability to help is a great way to show headhunters that you are a respected resource in your chosen field.
3. Know What You Want
Because headhunters receive hundreds of resumes a day, it is important to make clear why you are the perfect candidate for a headhunter’s specific firm. You can explain your interest in the position in your cover letter or email.
4. Create a Concise and Effective Email Subject Line
Don’t ever use “hi” or “resume” as your subject header — there is nothing compelling about either for a headhunter who has to go through thousands of emails a day. Make sure you use a professional, effective subject header.
Use subject headers that explain who you really are. If you are a marketing executive, perhaps you can use “Marketing Executive resume attached.”
5. Talk About Salary
You can always address the question of salary. This will make it easier for headhunters to place you when they know how much salary you are expecting.
6. Attach a Resume in the Right Format
Only attach your resume in your email. Don’t include unnecessary documents. Save resumes in a Word or text-only format. Do not save them in PDF format — applicant tracking systems won’t be able to scan your resume for keywords.
