Should i Work with a Headhunter
If you are looking for a job, you may look to a headhunter to help you find the perfect job, but working with a headhunter has pros and cons. One of the most common mistakes a job seeker makes is assuming a headhunter can find them a job. Remember, headhunters work for employers, not job seekers. Headhunters ultimately exist to find the perfect candidate for their clients, not the other way around.
Pros
There are many reasons for job seekers to work specifically with headhunters, most commonly due to the desire to keep their job search confidential. If this is the case and you feel strongly that a headhunter is the way to go, be prepared to shop around. Do a search for headhunters who specialize in your field. For example, if a headhunter specializes in manufacturing it would not be appropriate for them to work with an IT specialist, unless they have a client who needs one with manufacturing experience. Once you feel you have identified an agency or headhunter that specializes in your field, reach out to them and simply ask if they can help. Then, keep looking.
Cons
Keep in mind, headhunters exist with one purpose: to find the right candidates for their clients, the employers. Every headhunter has specific clients but no headhunter has them all. Keep your options open and do not expect miracles.
Some final considerations
1. Treat headhunters like you would an employer. They can strongly influence an employer’s hiring decision even if they are not representing you.
2. Headhunters work with thousands of candidates a year. Do not be offended if they do not recognize your voice or recall your work history right off the bat.
3. It is not likely a headhunter will respond to your application or return your call if you do not specifically ask them to or they do not have a specific reason for the call. For a headhunter there is not enough time in the day and only the most critical actions are regularly completed.
As a warning to job seekers, never pay someone else to find you a job. Headhunters never accept payment from their job seekers except in resume consultation. There are companies out there that conduct business by charging thousands of dollars in fees to add your resume to a stack of hundreds they fax out on a weekly basis to staffing agencies. Do not be fooled by these offerings.
Finding a job is a job in itself. Rely first on networking and get your resume out there. Good luck to you and remember, you are your best advocate in your job search.
