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<\/p>\nFor some high-profile executives, being approached by a headhunter is almost a daily experience \u2013 a sign that their performance is being noticed. For many of us though, a call from a headhunter will be a completely new, exciting and unexpected occurrence.<\/p>\n
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The first approach will probably catch you off guard, especially since you may not even be looking for a new job opportunity. You might get a call, probably while you\u2019re in the office, surrounded by clients or colleagues and unable to openly discuss the opportunity. If there\u2019s a chance this could happen to you, it\u2019s well worth knowing how to deal with the situation\u00a0before<\/i>\u00a0the phone rings. Of course, a lot of headhunters prefer a more subtle approach initially \u2013 you may get an email, a message on LinkedIn or even a tweet.<\/p>\n
Often a headhunter will initially make contact with a prospective candidate to find out whether they would be interested in the position. You won\u2019t be expected to make a decision on the spot, just to listen to the proposal. At this stage the best thing you can do is stay open minded. Take the opportunity to learn more about both the company and the opportunity before you make the decision whether to continue the discussion. Get some background details about the organisation, the role and the type of candidate the client is looking for. This will help you decide whether the role is a good match for your skills and whether it will offer any practical career development.<\/p>\n
Some headhunters will keep the specifics of the company they are representing confidential. This is actually a good sign \u2013 it shows that they are trustworthy. It also indicates that they have probably been retained by the company, which in turn shows that the company is taking the approach seriously enough to invest in the process.<\/p>\n
If you decide straight away that the role is not right for you, be upfront and clear with the headhunter. If changing jobs at the moment is not really a possibility, then don\u2019t waste anyone\u2019s time being a tyre kicker.\u00a0<\/i>Give them a definite answer and the reasons behind your decision. It\u2019s best to maintain a good relationship with the headhunter \u2013 they will be motivated to call you again if a relevant opportunity comes up\u00a0in the future. The next opportunity might be a better fit.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re interested in the opportunity, the headhunter will usually request another meeting, perhaps in person, where you can talk about the opportunity in more depth. Be as flexible as you can about arranging the meeting, but try to make sure that it doesn\u2019t overlap with any of the responsibilities of your current role. You want to be relaxed in the meeting, with enough headspace to really consider what is being discussed without feeling guilty or pressured for time. Any good headhunter will understand that you are busy and will accommodate you out of hours or even on the weekend \u2013 don\u2019t be afraid to ask.<\/p>\n
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When it\u2019s time to meet, keep in mind that if the headhunter wants to put you forward for the position, they will be assessing your communication, conduct and manner very closely. Their job is to find the best possible candidate for the role and their own ability, integrity and judgement are being illustrated by the quality of the candidates they nominate to the company. Everybody wants a great result from this meeting \u2013 you, the headhunter and the company they represent.<\/p>\n