New Year, new start (right?)! Any resolutions? How many will you keep and how many will you break? If you are like most people, you will probably break some. If finding a new job was one of your resolutions, now is the time to get organized and set your plan in motion. One of the keys to success is to set goals that are realistic and tasks that can be reasonably accomplished.

How you approach your job search is driven by many factors:

• Whether or not you are currently working (or have you lost your job)
• Level of experience
• Industry and job function
• Geographic location
• Compensation requirements and expectations

Making a fresh start is not that difficult:

• Make a Plan – It may sound like overkill but it is not. Having a job search plan will keep you focused and help you achieve your goal more quickly. Speaking of goals, that is a good place to start.
• What is your goal? Do you want to change industries, cities or career? Start with your goal and work backwards from there (what needs to be done to achieve your goal?).
• Who do you know that can help in your search? Make a list of your job search network connections.
• Where do you want to work? Make a list of the locations/cities where you would like to work.
• Who do you want to work for? Make a list of he companies where you would like to work.
• Job Search Plan Links:
• How to Create a Job Search Action Plan
• Create a Winning Job-Search Game Plan
• Create a Five-step Plan for Job Search Success

• Research – Using the list of companies you made while making your plan, research the companies where you would like to work. What type of research? If they are a publicly held company, look up their financials (make sure they are a viable company). You can also look up how employees rate the company (you don’t want to work for a company that no one likes). What about other company rankings (best company to work for, etc.)?
• Company Profiles
• How to Build a Job Search – Company Research Revisited

• What You Will Need – Okay, you are ready to find your job, but do you have everything you need? Obviously you will need a crackerjack resume as well as a few different cover letters. What about your interview questions, elevator speech and a list of your references? Not sure that you have everything, take a look at the following links.
• Resume Examples, Samples, and Templates
• ELEMENTS OF A COVER LETTER
• Job Interview Questions and Answers
• Job Search Marketing Toolkit – Your Elevator Speech

• Resources for Job Search – You need select your resources for each “mode” of search. This includes your network, recruiters, job search sites and any other leads you may have. You should be selective, but each category should be representative of your search. You will also need to split your time (see the next topic) and spread your search across all of your resources.
• 5 Tips for Leveraging you Social Network in Your Job Search
• Recruit the Recruiter – Find Recruiters and Executive Search Firms with expertise
• Best Job Search Engine Sites

• Schedule Your Time – Whether you currently have a job or are out of work, job search is very time consuming. You need to schedule time to conduct your search and balance against your other time constraints. My rule of thumb is “one per day” as in, one recruiter, one person in your network, one company and one job search site. If you follow this, you will have contacted or leveraged at least 7 different resources by the end of each week (and they start to add up!).
• Supercharge Your Job Search by Saving Time
• 10 Ways to Make Job Hunting Your Full-Time Job

Good luck in your search.

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Related posts:

1. Left Behind – Making Your Move in Your Job Search
2. Top Five List for Job Search Repairs and Maintenance
3. Making a Molehill out of a Mountain – Find a Recruiter

When and how to use a headhunter are common questions and good ones to ask early in your career.  Before we can talk about when and how to use a headhunter, it is important to understand what are headhunters and the different types that exist

What are headhunters?

• Headhunters (aka recruiters) are independent recruiting professionals that contract with companies to help them source, screen, and hire good candidates.
• Headhunters work for the company and NOT you, as they are paid by the company.  This is not obvious to many.  One senior recruiter friend told me that he had this one MBA candidate come in and basically started grilling him about what he will do for her in the next week and what is his plan in finding her a job. This is not a good way to make a first impression about your business sense with a recruiter.

Two general type of headhunters

• Contingency headhunters are opportunists and are paid ONLY when a hire is made by the company AND they found the candidate hired;
• Retainer headhunters are trusted recruiting advisers to a company and usually have a longer term contract with a company or department.  They are paid a regular fee every year to act as the company’s outsourced recruiting department.  A retained headhunter can be paid even if no hire happens.

These types are not mutually exclusive.  The same headhunting firm can be a retained one for one company and a contingent one for another company.  It all depends on the level of relationship they built.

When to Use a Headhunter

Companies use independent headhunter/recruiters for all level of job openings (entry to CXO).  However, the best time to start proactively using a headhunter is when your salary hits above $100K.   If you are looking for work under $100K a year, investing time to build a relationship with a headhunter is a waste of time.  Most recruiters won’t be that interested in spending time with you to build a relationship as 1) the potential revenue from getting you hired is minimal;  2) There are many candidates like you out there. and 3) hiring at a level under $100k is usually on a contingency basis.   With that said, headhunters will still reach out to you when they think you may be a fit for a job opening.  You should be courteous and professional to any recruiter that reach out to you for job opportunities.  Otherwise, you can be blacklisted.

How to Use a Headhunter (for jobs with salary >$100K)

1. Build key relationships BEFORE you are looking for a job – Best time to network with headhunters is when you are NOT desperate for a job.   Look out for headhunters from prestigious firms that fill jobs at your level or one or two levels above.  A headhunter will not be interested in talking to you if you are just a manager and he only fills CXO jobs.    Target only a few headhunters to build relationship.  You don’t have a lot of time either so choose influential ones that you think can help you down the road.    One of the best ways to build relationships with headhunters is refer good candidates to them when you are not the right fit or you are not interested.
2. Be courteous and professional with all headhunters – Many will reach out to you when you start progressing above $100K, even when you are not looking for work.  Respond to them, save emails of ones you may want to reach out to later when you are looking.  Generally rule is don’t ever be an ass or you could get blacklisted
3. Reach out to Headhunters when you are looking – Send individual emails instead a mass one.  Be as specific as possible about what you are looking for and your qualifications.  Ask to see what opportunities they may have or other headhunters they would refer if they don’t have anything that might fit.
4. Use only good headhunters – not all headhunters are created equal.  Some are just running a numbers game – submit a lot of candidates at a job opening and hope one sticks.  Many contingency headhunters operate like this.  They send generic emails, don’t really understand what the company is looking for in a job opening and will NOT represent you well to the company.   Avoid these like the plague.
5. Be clear about what companies you plan to apply directly – Companies often post jobs online as well as use headhunters to fill positions.  If you already know people at a company or plan to apply directly, make sure you specify that to headhunters you email.  Otherwise, the headhunter may submit your resume first to the same company/position you already plan to apply to.  This can put you at a disadvantage 1) for interviews as the headhunter will submit a set of candidates and may not emphasize yours the way a friend would.  2) during salary negotiations as the company needs to also taken into account the fee  to be paid to the headhunter that found you.
6. Don’t work exclusively with any headhunter – The more senior you are, the more a headhunter would love to work with your exclusively.  Never do this as no headhunting firm has access to all great job openings.
7. Continue to use all avenues for job search – Using headhunters is just one channel and may not always work.   Continue to network, network, network, look on your own, post your resume, update your linkedin, etc…

The recruiting industry is very fragmented with many players of different skill sets.  It’s up to you to find and use good headhunters that work to your advantage.  Best wishes on your job search and career.  I am always in your corner.

Guest Author – Lei Han is a seasoned business executive / career coach.  For more information, see her Career Advice blog – BeMyCareerCoach.com – dedicated to helping you Find, Excel, and Enjoy your careers. 

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Business profile – www.linkedin.com/in/leihan | Twitter – @bemycareercoach
Career Advice Blog – www.BeMyCareerCoach.com
Facebook page – www.facebook.com/bemycareercoach
“Vision without action is a daydream; action without vision is a nightmare!”

Good luck in your search.

This is a Guest post. If you would like to submit a guest post to CareerAlley, please follow these guest post guidelines.

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Related posts:

1. Making a Molehill out of a Mountain – Find a Recruiter
2. Job Search at 30,000 Feet
3. Who’s Hiring in Finance Vol 2- Targeted Job Search

The year is winding down and we will soon have the usual flood of “the best of” and “year-end top 1000 countdowns”. So, in case you’ve missed some of my posts or maybe just forgot, I thought I would do my own “best of” as a year-end post. Happy Holidays to all and best of luck in your job search. A short post but lots of resources.

Most Popular Posts (visits):

1. Who’s Hiring in Retail – A listing of a few of the top resources for finding a job in Retail (one retailer, recruiter and other resources).
2. Who’s Hiring in Criminal Justice – A few law enforcement job search sites along with one recruiter.
3. The Tough Interview Question – Why Should we Hire You? – A question we all get on an interview and how to answer it.
4. Sample Interview Questions with Answers – A bunch of the most common interview questions (with answers).
5. The Best Places to Work, Period – A few sites with a listing of the best – Best in Finance, Retail companies, New Grads, Best for 2011 and Best for 2012.
6. Visual Resumes – Do You Have Yours? – An interesting topic with a few links (articles as well as sites to create visual resumes). Has not yet become mainstream but who knows?
7. Who’s Hiring from the Fortune 500 – A listing of 4 from the Fortune 500, along with links to their careers page.
8. When You Should Follow-up After Submitting an Application – Follow-up and then what else you should be doing.
9. Best Companies for College Grads – It’s been tough times for college grads the last few years – a few links to help with the search.
10. 5 Reasons to Look for a New Job – Not sure if you should be looking for a job? Take a look at this post.

My Top 5 Favorite Posts: Some of my favorites.

1. I Lost My Job, Now What? – The basics of job loss recovery and the tools you need to move forward.
2. Job Search Marketing Toolkit – Just like any great technician, there are some tools you need to be successful at job search.
3. Time to Move on? Jump Start your Job Search – A great lead in to the age old dilemma – not seeing the warning signs that your job is at risk.
4. What do You Want to be When You Grow Up? Job Search Made Easy – Sometimes change is good. A bunch of links to help you figure out what that change should be.
5. Smartphone, Smart Job Search – Leading edge job search tools.

Good luck in your search.

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Related posts:

1. Job Search Reviews – I Read it on the Web
2. Who’s Hiring in Finance Vol 2- Targeted Job Search
3. The Best Companies for College Grads

A coworker of mine is a “starving” musician. He is constantly looking to be “discovered”. While he gets gigs now and then, the likelihood of being discovered in a restaurant while performing is very low.  While talent is important, no leads means no auditions. And, like with everything worth doing in life, it’s all about who you know. So in his case, having an agent would be a big help because an agent can open doors and get him auditions that he is not going to get on his own. Of course, there is a catch 22. Most agents won’t talk to him until he is somewhat known. And, he can’t really become “somewhat known” if he is not getting the right auditions.

So I’m sure you know where this is leading given the topic of this post. A recruiter is like your “agent”. They can open doors that you may not be able to open on your own. They have connections you don’t have and can sometimes fast track your job search. But, just like the agent that gets my friend his audition, you too have to “audition” and once you are on the interview it is up to you to perform like a star. Now the good news is that it is much easier to get a recruiter than it is an agent. In fact, this makes it all the more difficult because you need to find the right recruiter for you. So, today’s post provides some of the tools you need to find your job search recruiter.

Find a Recruiter: The first step in using a recruiting firm is finding one. There are so many types of recruiters and, depending on what your needs are, you should narrow your search so that you don’t waste your time or their time.

• Recruitersonline.com – This site allows you to narrow your search by your field of interest and then where you want to work. Once you make your selection and click go, the site returns a list of recruiters that match your criteria. You can click on “view jobs” for these recruiters or you can click on the recruiter link to see their page. If you choose to view jobs, you can drill down into the job spec as well.

• Headhuntersdirectory – Similar to the previous site, this site also helps you find a recruiter. Click the your country then select your state (for the US as an example) and then select your city. From here, you can select your recruiter. Once you’ve done that, you can select a recruiter (email or website). There is also an indication of where they are located and the types of jobs they fill on the right hand side of the page.

Using a Recruiter: Okay, finding a recruiter is only half the job. Now you need to know how to work with a recruiter to get the best results. Keep the following key points in mind:

1. NO COST! – You should not be paying for a recruiter, they are paid by the company that is hiring. Any “executive search firm” or recruiter that wants you to pay them a fee should send you running for the hills. Now, if you feel you need a job coach to help you find prepare everything you need to find a job, that is a different process.
2. Not all jobs are posted – Sometimes job opportunities are only given to recruiters and not posted elsewhere.
3. Get a foot in the door – Most recruiters have key contacts in the firms they deal with. If they think you are qualified (and you don’t have two heads), they will send your resume directly to the hiring company. But, you are not alone! They will likely send 5 other resumes along with yours.

Some Articles to Get You Started:

• Learn How To Use Recruiters In Your Job Search!
• How Recruiters Search Using LinkedIn & What We Look For
• When to Use a Search Firm or Headhunter

Do I need a cover letter for a Recruiter? – Yes, you do. But don’t use a form letter. Spend a few minutes to adjust your cover letter to match the recruiter and why you think this particular recruiter can help. Take a look at the following ==>>Cover Letters to Recruiters Require Special Handling

Good luck in your search.

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Related posts:

1. Executives Have to Eat too – Resources for Executive Job Search
2. Making a Molehill out of a Mountain – Find a Recruiter
3. Job Search from the Beginning – Recruiters Part 3

A former coworker called me a few months ago (having tracked me down after 20+ years) and wanted to meet for lunch to catchup. Her career over the last 20 years had started out quite good, but had been on a bit of a plateau for the last 10 years or so. Most recently, she found out that her current job would end in the very near future as she had successfully eliminated her own job (by outsourcing her function – not the smartest move). So part of our conversation was what she was doing to find a new job. The answer, amazingly, was NOTHING! “How can that possibly be?” I asked, you should be spending all of your free time looking for a job. Her view was that she did not think it would take her a long time to find a job, so why should she do any work now? Of course my immediate thought was that she was underestimating the enormity of looking and finding a job. She had, in effect, made a molehill out of a mountain. Today’s post is about finding recruiters.

• Directories of Recruiters – Best to start out with the mother of all recruiters list from the Riley Guide. One of the best job search resources on the Internet, the Riley Guide directories of recruiters is like a list of lists. The main page starts off with a bunch of free directories to help you find a recruiter. This is followed by a list of fee-based directories (but first exhaust the free directories).

• TheRecruiterNetwork – This website provides a listing of recruiters and allows posting your profile so that they can find you. The right hand side of the page has a list of featured recruiters. Click on Job Seekers from the top of the page to link to the sign-on page. Create a free profile which will be used as a way for these firms to find you. Use the featured recruiter list to look at individual recruiters.

• Headhuntersdirectory – This site provides an online list of headhunters and recruiters that is free to use. The main page leads with an overview of the site and a regional selection page. Select your region to continue. For the US link, the next page lists all of the states down the left hand side of the page and a graphical map view where you can select your state. Clicking your state leads to a city listing to further refine your search. Clicking on a city leads to a list of recruiters where you can click on their website link to find out more about the firms, how to apply for jobs and additional resources.

• Onlinerecruitersdirectory – Another directory for you to search, look at the box “I am a job seeker” from the right hand side of the page. From here there is a wide range of choices, from Revolution in Job Search to Tips and advice. You can check jobs from the nationwide recruiter’s network, look for a job board or, look for a recruiter or headhunter. Selecting the look for a recruiter or headhunter links to a search engine. Select your criteria (location, type of job function, etc.) and you will be provided with a list of recruiters. You can then send your resume to these recruiters.

• Findarecruiter – The title is self-explanatory and their tag line “Find Recruiters • Headhunters • Executive Search Consultants • Employment Agencies • Staffing Firms • Search Professionals” supports the name of the site. The main page has featured recruiters on the left (click on any of these to be taken to their website). The right hand side of the page has a search engine where you enter your criteria to find a recruiting professional. Once the engine returns a list, you can view the available jobs for those recruiters. The left hand side of the page now displays Partner Recruiters (where you can also click to link).

Good luck in your search.

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Related posts:

1. 5 Great Resources for Finding and Leveraging a Recruiter
2. Left Behind – Making Your Move in Your Job Search
3. Job Search from the Beginning – Recruiters Part 3

Flying back from a business trip and I got to thinking about the “30,000 foot view”. You know, the “big picture” or “seeing the forest for the trees” and I’m sure there are another 100 similar cliches. Sometimes you need to do that with your job search. Sometimes you are so buried in the details you forget about the task at hand. Maybe you are spending all of your time applying to jobs on one of the job search sites (most probably with very little success). Or maybe you are spending lots of time trying to cultivate contacts of contacts (you know, the “six degrees of separation). Whatever your story is, every once and awhile you need to take that step back, smell the roses and refocus your search.

• Apsjobboard.com – This site is a job search board with over 350,000 active postings and quickly growing. The site has thousands of jobs for the top 30 U.S. metropolitan areas specializes in Chicago.  The site does not require user sign up, but as with most sites, it is more effective with a profile. Enter your keyword at the top of the page (company, job, etc.) and then location in the next box (city, state, or zip code) and hit search. Clicking on a job will open a page with details and a link to apply.

• Insidejobs – “Career Day Every Day” is the site’s tag line. There are links at the top of the page for Jobs, Degrees and Schools. Click Jobs and you will find featured jobs (click on any of these links to see a detailed page on the job). Directly below this you will see a listing for all jobs (listed by job category). There is a quick search box at the top right hand side of the page, simply enter the job type and the search engine returns a list of jobs. You can narrow your search by adding your city to the search box.  Similar functionality exists for Degrees and Schools. You can register with the site by clicking “register” at the top right hand side of the page.

• Team Discovery – Team Discovery is a recruiting / search firm. There are links at the top of the page for Employers, Candidates, Experience and Contact. Clicking Candidates will allow you to see their open jobs, submit your resume or look a networking events. Search their open jobs and click on view details to see the job description. Click contact to get a list of contacts (name, number and email address) or complete the webform and leave your information.

• Find a Recruiter – From findarecruiter.com, provides another search engine for you. You can select from the featured recruiters on the left-center side of the page or the search box from the right hand side. Simply select you field of interest followed by the region and then click “go find a recruiter”. This will return a list of recruiters. Click on any recruiter for the contact information.

• The Riley Guide – “Providing free career and employment information since February 1994.” is the tag line for this very well known and respected job search site. There is a wealth of information here, and you could spend days just reading through all of the information. So, where to start? There is a very helpful “Navigating the Guide” list on the left hand side of the page. From how to job search to research and target employers, this is the place to get started.

Good luck in your search.


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Related posts:

1. Job Search Reviews – I Read it on the Web
2. Who’s Hiring in Finance Vol 2- Targeted Job Search
3. Hired Help – Job Search Made Easy

The job market is really starting to heat up. Not only am I receiving regular calls from recruiters, but I’m also getting “link” requests from corporate recruiters looking for candidates. If you are not getting those calls then you are not “connected”. So how do you get “connected”? The best way (in my opinion) is to get your name out there. If you currently have a job, you need to be careful so that your current employer does not find out you are “looking”. Recruiters are a safe bet and one of the four legs of job search (recruiters, networking, job search sites and company career sites). Today we focus on Recruiters.

Executive Recruiters:

• Korn/Ferry – A global executive recruiter.  They have numerous offices across the US and have offices in quite a few international locations as well.  You can register with their site, search their site for current opportunities (and apply) or contact a consultant. The main page has Korn/Ferry info on the left hand side. Center page highlights their consultants while the right hand side of the page has some interesting articles. Click “candidates” on the top right hand side of the page to get started.

• Russell Reynolds Associates – Russell Reynolds is also a global executive recruiter.  Unlike Korn/Ferry, you can not search their site directly for current opportunities, but you can find a consultant and send your resume. Left hand side of the page has leadership articles while the right hand side of the page highlights their consultants.

• Spencer Stuart – Another global executive recruiter.  First page is a picture of  flags / countries. Pick yours to get started. Once on your country’s page, you can register on the left hand side or check out some of the links at the top of the page. Similar to Korn/Ferry, you can register on the site as well as send your resume.  There does not seem to be an option to search for current opportunities.

Where to Find Other Recruiters: Want to narrow the recruiter search? Check out the resources below.

• Online Recruiter’s Directory – To start, click the “Jobseeker” tab at the top of the page. Now you should see a search page where you can select your category (job type), Job type (retained, contingency, etc.) and country / state. Now click “search recruiters” and you will have your list (the good news). The bad news is that once you have your list you will need to find out their website on your own (as far as I could tell).

• Recruiter/Headhunter Resources, Directories & Associations – This is a list of lists provided by Quintcareers.com. Halfway down the page you will find a  list of recruiter directories. Work your way through the list and start to build your recruiter network.

Good luck in your search.

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Related posts:

1. 5 Great Resources for Finding and Leveraging a Recruiter
2. Executives Have to Eat too – Resources for Executive Job Search
3. Who’s Hiring in Finance Vol 2- Targeted Job Search

I remember the original Gulliver’s Travels movie (The Three Worlds of Gulliver) where (as you may have guessed from the title) there were three worlds, one where he was a giant, one where he was a “little person” and one where he was “normal”. The original movie was based on a book written in 1726, and even back then they understood that the world looks different depending on your vantage point.

Now I’m sure you know where this is headed. Job search is much the same. There are a few vantage points and depending on where you are sitting, the world looks very different.

The Three Worlds of Job Search:

• Candidate – So as the candidate, you want the best job, for the most compensation. If you’ve had any job leads, you will know that there is (generally) no “perfect” fit. You will most likely fit many of the requirements (but not all) and the job opportunity might be close to what you want (but not a perfect match). If you’ve been looking for a job over an extended period of time, your requirements for a “perfect” fit begin to broaden a bit. If you are anything like most of us, you will defend your qualifications as a perfect fit for any job that is close.

• Hiring Manager – Now the hiring manager wants to hire the most qualified person for the job for the lowest “fair” salary. While they understand that there is probably no “perfect” candidate, they will look to find the best match and are probably (but not always) as stressed to fill the job as many candidates are to get a job. So your “close” match may not interest the hiring manager (even though you think the match is close enough).

• Recruiter – The recruiter’s view sits somewhere between the candidate and the hiring manager. Their goal is to fill the job with the best candidate, but they understand the sometimes contradicting views of their candidates and the hiring manager. They will try to present the best candidates, but will work with the candidates where the fit may not be “perfect”. A delicate balance for sure.

Tools for Navigating the Three Worlds of Job Search:

• JOB INTERVIEW PREPARATION, TECHNIQUES & TIPS – This article, posted on Careerplaybook.com provides information on some of the basics of job selection and you help you with what you will need to prepare and become the “perfect” candidate. The article provides information on job search interview techniques. There are also embedded links with related information and related links on the left hand side of the page.

• Favorite Candidate Interview Preparation – Part 1 – This article is from a hiring manager’s perspective and you are probably wondering why I would post this. But, as Sun Tzu would say – “In conflict, straightforward actions generally lead to engagement, surprising actions generally lead to victory.“. The best preparation is knowing the tactics and questions you can expect as a candidate. The best way to do that is to understand the hiring manager’s preparation as well. This article, posted on manager-tools.com, provides a view from the other side. Take a look at some of the related information on this site as well.

• How to Work With a Recruiter – You will most likely work with recruiters in your job search, and understanding how to do that will help you achieve your goals with less frustration. This article provides a good overview of the recruiter relationship and will help you manage your expectations. There are embedded links for related articles as well as links at the top of the page for additional job search tips and resources.

Good luck in your search.

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Related posts:

1. 5 Steps to Making a Fresh Start for Job Search
2. Job Search from the Beginning – Recruiters Part 3
3. Job Search at 30,000 Feet

Author Byline: Christina Archer is an Executive Recruiter, Expert Resume Writer, Author, and Entrepreneur.
Author Website: http://icareersearch.wordpress.com

A professional headhunter can help you land your next job without jeopardizing your current position.

As the old saying goes, “If you don’t manage your career, it will manage you.” In case you haven’t realized it, strategic career planning and implementation is a full-time job, in of itself. That’s why there are professionals whose full-time job is devoted to helping individuals, like yourself, follow the path to the best jobs that provide increasing responsibilities and more money. Who, you ask, might perform such a job? The answer – a headhunter, and if you’re not tapping in to these people as a resource, it’s time to re-evaluate your long-term, job search strategy.

What do headhunters do?

Unlike the typical corporate recruiter, who attempts to fill positions that are open today, a headhunter works with nursing candidates who are content in their current position, but are open to new opportunities that offer personal, professional, and financial growth. By working with a headhunter, the candidate is able to keep on top of trends in their industry, learn about new opportunities close to home, and when the time is right, have a trained career agent in their corner to handle the entire process on their behalf. Headhunters, or Recruiting Specialists do not typically charge a fee to their candidates – their fee is paid by the new employer upon hire.

What are the benefits to candidates, in working with a Headhunter?

1. They work on your behalf to ensure you get hired by the most suitable organization that aligns with your personal mission and goals.
2. They will revise and tweak your resume/CV, as part of their service.
3. You won’t waste your own time researching salaries, trends, or dealing with on-line applications.
4. The headhunter will market you to your target employers, and uncover unadvertised opportunities for you.
5. You’ll receive complimentary strategic career planning services, so that you can more efficiently manage your professional life.
6. The headhunter will negotiate a salary and compensation package that is competitive and meets your requirements.
7. Candidates who use headhunters typically earn as much as 30% more than individuals who do not.
8. The headhunter has the ability to utilize their connections in the industry, and get you in the door – when you might otherwise have failed in the process.
9. Executives who work with one specific headhunter over a period of multiple career moves, consistently remain at the top of their pay range.
10. The individual you choose to work with has a vested interest in your success – they are paid only when you start your new job.

How to find the right headhunter

Like corporate recruiters specialize in certain fields and positions, there are headhunters who choose their focus by industry, career level, or position. It’s particularly important to connect with a headhunter who understands the unique challenges of your profession, and is well-networked with industry hiring authorities.

To find a headhunter/recruiter in your field, do the following:

1. Perform a search on Google.
2. Search your network on LinkedIn, and LinkedIn groups.
3. Ask for referrals from colleagues. A large percentage of Management level and above candidates are routinely working with a headhunter.

When you manage your career, you manage your life

Outside of the decision to get married, the way in which you choose to manage your career is the single most decision you make. What would happen if you decided to drop out of high school, and never return to school. That single decision would have placed a cap on your income potential, for the rest of your life. The decision to work with a headhunter can open up the world of professional opportunities to you. You’ll have a partner in your corner who has a vested interest in your success.

Article courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap, a content exchange service sponsored by CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students looking for internships and recent graduates searching for entry level jobs and other career opportunities.

Good luck in your search.


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Related posts:

1. Job Search from the Beginning – Recruiters Part 3
2. Starting at the Bottom, Working for the Best
3. Making a Molehill out of a Mountain – Find a Recruiter

Journey

“Life is a journey, not a destination – we determine our destiny by the direction we take.” – Anonymous

Do you remember “do overs”? You know, when you are playing a game or sport, make a mistake and ask to do it all over again (like don’t count the bad turn)? Sometimes you need to do the same with your job search, kind of “do over”. Maybe you are not getting the result you expect or sometimes you just need to “start fresh”. Whatever the reason and how deep your “do over” is depends on you. Today’s post starts with a fresh look at recruiters, one of the “four legs of job search“.

The best approach when looking for recruiters:

1. Research – Research recruiters before contacting them to ensure that they cover your field, industry, location and salary range. You can usually do this by visiting their website where they generally list their specialties. Some recruiters list current opportunities and filled positions which can give you an indication of what types of jobs they fill.
2. Be Prepared – You should be prepared to tell your recruiter about your current work experience and exactly what type of job you want. This is a good place to practice your elevator speech (see “Do you have your 30 second Elevator Speech?“).
3. Tell the Truth – A simple statement but so often not followed. There is an excellent chance that if you lie about credentials, compensation or where you worked it will come up at some point. I’ve seen people fired several weeks into a new job because they lied about a college degree and the background check was not fully completed until after they were hired.
4. Be Flexible – There are so many factors to consider when looking for a job – salary, bonus, vacation, hours responsibilities, location, etc. While you don’t want to waste their time (like applying for jobs that are paying far less than you will accept), you do want to be flexible in your approach when considering potential opportunities and interviews.

Where to start:

• Clark Davis Associates – Clark Davis focuses on job opportunities in the New York tri-state area with specialities in Accounting & Finance, Information Technology, Engineering & Chemistry, Clinical & Statistics and Human Resources. They have a career listings page which lists current opportunities by industry. You can sign up for job updates via email and clicking any of the industries under Career Listings also provides key contacts with their telephone numbers and email addresses. You can also upload your resume to their site.

• Wontawk – This firm specializes in information management across a broad range of career types and functions. Offering employment opportunities that are direct hire, temporary and temp to hire. There is background on each of their recruiters as well as a job guide and registration capability. Their contacts page provides names, telephone numbers and email addresses of their recruiters.

• Westport One – Westport One, located in Missouri (with job opportunities across the US), specializes in Financial Services, Engineering, Technical Sales and Banking. From their main page you can submit a resume, contact them or review their job opportunities. They have a resources page with links to Career Planning, Resumes, Interview tips,relocation tools and more.

• Transearch International – “Your world partner in executive search” is their tag line, they have offices around the world and they cover a very broad range of industries and job functions. You can submit a resume, contact a specific office or search for a consultant in your country/city and contact them directly.

Good luck in your search.


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Related posts:

1. Job Search from the Beginning – Recruiters Part 3
2. 5 Great Resources for Finding and Leveraging a Recruiter
3. Executives Have to Eat too – Resources for Executive Job Search