Lets discuss this: When the Phone rings / More and more Specialists wanted under eminent declining supply.

Fun Example: Twitter Tweet from Germany

Heute Anruf vom Headhunter bekommen. Passiert in meinem Business nicht so häufig. War schon mal ein cooles Gefühl, muss ich echt zugeben. 😅

— ...🦋🌸🌷🌻💐 (@Imwondering31) April 26, 2022

Once is always the first time, and it will become more and more frequent in the future that a headhunter will call. Questions arise: what should I say? And where did he even get my contact details from? What can I say? We would like to briefly address these and other questions here. This is how we hold it for many years, it helped clients and candidates when we staff teams with new members.

WHAT IS A HEADHUNTER?

In contrast to employment agencies (simple positions or job seekers who are difficult to place) and recruiters (usually work via job advertisements and pass on suitable applications), the headhunter is entrusted with filling specialist and managerial positions. However, since specialists and managers are usually not actively looking, they are approached directly, preferably in the network.

WHEN YOU ARE SPOTTED

are currently looking or not. In any case, the headhunter has information that leads him to believe that you are suitable for a certain position. He received this information, for example, from the Internet, via a recommendation, or you have been in contact before. He probably won't tell you the name of the recommender, but such a tip is completely normal. Many wisely maintain contact with a headhunter. You never know!
When a headhunter calls, you will usually be asked whether it is a good fit at the moment. If it doesn't suit you or you feel unprepared, make an appointment. It is legal for the headhunter to call you at work to get in touch and set up a follow-up interview.

KEEP DOORS OPEN

Even if you are not interested in a career change at the moment, we recommend that you show interest in making contact. Don't underestimate what a well-connected headhunter can do for you. Top positions are often not published, but filled by headhunters. Therefore, maintain your headhunter contact. It's totally fine if you turn down offers, but eventually it fits.

QUESTIONING CRITICALLY?

We recommend that you be restrictive about the disclosure of your data. There are intermediaries who comb through job offers and pass on your CV without being asked, hoping for a commission for random hits. If your CV does not match, your data may be stored with potential employers with the comment "unsuitable", even though you have never applied there yourself.
Therefore, when you are called, always ask whether the call is based on a specific search request and ask questions about the position. The more vague the information, the more appropriate are doubts about the seriousness of the caller.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT HEADHUNTER

The ideal headhunter is the one who specializes in your area and has the largest network there. For example, we specialize in specialist and manager positions in sales & marketing. Others are at home in development, electronics and high-tech. It would be best if the HR consultant had previously worked in your industry and also speaks your language professionally.

DOES AN APPLICATION TO A HEADHUNTER MAKE SENSE?

Yes, if you have found a suitable headhunter and he doesn't know you yet, feel free to approach him. Typically, headhunters will get in touch with you to find out what they can do for you. It would be fortunate if she/he had a suitable position to fill for you right now. Most of the time it's about getting to know each other. Become part of his network and use him to pave the way for your career!

MAKE THE FIRST MEETING GOAL

Do not reveal any details in the initial interview with the headhunter. It's just a matter of probing whether it makes sense in principle to continue talking. What the headhunter needs to know is usually the location, the hierarchy, the basic willingness to change jobs and the salary. Money is a difficult issue for many. Nevertheless: The headhunter must know whether the candidate fits into the salary structure of the client. Don't cheat about your current salary - an income tax card or other will reveal it. Your goal may be a salary increase of between 10 and 30 percent.

CONVINCE IN A CONVERSATION WITH THE CONSULTANT

Once the initial interview hurdle has been overcome, further interviews usually follow, with recruiters and/or directly with the consultant commissioned by the client. Getting to know the consultant personally will usually take place in a neutral place, in a hotel lobby, in the office of the personnel consultancy or via an online meeting - the visual impression is important in any case.

The conversation always takes place at eye level: The consultant is your interface to an attractive position - you are an interesting contact for the consultant, even if it doesn't work out this time. My recommendation: Any arrogance is out of place, commitment will get you ahead.

In principle, the consultant also represents your interests. You can ask whatever is on your mind. The better he knows you, the better the positions will suit you he suggests to you. However, beware of statements that can lead to the consultant no longer being able to introduce you to his client with full conviction. In one case, a candidate once said to me: "Since I want to leave, I'll take the job. But if I get more money somewhere else, then I'll go again. But I'm only telling you that!".
It is easy to understand that no consultant recommends this candidate to his client in good conscience.

MAINTAIN CONTACT

When things are going well professionally, many neglect to maintain contacts and networks. In particular, contact with the headhunter is felt to be superfluous. A mistake. Networking does not mean building friendships. It is about relevant information and useful professional contacts.

Please note:

In an unwanted phase of professional change, a well-maintained network can absorb you. Knowing that you are not alone and that your network knows you and will recommend you is a good feeling. Your headhunter may not have a suitable mandate when you call and are looking for something. But if you have cultivated the relationship in the past, he can give you good tips for your orientation and put you in touch with companies from his network.

• Let's discuss
• See also: Dealing with future employee requirements
• Future Workforce Development