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| 12 Strategies for Capturing the Attention of "Headhunters" |
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Executive Search Consultants, more commonly know as “headhunters” pursue executives who are employed ... executives who are driving an organization to outperform their competitors ... executives who are delivering improvements in revenues, profits, market share and shareholder value ... executives who are blazing new trails and pioneering new frontiers.
Headhunters typically focus on finding a near perfect fit for a specific job. They’re looking for the proverbial "round peg for the round hole." They work with superheroes and know who the amazingly talented are.
So, if you want to get the attention of a headhunter, you need to focus on making yourself look amazingly talented and developing a high profile.
Here are 12 strategies that will elevate your visibility and help you get found by headhunters:
- Speak at your industry's conferences or volunteer for a high-profile position on one of the conference's committees.
Select a committee that will give you exposure and pave the way for networking opportunities.
- Send out press releases to the media and trade associations when you have successfully led the company in achieving a corporate initiative.
For example, did you structure an agreement with a major vendor or client? Did you architect a strategic alliance or partnership? Did you implement a new technology system? Publish a press release announcing the achievement.
- Write two or three articles each year for a respected trade journal.
Using the same examples as in item 2 (above), you could expand the press release to create a 600- to 700-word article. Most trade associations and publications have an online presence, so it’s likely your article will be published online and searchable by headhunters, corporate recruiters, and others.
- Participate regularly in business networking events (both online and face-to-face). Here are a few groups to consider:
- Volunteer for leadership roles in industry-wide groups that encompass multiple companies.
For example, risk management groups, corporate social responsibility groups, project management groups, technology groups, etc.
- Conduct enterprise-wide or industry-wide workshops or seminars.
For example, if your company is a major supplier of a leading pharmaceutical product, you may want to conduct seminars to educate healthcare professionals so they will purchase your product.
- Agree to head a committee in an industry association.
For example, a product review committee, advisory committee, standardization or best practices committee, or focus group.
- Spearhead an initiative in your company to sponsor a charitable event (an American Heart Association Walkathon, or a Golf Tournament) or educational scholarship through a local college.
Be sure to manage the public relations and promote the event to the media.
- Attend top-tier workshops and seminars.
Subsequently, send out a press release under your company's name positioning you as the subject matter expert on that particular topic for your company.
- Author and publish a blog.
Short for weblog, a blog is a frequent and chronological publication of comments and thoughts on the web. Blogs usually include philosophical reflections and opinions. You can use a blog to keep a high-profile image in your area of expertise.
- Post on other executive’s or subject matter expert’s blogs.
- Create a web portfolio.
Purchase a vanity URL that includes your name and build a web presence searchable by recruiters and others.
Bottom Line
These strategies could also land you on the radar screen of a corporate recruiter. The bottom line is, you need to be visible and showcase your expertise.
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© Copyright, 2009, Beverly Harvey. Used with permission.
Beverly Harvey has been coaching senior-level and C-level executives in job search, career transition and career management for over 17 years. She has helped thousands of executives land their next position quickly. Beverly is the founder of HarveyCareers.com and holds eight certifications in resume writing, branding, job search, career transition and career management. She is a resume expert for six executive job boards; contributor to more than 20 career books; Director of the Job Search Academy; and is the author of Career News & Trends. She can be reached at 386-749-3111 or 888-775-0916.
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