What is a Headhunter?
"Can you speak freely right now?"
With these words, the conversation often begins when a so-called "headhunter" calls you. But what exactly is it this professional group does? The term "headhunter" comes from English and literally means "headhunter". And actually, this term describes quite well what the goal of a headhunter is. On behalf of their clients or to expand their pool of skilled workers, they contact promising employees and tries to convince them that a job change could drive their career even further. Particularly successful managers and IT specialists are often poached by headhunters because companies naturally want to hire the best experts in their field.
Headhunters acquire qualified employees for companies
A headhunter, therefore, takes over the search for specialists and executives for larger companies who are actually not available for the job market because they already have a usually well-paid job. The headhunter tries to convince the persons concerned to change employers. They usually make contact by phone, but social networks are now also a good way to find and contact highly qualified personnel. As a rule, headhunters receive a detailed job profile from their clients, and the companies, and then have to find suitable candidates to fill the position.
The most promising talents in their industry, who are willing to accept the headhunter's offer and change employers, are then invited to talks. Those candidates who are convincing and best fit the job profile of their potential new employer, are presented to the client. They then makes the final decision as to which person will ultimately be hired.
Your market value may be higher than you think!
If you are contacted by a headhunter, then of course it is flattering. It proves that you have a high "market value" or that there is a skills shortage in your industry, which makes companies compete for the best talent. In times when the economy is doing well, headhunters or personnel consultants, as this professional group is actually called, are booming. Many large companies, but increasingly also medium-sized companies, do not have time to take care of filling their well-paid positions. In addition, really good specialists do not apply for vacancies but are already working for employers who know their market value.
Of course, it does not hurt if you listen to the headhunter's offer in peace. Of course, your office is not a place for such an explosive phone call, headhunters know that. After the first contact, an appointment is made for another, discreet telephone call or a personal meeting is arranged directly.
Important: Be prepared when it comes to discussing details. Find out more about the company for which the headhunter recruits staff and think about the conditions on which you would be willing to change employers.
