The Art Of Being Headhunted

Here's what to do when recruiters are calling, and how to stand up and be noticed when they aren't

by Joanne Charles Posted: April 1, 1998

colleagues and employees. This is one of the ways recruiters get to know about you, your work and contacts in the industry.

Let the recruiter know that you may consider staying if your present employer makes you a counter-offer.

Protect your job by telling your boss that you get calls from recruiters all the time, and not to worry. You are not leaving.

Hang up if a recruitment firm asks you to pay a fee.

Be selective about the firms you work with and the opportunities they bring to you. A bad move can bed devastating to a career.

Don’ts

Don’t contact a client company directly. Go through the recruiter until you have clearance.
Don’t be dishonest about salary, job title or education. (These things can be checked.)
Don’t be informal with the recruiter. Treat the conversations and meetings as you would any business meetings and calls.
Don’t think that the job is yours if the recruiter is calling you. A recruiter is calling for candidates. You may only get to the inter view stage.
Don’t get sidetracked by a good opportunity. If a position is not in line with your career goals, you will not be making a good move.