Headhunters, Employment Agencies - Maximizing the Relationship

As you are contacted by headhunters or employment agencies regarding your online resume, you wonder if they are contacting you about a "real" position that fits what you are more or less looking for, or if they are simply trying to bring in candidates as a way to meet their quota (if such a thing exists). Unlike real estate where the apartment seeker pays the fee, at least in dealing with an agent of the job variety, the fee is the hiring employer's burden. This arrangement understandably makes the employer the agent's top priority. It would be nice if we received the same treatment from real estate agents to whom we pay a fee; and yet, it sometimes feels as though their main concern is the landlord. However, moving on...

Nevertheless, as a job seeker, you must graciously respond to the employment agent reaching out to you. It is now your job to delve deeper into his/her job listing and to communicate your skill set and certain preferences, such as a large company versus a small company, etc. Maximizing the relationship with your employment agent(s) will get you remembered for that next job listing that just came in this morning.

One important way to maximize this relationship is to keep in touch with your agent (subsequent to your initial meeting) at least on a weekly basis. Some agents, if they do not hear from you after a while, will assume you found a job and will no longer consider you in the running for newly opened positions. These days, with the amount of job candidates on the market, if you are not a stellar performer, you will likely be forgotten. So definitely do your part to keep the relationship fresh.

As you probably will not see your agent in person anymore after the initial meeting, make sure to create a super first impression. During the meeting, wearing a suit is a must and touting an appropriate bag as well as the right jewelry and shoes (no sneakers!) are equally vital. If you dress casually and tell the agent you are prepared to wear a suit on the actual job interview, in the end, a visual is what will stick in the agent's mind. If the agent can remember how professional and polished you looked as well as how you presented yourself during the meeting, then you have a stronger chance of being referred to the human resources department of the hiring employer. Also, if you are dressed for an actual job interview and there happens to be an appropriate job for you, the agent may go ahead and set up the interview for that day.

Headhunters and employment agents are professionals that can help you navigate the complex world of employment. It is easy to say you will take any job, but in the end, just because the salary is great, does not mean you will be happy. During the meeting with the employment agent, be as candid and honest as you can be, professionally speaking. If you are a seasoned employee and have worked for several companies in the past, then by now you know whether or not you wish to work for a small or large company. You also know the distance you are willing to travel for a job. Even in these tough times, it is important to relay this information to the agent with the understanding that you are open to any position that fits your skills and qualifications. Have references ready in hand as well as copies of your resume.

It is said that opportunity equals luck and preparation. You cannot manage luck but you can definitely prepare yourself! Only then will opportunity come knocking.

Here's a handy article to help you manage all those relationships as well as the actual job interviews.

Be Hunted! 12 Secrets to Getting on the Headhunter's Radar Screen


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