How to get yourself headhunted

Unsolicited calls from headhunters are no longer the preserve of qualified accountants. Calum Robson explains how part-qualifieds can become in-demand commodities

Become your own best advert If you don’t promote yourself, no-one else will. Make yourself known in your local accountancy circles or in the wider business community. Attending ACCA events is just the start – Chambers of Commerce, sporting activities, and young professionals’ groups all provide networking opportunities.

Could you participate more in these events, or volunteer to help in their organisation? What expertise or knowledge do you have that might make an effective presentation? These activities will expose you to valuable contacts – not just fellow students and prominent members, but also other speakers who might be high achievers themselves, and of course recruitment consultants, many of whom sponsor events precisely to meet people like you. You stand a greater chance of being ‘spotted’ and remembered when you’re on stage, or known as an organiser or leader, than you will if you are seated in the audience.

It’s not what you know, it’s who you know

Even when you are not looking to change jobs, maintain contact with a few trusted recruitment consultants – most will happily keep a ‘watching brief’ on your behalf, only contacting you with highly-targeted opportunities. Recruitment consultants frequently switch employers themselves, taking clients with them. Striking up a good rapport increases your chance of being recalled by those who have moved on but need a fresh supply of good candidates. Recommending friends or colleagues for those opportunities that don’t suit your aspirations is also a useful way to stay in touch.

"Even when you are not looking to change jobs, maintain contact with a few trusted recruitment consultants – most will happily keep a ‘watching brief’ on your behalf"

When the call comes

If you are headhunted and like the sound of the job, don’t be so flattered that your judgement is clouded. High achievers are unafraid to turn down opportunities that don’t match their long-term goals. Ask intelligent questions and don’t forget to talk money – being headhunted puts you in a stronger negotiating position than if you had applied for the post yourself.

However, should the job opportunity not motivate you enough to explore further, thank the headhunter and explain what might have tempted you instead. Not only will this help the headhunter to better assess an opportunity on your behalf next time, but perhaps they can influence their client sufficiently for them to re-approach you – with an even more attractive offer.