It's flattering to be headhunted: at least somebody has recognised that you've got something, although you could say the same about being burgled. But a good search executive can also be a wise counsel and a good mentor. But how do you find the right one? Or how do they find you?
We spoke to a selection of leading CIO recruiters to ask them about their roles, the market and what CIOs should do to get themselves noticed.
Frederik Hansen
Senior consultant, Huxley Associates
How does a CIO typically come to the attention of a headhunter?
The names are all out there in the market - being the one headhunted for the position is simply a question of how accessible your contact information is. Networking tools like LinkedIn, Naymz and Xing are eagerly used by the headhunter.
What advice would you give CIOs waiting to be headhunted?
Getting yourself on the databases of various agencies to receive the occasional job offer improves your chances with regards to timing. Depending on how specific the sought profile is, there is only a short timeframe to secure a spot on the shortlist of candidates for the job. So if you only apply when you are actively looking to move, the chances that the right role is already vacant will be slimmer.
Is being headhunted recognition of outstanding work or the fact that you have a prestigious employer?
Prestigious employers are always great to attract headhunters. The fact that you're at a great employer implies you must have exhibited an especially appealing skillset. But, working for leading brands is not a guarantee of attracting the best job offers.
Headhunters tend to match former employers with those seeking to achieve the best fit in terms of culture and responsibilities, so if you are looking for a change in that department, this needs to be specifically pointed out.
Recognition of outstanding work is a self-seller, so producing awards, certificates, press clippings and/or letters of recommendation on public profiles will definitely lead to an increase of interest by headhunters.
Does it help if you raise your profile within the industry? How can you do your own PR?
Being active in blogs or public forums will raise awareness of your profile, so yes, it does help. Click here to read the CIO UK research on personal branding and PR.
What will impress a headhunter?
They want to see that you know what it is you are looking for, but willing to consider your options. They want to know that you are aware of your strengths without boasting, and conscious of your limitations. Flexibility is important for headhunters, while being too vague about your intent can be offputting.
What else puts a headhunter off?
Appearing too busy. Nothing bothers a headhunter more than a candidate that seems to think he is the only one with work on his hands. Headhunters will call you outside working hours because their business requires them to do so. They will be waiting for your documents on weekends so you have time to prepare them from home. Generally speaking, good headhunters will invest a lot of time in your search without any guarantee that their clients will hire you - so take their calls and action their requests promptly. You're not the only one who's married with kids and a Tuesday night football meeting.
Another point that will drive a headhunter away is a candidate refusing to go to interviews that have been arranged for him. Take the time to meet the clients they match you with; if the talk doesn't work out, simply give a direct feedback and the headhunter will realign his efforts - that's his business after all. Who knows, maybe the talk will even be surprisingly positive. Refusing to go lets the headhunter appear unprofessional in front of clients, and will perhaps lead to him dropping your file.
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