It can sometimes be surprising, even destabilizing, to be contacted one morning by a headhunter. When you are not used to working with a headhunter, there may even be some fear about the impacts and implications of taking such a call.
First of all, know that the key word for headhunters is discretion! Read our article on The definition of a headhunter to find out more.
Perhaps you feel that he is calling you at the wrong time and especially in the wrong place (you are in the middle of a long day at work, surrounded by your colleagues and your boss). Don't panic!
Here are our tips for reacting well, regardless of your situation:
The best time to contact you is the one you choose!
It's not unusual to get a call from a headhunter during your working hours. Be aware that a headhunter will always ask you if they are contacting you at a good time. At this point, his sole purpose is to initiate initial contact with you in order to agree on the most suitable moment for such a discussion. Do not hesitate to ask to be contacted again at a later time, even after working hours. A headhunter knows how to be flexible in order to accommodate you.
Whatever happens, taking the time to talk to the headhunter can be beneficial. Keep in mind that he may be the one who, today or tomorrow, will be able to offer you the position you barely dared to dream of yesterday.
You are not listening to the market, or you are not interested in the position described.
What will your professional situation be like in 6 months, 1 year, 2 years? In general, a headhunter works with his candidates over the medium long term and is committed to building a relationship of trust with you in order to be able to help you find your next opportunity when the time comes!
Being in a headhunter's network is synonymous with an additional chance to bounce back better in the future for your career. Each new contact allows for an increasingly refined targeting of opportunities that correspond to your profile and your expectations.
The more information you provide, the more likely it is that the headhunter will present you with opportunities that interest you.
Even if the headhunter has a good knowledge of the job market, he is not an inquisitor or a fortune-teller. While it is true that he can boost your career, he cannot guess without your help what type of job development interests you, the salary that could make you think or if you dream of going back to settle in your native region.
That's why a short discussion is always better than just an email. There are indeed elements that can be read (your resume/job description), and others that can be said (your state of mind/the description that the headhunter gives you of his client's corporate culture).
Simply put, the call of a headhunter is a sign that your employability is doing well. Take advantage of the fact that the job market is favorable to you to cultivate your network and your knowledge of the job market. Because, regardless of the follow-up given to this first contact, the way in which you respond may or may not open new doors for you and transform a simple phone call into a winning move.
Do you want to know more about the hiring process with a Headhunter? Consult our article: Understand the relationship between the headhunter, the employer and you.
