Originally published Sunday, April 13, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Ask the Headhunter
Headhunter can open door you can't get through
Last week's "Headhunter Challenge" asked what you would do if you sent a résumé to a company six months ago, never heard back...
Nick Corcodilos Syndicated columnist
Last week's "Headhunter Challenge" asked what you would do if you sent a résumé to a company six months ago, never heard back from them and then a headhunter says that he can get you into this company for an interview. What's the best way to proceed?
Here are some of the Headhunter's thoughts. His full commentary is at www.nwjobs.com/headhunter.
A good headhunter can help you navigate the muck and mire of the candidate review process in most companies.
More than once, I have placed people in companies where the human-resources department already had the candidate's résumé buried in its files. HR departments are so busy that they may drop the ball and lose good candidates without realizing it.
While a hiring manager may be interested in you, an HR clerk might have put a big X on your application.
A good headhunter has direct access to the hiring manager and is more motivated than the HR department to make a connection, because the headhunter earns a fee.
Note that I'm talking about good headhunters. (Many are no better than rushed HR clerks; they just push paper.) It's up to you to make sure you're working with someone you can trust.
Start by checking out the headhunter's credentials, including client and candidate references. Ask for them.
Has the headhunting firm placed other people in this company? Does it specialize in your field? If the headhunter is credible, this is your best bet to get in the employer's door.
While you can try to get back into the company on your own, remember that the headhunter likely has more information and influence than you do. But let me caution you.
If you agree to work through the headhunter and also try to get back in contact with the company yourself, you are likely to create confusion. The company will wonder why you are applying through two different channels at the same time.
Nick Corcodilos is author of "Ask The Headhunter: Reinventing the Interview to Win the Job," and host of www.asktheheadhunter.com.
He can be reached by e-mail at seattle@asktheheadhunter.com or at North Bridge Group, P.O. Box 600, Lebanon, NJ 08833. Sorry, no personal replies.
2008 Nick Corcodilos Distributed by Universal Press Syndicate
An 802.11n upgrade could make a big difference
Retailers opening doors on Thanksgiving Day
Google makes concessions on digital book deal
Critics want to block Comcast-NBC deal
Google submits revised book settlement

Opening day at Crystal Mountain
Skiers crowded the slopes at Crystal Mountain for one of the resort's earliest openings.
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
How to tell your office you're gravely ill
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
- Homeless man, 46, arrested in Greenwood arsons
- KVI talk radio host off the air as of Thursday
- Steve Kelley | ESPN's Bill Simmons gets us: He hates Clay Bennett, too
- Police investigate videotaped arrest
- Seattle U. Men's Hoops | Big recruit goes from Huskies to Redhawks
- Mariners sign Jack Wilson to 2-year contract
- Razor found in muffin an accident, 'mortified' baker says
- Suspect's family shaken by slaying of police officer
- Mountlake Terrace woman reports razor in muffin
- Man says he will protest city's gun ban by carrying gun into community center
- OSU game thread
672 - Police investigate videotaped arrest
635 - Seattle man to pack a pistol into community center to protest mayor's ban
357 - GOP clueless as families struggle with health care
197 - NYC trial for 9/11 suspects poses risks
132 - Band of advocates, activists now McGinn's likely insiders
101 - Kent man challenges Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels' gun ban
99 - Wright State game thread
97 - Licata looks at boosting traffic-ticket revenue
89 - Light rail to airport to begin Dec. 19
71
- Light rail to airport to begin Dec. 19
- Homeless man, 46, arrested in Greenwood arsons
- Ivar's undersea billboards a hoax devised as marketing ploy
- Light rail to airport to begin Dec. 19
- Steve Kelley | ESPN's Bill Simmons gets us: He hates Clay Bennett, too
- An 802.11n upgrade could make a big difference
- KVI talk radio host off the air as of Thursday
- Washington in race for federal education funds
- Police investigate videotaped arrest
- Goodwill's Glitter Sale is Nov. 14-15





