What to Do When a Headhunter Calls

What to Do When a Headhunter Calls For many executives in high profile roles, taking a call from a headhunter is all part of a normal day at work. However for some individuals the experience may be new or completely unexpected particularly when it comes out of the blue. The timing of an approach may not be perfect to begin discussing new employment opportunities and the call is often taken in their current place of work with colleagues around. It is therefore useful for individuals to arm themselves with the correct knowledge on how to deal with this situation just in case a headhunter does indeed one day reach out to them: Why has the headhunter called me? Headhunters call prospective candidates for a number of reasons with the priority being to identify whether the individual would be hypothetically interested in the position. This does not mean you need to immediately accept or reject what is proposed but instead it helps to remain open minded and learn more about the opportunity before deciding whether to continue. Ask for some background details about the role, type of person the client is looking for and information about the organisation. This will help you to ascertain whether it’s a potentially good match for your skills and also for your career development. If the role is not right its best to clear with the headhunter about your reasons why and to maintain some kind of communication with them so that they are motivated to call you regarding any other relevant posts they may be working on in the future. Often the specifics of the company are confidential and this is a good sign that the recruiters are trustworthy and hopefully retained. Its very important to confirm that you are working with an ethical company (both the headhunters and the client) and if they have been retained then you at least have the confidence that all parties are serious and have invested in this process. Once the headhunter has established your interest in the opportunity they will want to learn more about your working experiences, role responsibilities, clients, targets and so on. This more in depth conversation probably needs to be pre agreed following the initial approach. If its not convenient to speak then provide alternative times and dates when you are free and try and remain relaxed and familiar with the caller so as not to arouse suspicion in the office. The first communication is not always a call: Many headhunters prefer to make a more subtle approach in the first instance and may send an email or make contact through social media. This allows prospective candidates to do some research on the headhunting company and verify that the caller is legitimate and also that they work for a reputable organisation. It also gives the opportunity to arrange a more detailed call at a mutually convenient  time. Any good headhunter will be happy to speak with you out of hours and at the weekend so don’t be afraid to ask. Interacting with the headhunter: When a headhunter calls they are not offering a job or even conducting a formal interview but instead they are informing and educating prospective candidates about an opportunity. Therefore if it is decided that you are interested and the headhunter does eventually want to put you forward for the position then all aspects of your conduct will be under scrutiny from the start. Remember the recruiters commercial  integrity and judgement is being tested by the calibre and attitude of candidates they put forward. This means all aspects of your communication and manner is being analysed from the beginning of the process. Therefore as with a job interview this means it is advisable to maintain a level of formality as well as being as polite and courteous as possible. In doing this the prospective  individual is able to separate themselves from other potential candidates, all of whom are more than likely from a similar background with similar levels of experience, and it is small touches such as these that will ultimately give an individual the edge over their competition. As the headhunter may be your key to the success of your career progression its best to keep them on side and maintain a long and happy symbiotic business relationship. RELATED: How to Act When the  Headhunter Rings Author: Ed Robertson is a seasoned Marketing Manager writing about a range of topics covering executive search, employment and education. MSC Headhunters is a retained executive search firm serving corporations around the world.

Get ahead in the graduate job market choose career management skills University of Manchester Careers Blog

Get ahead in the graduate job market â€" choose career management skills University of Manchester Careers Blog It’s that time of year again when many of you are choosing your modules for the next academic year.   Decisions, decisions, decisions….What will I enjoy?   What am I interested in? What am I good at? Have you thought about how your module choice will help your future career?   Have you thought about choosing a career management skills (cms) module? For a number of degree programmes â€" single honours maths, all BA(Econ) courses and many courses in the faculty of humanities, you can opt to study for a career management skills module. An excellent opportunity to gain academic credits and help your future career at the same time! Here are 3 good reasons why taking a cms module is a great idea: •      CMS courses are delivered by the careers service and key graduate employers.   It’s a great opportunity to find out first-hand what recruiters look for in their graduates and how to get-ahead in their recruitment processes and the graduate job market in general. •      Employers look for a good degree, but also for key practical skills such as leadership, communication and team working. Have you thought about how you are going to provide evidence of these skills when applying for jobs in the future? As part of the module, you may work on a group project for an outside organisation which will provide some real evidence of these practical skills to add to your CV. Previous projects have included: event management for a local charity, researching ‘user’ satisfaction for a community group, devising marketing materials for arts and sports organisations. CMS will also help you to sell these skills effectively on your CV or in application forms and in interviews or assessment centres •      It’s assessed by 100% coursework so no exams!   You will get extensive feedback on your graduate level CV and cover letter and attend workshops on Interviews, Assessment Centres, Career Choice plus many more. You will need to confirm your eligibility with your course administrator. Many final year as well as second year students have been given approval to take cms modules in the past. Find out more about the courses today: For Humanities Students For Maths Students Any don’t just take my word for it.   Here are some quotes from students who took cms last year…. “Career Management Skills surpassed my expectations and has been one of my most enjoyable, though challenging modules at University.” “I was recently offered a job and I feel CMS contributed to this.” All Undergraduate 53.468610 -2.233701

A career in insurance safe or exciting

A career in insurance safe or exciting I talked to Debbie Sidwell and some of her colleagues last week. They work for NFU Mutual and I wanted to know what might attract students to a career in the insurance industry. They’re pretty clear that there are some great opportunities for progression in a varied and exciting industry, so here’s a snapshot of some of the things NFU has to offer. Recent Politics graduate recruit, Luke Varney, feels that his job satisfies his need to feel that he is doing a role which is socially responsible: “Insurance adds many values to the economy that people don’t understand or appreciate. It obviates the need for organisations to keep large cash “cushions” enabling investment which stimulates the economy. At the end of the day when claims are paid out, you know you are directly helping both individuals and companies. It’s a good feeling when a claim is approved.” Huw Price, a Business graduate, who has recently joined NFU likes the fact that NFU is  ethics driven and still recalls its farming roots, even though its products are now much wider than just those associated with the countryside. Huw says: “It’s exciting to be part of a company with close links to agriculture. There’s so much going on which is revolutionising farming, from drones to renewables, working at NFU I feel that I am at the forefront of that change.” So, “exciting” and “socially responsible” not words I had necessarily associated with the insurance industry, Debbie Sidwell, one of the Talent Development team told me more. Culture at NFU The culture of NFU is forward thinking and one of the company’s objectives is to be “a great place to work”. Debbie feels that its unique selling point is the development and support offered to graduates. The expectation is that graduates will stay after the end of the graduate scheme and will become the leaders of the future. Entry Points There are a wide range of entry points to a career at NFU, these include Finance (for which you’ll need a minimum 2.1 degree in a numerate discipline, STEM subjects, Economics, Accounting etc.), Customer Service, Corporate, IT, Sales and Marketing all available to graduates of any discipline with a minimum 2.2 degree and the right character and enthusiasm to make a positive impact on the business. You’ll need to evidence ambition and drive, rather than any specific sector based experience. It’s great if you have some work experience, but this might have come from getting involved in running clubs and societies at university! NFU is looking for many of the same skills and attributes as other graduate employers. However, this scheme does have some features which are less common, the recruitment process will assess you on who you are and not wholly on what grades you’ve got. You can elect to apply to more than one stream and whichever you join will see you embarking on further study for a professional qualification, CIMA, ACII, CIPD, ITIL or CIM. In addition NFU provides all its graduates with soft skills training, it’s intended to be a holistic process including sessions on personality diagnostics, presentation skills, coaching and consultancy. This should stand you in good stead for senior management. What does NFU want in its graduates? NFU looks for graduates wanting to take ownership of their careers and personal development. The graduate schemes run for three years and you’d find yourself working on quite high level projects across the organisation with genuine responsibility. You’ll have the opportunity to have a mentor and will work in different jobs while you’re on the graduate scheme before eventually deciding where you want to work. By this time, you should also have secured professional qualifications, you will have to study while you are working but there is a good work life balance so that the study should be manageable. Having the professional qualification will be very useful for the rest of your career. Perhaps insurance might be worth a look?

Phrases to Avoid at Work - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Phrases to Avoid at Work - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career The choice of words is very important when you are expressing yourself. Especially at work, you need a maintain a positive and can-do attitude. Therefore, you need to be careful when you are conveying your message to your coworkers. Below you can find the phrases to avoid at work in order to prevent the negativity in your communications. “That is not my job.” Instead of saying this phrase, try to soften your tone and remind your coworker your real responsibilities and then, tell him/her If I can find time after finishing my tasks, I would be happy to help. In this way, you show your coworker that you give importance to him/her and making empathy. “I don’t know.” Well, you may not always have the answers but instead, you can show that you are interested in finding out. You can ask someone who knows or simply go to internet and google it. Show your coworkers that you are chasing for the answers. “I will try.” This is a very vague statement. When your coworker hears this sentence from you, s/he cannot understand whether the job will be done. Plus, you are giving the impression that you won’t do your best. You may not always achieve the results but at least be more clear. Say that “I will do it” and then, if you cannot, you can ask for help. “I don’t like to work with him/her.” No one expects you to like all of your coworkers but you should behave professionally and be able to meet with them in the middle. You may have different characters and work styles but try to find a way to work together because this is what makes a team. Try to take advantage of your differences and do a great job as a team. “That is impossible, I cannot do this.”  Nothing is impossible, everything is possible if you look through the right angle. Are you sure you have considered all the options? Don’t be the negative and pessimistic one in the workplace. Develop a can-do attitude. Instead try this phrase, “What I can do on this issue is….” “I am too busy for this right now.” Everybody is busy and trying to finish their tasks and that is why they want to talk to you so that they can move forward with their own tasks. When you use this phrase, the other person feels less important and excluded. Instead, say “I am working on x right now, can we talk about this around 3pm?” This way, you show that you value your coworker and give him/her a meeting time.

Writing a Resume With Large Gap in Relevant Employment

Writing a Resume With Large Gap in Relevant EmploymentIt can be difficult to write a resume with large gaps in relevant employment. This is especially true if you have only recently been laid off from your previous position. You don't want to appear desperate or out of touch with current events.When you were employed, you held an appropriate degree of responsibility and experience. This is the only way to achieve a successful career. You may still have an opening on a job and hold a good qualifications. This is because employers prefer to hire employees with relevant experience rather than those who haven't been in the workforce for quite some time.There are a number of steps you can take to minimize the appearance of desperation in your resume. You will be able to look much better than someone who has not been in the work force for many years. You will also appear to be more dynamic and creative than someone who has been in a dead end job for many years.It is important to write your resume in a way that is both compelling and professional. If you're currently unemployed, your resume should contain a bold and professional heading. It should not look like an advertisement. You should remember that an employer isn't looking for you just because you are unemployed. He or she is looking for the best person they can get.The first section of your resume should also be filled with a strong statement of employability. This section should include employment details. Include your name, address, contact numbers, job titles, and details on your past positions. You should not leave out the education details.Your resume should also include information on education. Provide a detailed account of your academic background. In addition, explain in detail what courses you have completed.The next section of your resume should detail your skills. You should include facts about your qualifications and experience. You should detail how you can help the company's organization by impro ving their marketing and communication skills.At the end of your resume, make sure you offer a link to your curriculum vitae. This is your most important document, and it is well worth including it at the very top of your resume. A good CV will help you land the job that you want.

The Best Job Search Websites of 2011

The Best Job Search Websites of 2011 There are thousands and thousands of job search websites.   Now, I am specifically focusing on JOB SEARCH, not job postings, career, or other specialty sites.   The sites I have listed below are helpful, authoritative and gosh darn it, I like them! I consider these sites helpful, the writing is good and the content is fresh! I am not going to reference the mega sites out there.   They get enough traffic already and honestly, their blog content generally isnt all that original.   So, cheers to my fellow bloggers for their great work! Here are my picks for 2011 Best Job Search Websites Career Rocketeer Chris Perry started this site and it has grown to be one of the top resources for job search and personal branding.   Helpful and filled with voices from different bloggers, I know I can find something interesting each time I visit! Executive Career Brand Meg Guiseppi doles out executive personal branding and job search advice but just because you arent in the C-suite, doesnt mean you should cross this off your list.   Branding is branding, job search is job search and Meg has incredible depth of knowledge in these areas!   Her writing is concise and direct!   Most likely, you will want to bookmark every post she writes because they are full of great information youll want to go back to and share with others! Heather Huhman Heathers work can be found on a variety of other sites as well.   She consistently supplies solid, on track job search advice.   Though her writing is usually geared towards the new graduate, let me tell you, it applies to everyone new to job search! Your best bet is to follow her on Twitter @HeatherHuhman . HR Margo and #Hire Friday Margos understanding from the HR side of the desk is invaluable to job seekers!   She also organized the #HireFriday movement on Twitter and is dedicated to helping job seekers secure their next jobs. Job-Hunt.org Susan Joyce, editor and publisher of Job-Hunt.org, carefully and thoughtfully ensures expert advice, and links to 18,375 employers and job search resources.   It provides one-stop shopping for all your job search needs!   Truly, there is something for everyone! And Susan has done an amazing job sourcing talented and authoritative bloggers to contribute to her site.   If you are looking for help, you should absolutely add this site to your tool box!   (Disclaimer: I am one of the experts who contributes to this site). Job Mob Creative, out-of-the-box ideas for your job search can be found here.   Jacob Share draws upon his vast network and technical savvy to deliver job search information that is not hum-drum or the same-old thing! Keppie Careers This has been one of my go-to sites since I first started following blogs.   Miriam is a thought-leader and provides job seekers with excellent, cutting-edge tips and advice on job search.   She is a talented resume writer and author of Social Networking For Career Success, a must-have resource for understanding how to use social networking in job search!   PS: Mirian has also become a great friend! Quintessential Careers Another resource-rich site! I frequently refer job seekers to the vast collection of sample cover letters and sample resumes on this site!   Jam-packed with excellent links, you will never walk away empty handed.   Quint Careers was founded by   Dr. Randall Hansen and their mission is to provide the content, tools, and motivation to empower people to achieve their educational goals, find their true career passion, obtain their ideal job, and be successful at their work. The Savvy Intern This is the blog for YouTern, and dont let the name fool you!   This is some of the most enjoyable reading around for job seekers.   Yes, it says INTERN, but the strategy and rules of job search apply to anyone new to job search!   Dont take my word for it, go visit yourself and see what you think! Tims Strategy Generous, authentic, creative! Hey, Tim just oozes helpful information.   He has been through job search and career transition so he can speak from experience.   He has done an amazing job developing a dedicated community and genuinely wants to help.   Leverage his marketing experience to help yourself improve your job search! The Undercover Recruiter Jorgen Sundberg understands personal branding and social networking and job search (and he used to be a recruiter!) Here are some of the many topics he writes about: • LinkedIn, Social Media and Personal Branding for Career Success • Social Media in Recruitment (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Mobile, Apps) • Dealing with Recruiters, Headhunters, HR Hiring Managers • Best Practice Resume / CV / Cover Letter / Professional Bios • Interviewing Skills and General Tips Tricks The Wise Job Search Harry Urschel has a way of getting directly to the heart of the issue.   Job search has its ups and downs and Harry writes about this PLUS, he has an amazing knack for answering the most common job search questions!   He understands the psyche of job seekers! Honorable Mention These blogs are also included in my regular digest of job search related reading.   Please, visit these sites and add them to your regular reading list. Career Chaos Career Confidential Career Solvers Career Trend Design Resumes Oh, by the way, if you are looking to find great job search advice on Twitter, you should follow the people listed on these lists (yes, there is overlap) Top 100 Twitter Accounts Job Seekers MUST follow: 2012

How to Handle Working for a Younger Boss

How to Handle Working for a Younger Boss How to Handle Working for a Younger Boss I’ll admit it. Personally, I am facing that mid-century mark in a couple of years, and it has not gone unnoticed that suddenly, there sure are a lot of younger people in the workforce these days. And my colleagues and friends are suddenly find ourselves approaching “Old Guard” status. How did that happen?!! Because I run my own business, I don’t have anyone else to report to, but there are a lot of people who are changing jobs that are in this same age bracket, and suddenly, during the interview, they are looking across the table at people who might be 20 years younger. Or more. Handling age issues in the interview During interviews, sometimes the question will come up: “How would you handle working for a younger boss?” My answer would be to say something along the lines of: “Believe it or not, but I’ve always had a millennial mindset. I love learning, and have been an early adopter of the newest technologies. I find change fascinating, stimulating, and challenging. If someone is younger than me who is my supervisor, I look forward to supporting their leadership in helping the company adapt to rapidly changing market conditions and customer choices.” Bam. Hit it head on, but also make sure that you really ARE one of those early adopters. The biggest objection or concern that younger managers might have when they see someone walk in with a few gray hairs on their head is: “Wow, is this person going to be still trying to understand how to turn on the computer?” This is a wrong perception, but persists. Your job is to overcome those perceptions and show support for a leader who is trying to establish their authority and probably feeling intimidated by people double their age.   Show empathy, support, and a willingness to partner up, and they will likely be grateful for this graceful gesture. Understanding the younger mindsets Read up about how younger people think. There are a lot of great books out there that talk about how technology has sped up how rapidly younger people acquire and consume information, and how that has shaped their interactions. Coach without being the leader With youth comes inexperience, and someone who has been working for a while can see mistakes being made by younger leaders who are unfamiliar with the “school of hard knocks.” Find a way to offer advice without coming across as condescending, patriarchal, or teacher-like. Try saying, “I’m sure you have already thought of it, but have you considered…” Or, “This reminds me of the time that….” Gentle coaching that inserts the lessons learned can provide leaders with a diplomatic way of asking for more information on how to avoid making mistakes without looking bad or inexperienced. Adapt or die How we work and who we work with is changing. That’s the rule of life, and if we don’t adapt to changing workplaces and leadership styles, we will likely find ourselves on the way out. Working with younger leaders can infuse workplaces with energy, new ideas, fun, and a sense of adventure. If you can be open to this and be willing to change, you have a much better chance of succeeding when working for a younger boss.