There are many “head hunters” or “career counselors” services that offer similar services. When selecting one, what qualities make up good head hunters?
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John H.
Helping Job Seekers Frustrated With Their Search
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To select a 'good' head hunter, you need to interview them. You need to determine not just whether they are 'good' in general, but whether they have proven success dealing with people in your profession, your industry, at your level.
If they simply try to present you without having interviewed you, that's a red flag. If they refuse to answer your questions about their successes, that's a red flag. If they won't agree to letting you approve to whom they will present your resume, that's a red flag. If they don't seem knowledgeable about the positions they have open, and what the client company is seeking, that's a red flag.
And, as has already said, they are working for the client company, not you. That doesn't mean they can't or won't give you good advice, and you should be asking how they work with candidates to judge that. The best will coach you on what the client is looking for, and how to best present yourself.
For more on how to work effectively with recruiters, see the article I've linked below.
John
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John West Hadley
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"Land The Job & Pay You Deserve"
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More Answers (1)
A "headhunter" is a recruiter who is paid by the employer (generally). Their objective is to fill an employment opening at the employer with the best candidate. In short: they are not primarily interested in you, unless you can fill a need with a specific job opening they are working at the moment. Some headhunters are more generous with advice than others, but you shouldn't expect a headhunter to commit much time or energy to your career interests. They are working for the employer.
A career counselor is paid by you, and works only for your interest. They are skilled at helping individuals achieve clarity about their career direction, frequently aided by assessment instruments like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and the Strong Interest Inventory. Career Counselors are most helpful for (a) helping you decide what kind of work would be most satisfying to you, and (b) providing information about vocational options that you might not be aware of. Some are also very good at the "mechanics" of job search, such as resumes, networking, interviewing and negotiating... but not all. You should ask about this before hiring a career counselor.
A good "headhunter" will be direct about the opportunities they have available, and provide you with practical feedback on how your resume will (or will not) help you compete for it. A good Career Counselor will have the proper credentials and experience to help guide you through a decision-making and choice process, and will "click" with you, personally. It's important to have good chemistry with your counselor.
