... when the headhunter calls - How to react correctly
Calls from headhunters are no longer uncommon. The possibilities of finding a suitable candidate for an open position are almost unlimited. Whether on Xing, Linkedin or various other networks. If you have a profile on the Internet, it can happen that you receive a call with a job offer. But what to do if the recruiter calls and makes an attractive offer? How should you behave?
So much in advance: Always be flattered when you call a headhunter. Because that means that you have a certain market value. Nevertheless, you should be careful and, if you are interested, do not immediately sideline yourself. How do you do that? Here are our tips:
CAN YOU SPEAK FREE?
The first question that a headhunter will ask you is: "Can you speak freely?" A professional headhunter will never simply speak up. And you shouldn't either. Make sure you can speak really undisturbed. Are you in an important meeting right now? Then ask the contact person to call again later or write down the contact details of the headhunter. Remember that the conversation will take a few minutes. If you are at work, it is better to postpone the conversation until after work. Nobody is angry with you if you take your work seriously.
LISTEN TO
Whether you are looking for a job or not. Do not immediately cancel the call. Listen actively to what the headhunter has to offer and on what terms. Get an idea of the offer. Maybe the job isn't that bad? In addition, such an offer always says a lot about your market value and how you are perceived by others in professional terms.
STAY COOL
In most cases, nervousness is pre-programmed for a spontaneous call from the headhunter. After all, you are in an unusual situation. Nevertheless, try to maintain professionalism and answer with a strong, calm voice. After all, a conversation with a squeaky voice or stuttering answers does not help any conversation partner. To reduce nervousness, it can help to realize that the call is more a compliment to your professional career than an interrogation.
ASK QUESTIONS
Even if the headhunter will take over most of the conversation and lead the conversation, you should still ask questions. It is hopeless to ask for the name of the company. But maybe you can learn other information that the headhunter may answer, such as the size of the company or the size of the team or region. Such information can ultimately be decisive for your decision and interest.
DECIDE DURING THE CALL WHETHER YOU ARE INTERESTED
If possible, try to reach a decision during the conversation. Think carefully about whether you have the required qualifications, are interested in the tasks, or are generally willing to change jobs. Does the job not fit your vision of the future? Then make this point clear. Nobody will be angry with you if you are not interested. If necessary, the headhunter will ask you whether he can take your profile in evidence. In this case you should always answer "YES". After all, you never know what the future and the current employer will bring.
DO NOT POKER TOO HIGH
Are you interested in the job and the headhunter asks about your salary expectations? Of course, you would be only too happy to negotiate your market value and set your salary requirements significantly higher than your current salary. However, it is not advisable to express “insatiable” or wishes in advance. After all, the headhunter has to deal with people like you on a daily basis and probably knows your real value better than you do. A good basis for discussion is the current salary. Also announce that you would like to improve if you switch. Any further details will be clarified in a further discussion or during the salary negotiation anyway.
BEWARE OF CONTACT INFORMATION
If you are interested in the job offer, send your personal contact details to the personnel consultant. Nothing is as unprofessional as talking via company mail. You can also be sure that the boss doesn't get wind of your conversations. In this connection, also have the contact details of the headhunter given. So you also have the security that the call was really meant seriously.
MAKE A PERSONAL APPOINTMENT
No headhunter will give you all the details about the position and the company in advance. This would also be highly unprofessional. In order to give you a better overview, the headhunter will ask you for a personal conversation. Please accept this offer. This is the only way to get a better overview of whether the job offer and company really suit you.
