Headhunter: understand what it is and how it works

Nowadays, the employment market is increasingly competitive. Those who are looking for an opportunity in a specific area see their chances of standing out diminished, given the high level of competition. That's where the Headhunter comes in - the professional responsible for finding and recruiting talent.

WHAT IS A HEADHUNTER?

A headhunter is a recruiter who specializes in finding the best professionals to occupy top positions in organizations. He acts as a bridge between the company offering the position and the appropriate candidate to fill it. Its mission is to guarantee the hiring of someone highly qualified who can perform with excellence in the respective position. Therefore, the result will be greater company satisfaction due to the speed of the selection process and greater business profitability. So, what differentiates a Headhunter from other recruiters?

• Their specific and segmented way of operating in the market, therefore reaching the candidates who best fit the profile required by the company.
• Their knowledge of advanced behavioral analysis techniques, such as psychological tests, structured interviews, and group dynamics.
• Your networking skills within different markets, using your network of contacts to find qualified professionals. It is essential to have knowledge with influential and successful people in certain areas of the market. 

It is easy to understand that working with a Headhunter can bring numerous benefits to a professional's career, including the possibility of accessing opportunities that are often not publicly disclosed. In addition, the Headhunter can present you in a more convincing and objective way in companies with potential employers. It can highlight your skills and experience, enhancing your potential. Another important point is the help in negotiating the salary and working conditions, aligning these factors with the professional's expectations.

HOW TO BE DISCOVERED BY A HEADHUNTER?

An important step that should be taken by candidates interested in attracting the attention of headhunters is to ensure a presence on social networks and specialized websites in the corresponding area of interest.

Using relevant keywords as well as phrases referring to the desired market or collaborating on articles about your area of interest will be some of the actions you can take that will increase your chances of drawing attention to your profile. A good strategy to get noticed is to create and update your LinkedIn profile, where you can also keep in touch with influential professionals in your professional area.

HOW TO CHOOSE A GOOD HEADHUNTER

When choosing a professional Headhunter, keep in mind some criteria that can help you in this evaluation. After all, you want a service that makes a difference.

Experience and reputation

Experience and reputation are essential factors in a good Headhunter. Headhunters must have extensive experience in recruitment, in addition to being well-regarded in the marketplace. 

Knowing how to communicate

The Headhunter must be a good communicator and clarify all the candidate's doubts, presenting the information clearly and objectively. 

Area of expertise

Another important factor will be your ability to understand the different areas of the market, identifying the knowledge and skills required for each position. If you are a finance and accounting professional, it will be interesting to contact someone specialized in the same area. In this segment, highly qualified professionals are sought after, with academic training, experience in the area and with specific skills related to the function, namely with knowledge in financial analysis, tax planning, international accounting, among others.

Bear in mind that there are specialized recruitment agencies for specific areas, such as finance. You will find Fed Finance, a company specialized in recruitment for Finance and Accounting positions working in Portugal, with consultants who are committed to supporting you in your career plan, from the first interview at their premises until you start working.

In conclusion, the Headhunter, as explained, is a professional who must have extensive experience in recruitment and a wide network of contacts. He or she can identify talent in different areas of activity, helping them to find opportunities that would not otherwise be accessible.

To be discovered by a Headhunter, one must be prepared, exposed in the market, and have an active network of contacts. By working with a quality professional, candidates can access career guidance, strengthen networking relationships, and gain other important advantages. Be sure to invest in a good relationship with these professionals and value your potential in the labor market.