News that helps connect you to opportunities

Discover This Month – April 2023

Have you ever been approached by a recruiter or employer about a job opportunity, even when you’re not actively looking for work? This is known as headhunting or proactive recruitment, and it’s becoming increasingly common in today’s job market. This month’s newsletter looks at ways you may be able to capitalise on this new way of recruiting and how keeping your options open might be a good strategy in the long term.

As always we are here to support job seekers, candidates, and employers in finding great new roles and great people to fill them.

Read more about how networking and understanding how these new ways of recruiting may advantage you.

Getting tapped on the shoulder

Getting tapped on the shoulder to open up a discussion about your experience and discussing if you are open to looking at a new job opportunity is happening more and more. These subtle approaches often work well for recruiters and employers because they can source a person that fits with the experience and expertise they need.

 

For some people, this type of approach can be challenging to navigate. If you find yourself being approached, here are some guidelines to consider on how to handle it:

  • Keep an open mind: Even if you’re not actively looking for work, it’s important to keep an open mind when approached about a job opportunity. You never know what opportunities may be available, and it’s always worth considering them.
  • Ask questions: If you’re approached about a job opportunity, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Find out more about the role, the company culture, and the potential for growth and development. This can help you make an informed decision about whether to pursue the opportunity.
  • Be honest: If you’re not interested in the opportunity, be honest with the recruiter or employer. Thank them for considering you and let them know that you’re not currently looking for work. This can help maintain a positive relationship for future opportunities.
  • Network: Even if you’re not interested in the opportunity, it’s still important to network and build relationships with recruiters and employers. You never know when an opportunity may arise in the future, and having a strong network can be invaluable.
  • Keep your LinkedIn profile up to date: LinkedIn is a powerful tool for recruiters and employers to find potential candidates. Make sure your profile is up to date and showcases your skills and experience. This can increase your chances of being approached for future opportunities.

Being headhunted or approached by an employer can be a valuable opportunity, even if you’re not actively looking for work. By keeping an open mind, asking questions, being honest, networking, and keeping your LinkedIn profile up to date, you can make the most of these opportunities and build a strong professional network for the future.

Don’t be hesitant to engage in conversations about your experience or explore potential opportunities, these conversations can lead to valuable contacts for the future when you may be ready to consider new opportunities.

Be open minded

Being open-minded is important; having a conversation allows you to learn more about your role the skills sought after and even what the current remuneration is. This could be very valuable information for the future.

 

Being approached about a job opportunity on social media can be a great way to discover new and exciting career options. Here are some additional benefits to consider:

  • Increased Visibility: Employers and recruiters often use social media platforms like LinkedIn to identify potential candidates for job openings. This means that you can increase your visibility and exposure to potential employers by having a solid social media presence.
  • Access to Hidden Job Markets: Many job opportunities are not publicly advertised, and the only way to discover them is through networking and being headhunted. Being approached by an employer on social media can give you access to this hidden job market.
  • Shows You’re in Demand: Being approached by an employer on social media can boost confidence and indicate that you are in demand. This can increase your self-esteem and make you feel more valued in your profession.
  • Opportunity to Negotiate: Being headhunted for a job can give you an advantage in negotiating your salary and benefits. You can use your skills and experience to negotiate a better package than what you would have received if you had applied for the job through traditional means.
  • Learning about New Industries: Being approached for a job opportunity in a different industry can expose you to new skills, experiences, and knowledge. This can broaden your career prospects and make you a more versatile candidate.
 

By keeping an open mind and considering the opportunity, you may discover your dream job and advance your career to new heights. Read our other newsletters and blog for more insights on counter offers, updating your skills and preparing for interviews.

Message from the CEO

Social media has allowed us quicker, more direct and open communication. It has also transformed how we find work and how we recruiters advertise roles. It’s a fact that the reach through social media is extensive, especially on job networks such as Linkedin.

If you are at the stage where you are thinking of seeing what is out there and possibly looking at options in the next few months, I encourage you to go over your profile; make sure it’s up-to-date and full of as much detail as you are comfortable with.

Try to make regular posts and engage with other posts that you find interesting.

If you are looking for a new role, you can add the “open to work” badge to your profile. Only do this if you are comfortable with everyone knowing you are looking.

If you are currently employed you may want to keep your job search confidential. This is where reaching out to a recruiter for an initial confidential chat is an excellent idea. We can keep you and your experience in mind when roles come across our desks that may suit you.

It’s worthwhile spending some time reading through material that advises you on what happens if you do get tapped on the shoulder or you resign and your employer makes you a counter offer. We have lots of resources, tools, tips and blogs on our website I hope you find them useful.

As always we are open to suggestions and happy to tackle any topic, please get in touch if you would like to see more on a particular area.

Stay well

Sandra

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