| Topic Name: |
Job Application Strategy |
| Message Name: |
RE: Direct application vs. Headhunters |
| Date Posted: |
03/25/2003 |
| In Reply To: |
I am an outsourcing consultant looking for a reasonably senior position in a firm in New York (Director level) with one of the large firms.
Is it better to apply directly to companies (on-line application forms) or to go through headhunters. Are HR departments too busy to really look at resumes?
Thoughts appreciated. |
| Message: |
As a career planning specialist with 10 years experience, I would encourage you to first look at how much you would be willing to pay headhunters and how reputable those headhunters are in terms of linking you up with the right people. Be careful and research the headhunters you would like to use.
It is true that HR departments are overflooded with resumes, especially with unsolicited email resumes. Try to avoid HR departments for the time being and conduct informational interviews with hiring authorities of the organization to get a feel for what the hiring authority is really looking at in prospective employees.
If you have trouble identifying the hiring manager for some reason, ask HR personnel for the second in command and set up an informational interview with them.
In spite of all the high technology available to jobseekers, an in person face to face meeting with a hiring authority may get you noticed far more than just being a piece of paper in a stack on someone's desk who might be on vacation.
Use a very proactive approach, instead of passive, use people in your network, and if there really is a position that is interesting to you immediately, apply directly to it instead of using the headhunter. Sometimes headhunters don't always remember what exactly you are looking for in your next position.
Tim Spalding, M.Ed.
Inclusion Consulting Services
Seattle, WA
email: tpspalding@hotmail.com
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