The hunter's roost

CLIMBING UP the ladder of success and achievement is an art that has to be mastered. In the cutthroat world of business, it is literally a jump and a scuffle to the top, heightened by the presence of headhunters. Most of us, at some point in our career would have been through the headhunting experience. It could be a daunting as well as a learning experience. Sometimes, talent and charm just may not be enough. However, there are certain advantages to being headhunted, and instead of viewing them as constant irritants, much can be done to use them to our advantage.

Caught unawares

One fine day you receive a call out of the blue, from a recruitment agency offering you a rather lucrative deal. Despite your presently secure post, you are tempted by it. Caught in a catch twenty-two situation, you don't know whether to refuse or accept the offer. However, you can still keep an open mind and find out more about it. Garner as much information about it as possible. To avoid suspicion at the workplace, you can ask them to contact you at your home number for any further communication. Sometimes, these offers may just prove to be the right step towards the top.

Test drive

If the offer from the recruitment agency doesn't suit your requirement, receive the call or communication with respectful politeness. For, even though they may not have the right post lined up for you now, this would help them consider you at a later date, when a suitable enough offer happens.

Honest Joe

Rather than beating round the bush regarding your salary, perks and embellishments, be honest. Being truthful about your years of experience and your expectations regarding salary will only help the headhunter render better service.

Make hay while the sun shines

Make use of this opportunity to learn more about the trends in the market. Avoid sounding too eager for the break and adopt easy methods to get an informal low-down on the particular company suggested.

Tone atone

Being headhunted can be a risky business. Blindly acquiescing to their demands may land you in deep trouble with your present employer. Therefore, assess the situation and set the pace. If a really good offer is made, agree to attend the interview but on terms convenient to you. At the same time don't drive too hard a bargain, and end up missing the opportunity. Project an exterior that hints at job satisfaction. Don't let desperation get the better of you and end up with a less than satisfactory deal.

Self-assessment

Assess yourself on what you can offer the prospective employer. Home-in on your strengths, and mention the most positive of your shortcomings. Always have an up-dated version of your CV ready.

Meeting the prospective employer Tjte-`-tjte

While meeting a prospective employer, highlight your positive abilities. Convey positive aspects of your personality such as straightforwardness, honesty and intelligence without seeming too immodest.

Tackle the toughies

The crunch comes when the employer questions you on your suitability for the position. Before you venture on how suitable or unsuitable you are for the job, introspect and sensibly analyse the job- fit. Perhaps you could arrive at conclusions like self-motivation, ability to organise and plan, effective leadership skills or any such skills which are essential for the post. A brief narrative supporting the mentioned traits or skills would be helpful.

The Poirot tactic

Investigate and check-out the prospective employer. Make enquiries to validate the credentials of the company, their source of income, areas of expertise, work culture, approximate compensation packages, facilities, and perks and privileges.

Nothing sells like charm

Dress to impress. Cash-in on an efficient, elegant and totally professional look. Preferably attempt to conclude the meeting yourself by suggesting another appointment in the near future. Ultimately, even if you don't land the job, you could gain a good insight at what your strengths and weaknesses are, what sells in the job market and what type of a job you would be comfortable with.

SAMYUKTA KODA

samyukta.hyd@careercommunity.co.in