Want to be hunted? Get on recruiters' radar screen
Chicago Tribune; Chicago, Ill.; Feb 20, 2002;

In today's glutted job market, recruiters--also known as headhunters--and job candidates are both feeling the pinch. But each is still very useful to the other, particularly when it comes to managerial or highly specialized careers.

How then should job seekers rise above the crowd of candidates seeking the attention of recruiters?
First, job seekers should understand the role of the recruiter in the selection process, advises Warren K. Hendriks, Jr., a recruiting veteran who is now executive vice president and managing partner of Chicago-headquartered DHR International Inc., the country's sixth-largest retained executive search firm.

Recruiters are hired by companies to identify appropriate candidates for specific jobs. While many recruiters develop industry- specific expertise, as a whole they fall into two broad categories: retained and contingency. Recruiters conducting retained searches are paid up front and generally conduct more selective, executive-level searches. Contingency recruiters usually place lower- and mid-level candidates and are paid once a candidate is hired and remains in the position for a specified period of time.

As is the case with almost every aspect of a successful job search in a tough economy, once a candidate determines the desired type of recruiter, relationships are critical, Hendriks and other recruiting experts report.

Referrals help, said Hendriks, whose placements have run the gamut of senior executives for a host of Fortune 500 firms to the new executive assistant for Boeing CEO Phil Condit after the company moved to Chicago last year. A candidate referred by professional colleagues, top outplacement firms or past customers or candidates will always get a close look, he said.

The personal touch also goes a long way. "If someone sends me a personalized note, I will always at least acknowledge it," said Hendriks, who personally fields about 150 resumes weekly. "In this business, you never know where the business is going to come from next."

Beyond that, recruiters look for personable professionals who understand the importance of communications and show common courtesy to everyone they deal with during a job search, from the recruiter to his or her support staff. Staying in touch and keeping a recruiter informed of the status of your job search is also important, even if you opt for an opportunity presented to you by a rival recruiter, Hendriks said.

"A relationship with a recruiter can easily span your entire career," Hendriks said. "It's very important for candidates to let recruiters know where they land, to thank them for their help and to let them know they're free to call anytime they're looking for help in identifying candidates for future searches."

Rebecca Theim Special to the Tribune;