8 Things Everyone Who is Headhunted Should Know

There is something extremely flattering and exciting when you are headhunted. Whether it’s a recruiter or the employer themselves, being personally chosen for an opportunity is something to be proud of. However, that doesn’t mean that you should immediately accept the role. It’s important to find out as much as you can about the job, to make sure that it fits in with your career plan and goals. 

When you are headhunted, it becomes very easy to forget about your career goals and get swept up in the excitement of it all. This could lead to you accepting an offer that doesn’t work for you or compromising your values. Instead, you should treat being headhunted in the same way as if you had applied for the job. The following eight rules will help to guide you through the process.

8 Key Rules For When You’re Headhunted

1. Fully Understand the Role - When you are headhunted, it’s important to ask questions and find out as much as you can about the role before allowing things to progress. Regardless of whether they contact you via LinkedIn or elsewhere, you should avoid instantly accepting everything they say. If you are interested in the role, set up an appointment with the recruiter to find out more. 
2. Don’t Simply Sell Yourself - A lot of people fall into the trap of selling themselves to the recruiter or employer, but this is something to avoid. Instead, find out why you were headhunted and ask as many questions as possible. Find out who recommended you, why they think you would be suitable and if other candidates are being pursued. 
3. Ask for a Detailed Job Description - After you have met with the recruiter or employer, you should have a good understanding of why you are headhunted and what the role entails. It’s a good idea to ask for a detailed job description, to fully understand the role.
4. Do a Lot of Research - You should aim to find out as much as you can about your potential future company and employer, such as knowing how they are performing and which clients they work with. Similarly, it’s important to find out about the company culture and if there are opportunities to progress within the business. This information will help you to gain an insight into the company and decide whether it’s something you could see yourself working.
5. Compare What They Are Offering - Find out what the employer is offering you and compare it with what you are currently getting. Things such as salary, benefits, incentives and allowances are all important. When you are headhunted, there should be advantages that come with taking on the new role.
6. Don’t Compromise Your Values - Regardless of what you are being offered, don’t compromise on your values. Don’t just focus on the financial side of things, think about everything else that the offer includes. For example, job certainly, management style and work/life balance. You shouldn’t feel as though you are compromising your values for the role.
7. Consider Your Options - It’s important to weigh up the pros and cons of the role, and carefully consider your options. Once you have made your decision, ensure you contact them quickly to get the ball rolling. If you decide to turn down the offer, thank the recruiter for considering you and decline to take things further.
8. Don’t Rush - When you have been headhunted, there is a lot to think about and you shouldn’t be rushed into making a decision. If a recruiter or employer really wants you as part of the team, they will work with you to ensure things go smoothly.