What to do when the headhunter calls
The approach is flattering and risky in equal measure. A candidate's field guide to being headhunted.
A retained consultant calls about a senior role. How you handle the first two conversations determines whether you get the full picture or a filtered one - and whether you protect your current position while exploring.
Qualify the approach first
- Is this retained or contingent? Retained means a real mandate with a real client; contingent may mean your resume in a race
- What is the actual scope: book, budget, authority, reporting line?
- Why is the seat open? Every honest answer contains information
- Who knows about your conversation? Establish confidentiality terms explicitly
Protect yourself
Never resign on a verbal offer. Never let your resume be submitted anywhere without knowing the employer first - ask directly before consenting to disclosure. And keep your current job's performance immaculate during the process; processes collapse, and you will still have a Monday.
Evaluate like a buyer
You are not auditioning; you are acquiring a platform for the next five years of your career. Meet the decision-maker before the final round, ask what would make them not hire you, and request the reference-check version of due diligence: speak to people who have worked for the person you would report to. Reversible enthusiasm is cheap; a bad senior move is not.