Recruitment is a broker-led industry, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that being a recruiter (or headhunter) can bring in some serious cash. Money aside, there is also a sense of fulfillment helping job seekers secure good work, and at the same time aid clients to achieve their business objectives.
How does one become a recruiter? Like all career paths, the early stages can be rough, and only a small number of headhunters and recruiters can reach the top of the ladder. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to start your career:
Step 1: Understanding the Role of a Headhunter and Top Personality Traits for Success
A headhunter is a professional who specialises in finding talented individuals to fill specific roles within an organisation. They are responsible for identifying, attracting, and hiring candidates who meet the requirements of the job description. This requires a unique set of skills, including:
Communication skills:
As a headhunter, you need to communicate effectively with clients, candidates, and other stakeholders. This includes listening carefully to their needs and requirements, and being able to convey information clearly and persuasively.
Sales skills:
Recruiting is essentially a sales job, and as such, you need to be able to sell your services to clients and persuade them to work with you.
Networking skills:
Building a strong network of contacts is critical to success in this field. You need to be able to identify and cultivate relationships with key individuals in your industry, including clients, candidates, and other recruiters.
Problem-solving skills:
Recruiting often involves dealing with complex situations and competing demands. You need to be able to think creatively and find solutions that meet the needs of all parties involved, often the client and the candidate.
Emotional intelligence:
As a headhunter, you need to be able to read people and understand their motivations and emotions. This requires a high level of empathy and emotional intelligence.
Step 2: Finding a Job as a Headhunter
There are two main options when it comes to finding a job as a headhunter: working alone or joining a recruitment agency.
Working alone as a freelancer can be challenging, particularly if you are just starting out in the industry. You will need to build your own network, find clients, and source candidates without any support from colleagues or a larger organisation. However, it does offer more flexibility and the potential for higher earnings.
Joining a recruitment agency, on the other hand, provides more staff structure and support. You will have access to existing clients and candidates, and will typically receive training and support from more experienced recruiters. However, you may have less autonomy and potentially lower earnings since you will not be able to keep full commissions (see step 4).
To work as a headhunter, start your job search by researching recruitment agencies in your area and applying for relevant positions. You can also reach out to recruiters in your network and ask for advice or referrals, which ties in with step 3 to becoming a headhunter:
Step 3: Building and Nurturing Your Network
Building a strong network is critical to success as a headhunter. Without that bond, there is not much reason why someone would close a deal with you instead of the hundreds of other recruiters out there. Here are some tips for building and nurturing your network:
Attend industry events and conferences:
These events provide opportunities to meet other professionals in your industry and build relationships.
Use social media:
LinkedIn is a valuable tool for networking and building your personal brand. Make sure your profile is up-to-date and engaging, and use it to connect with other professionals in your industry.
Join industry groups and associations:
These organisations provide opportunities to meet like-minded professionals and stay up-to-date on industry trends and developments.
Leverage existing relationships:
Reach out to former colleagues, classmates, and other contacts in your network to let them know about your new role and ask for referrals.
Be authentic:
People can sense when you are being insincere or just trying to sell them something. Build genuine relationships by showing interest in others and being helpful when you can.
Step 4: Understanding the Revenue Model and Earning Potential
As a headhunter, your revenue model typically involves charging a percentage of the candidate’s salary as a fee. This can range from 10–30% depending on the industry and the level of the role.
In terms of earning potential, new starters can expect to make between $40,000-$60,000 in their first year, with the potential for higher earnings as they build their network and close more senior and higher-earning roles. However, earnings can be highly variable depending on factors such as the industry and economic climate.
Step 5: Listen to the 5 Advice from Headhunting Veterans
Build strong relationships:
Successful headhunters understand the value of building strong relationships with clients, candidates, and other stakeholders. Focus on providing value and building trust, rather than just trying to close deals.
Specialise in a niche:
While it can be tempting to try and work in as many industries as possible, focusing on a specific niche can help you stand out and build deeper expertise. This can also make it easier to build relationships and find new clients.
Clients in the same niche will look to you as an expert in finding the right talent for them. For example, HackerTrail is a recruiting agency that does only tech roles, putting them in better standing for those positions.
Invest in your personal brand:
Building a strong personal brand can help you stand out from other recruiters and attract more clients and candidates. Focus on developing your reputation as a thought leader in your industry, and use social media and other channels to promote your expertise. You can also consider setting up a blog or professional website to stand out from the competition.
Stay up-to-date on industry trends:
In order to be successful as a headhunter, you need to stay up-to-date on industry trends and developments. This includes keeping an eye on new technologies, emerging talent, and changes in the job market. Follow various news sources to get the latest information. Here are 12 strategies to source for active candidates.
Be persistent and resilient:
Headhunting can be a challenging and unpredictable career, and success often requires persistence and resilience. Learn from your failures and keep pushing forward, even when things get tough.
Step 6: Plan Medium and Long-Term Career Progression for Recruiters
In the medium and long-term, recruiters can progress in a variety of ways. Some may choose to specialise in a particular niche or industry, while others may move into leadership roles within their organisation.
Other possible career paths for headhunters include moving into Human Resources or Talent Acquisition roles within client organisations, or starting their own recruitment agency or consultancy. Both have advantages and disadvantages, and as you understand more of the industry over time, you may form a preference for one over the other.
Ultimately, the career progression for a recruiter/headhunter will depend on their skills, experience, and interests.
Step 7: The Benefits of Having a Mentor Recruiter and How to Find One
Having a mentor can be incredibly valuable for anyone starting out in a new career, and this is especially true for headhunters. A mentor can provide guidance, support, and advice based on their own experience in the industry.
To find a headhunting mentor, start by reaching out to recruiters in your network whom you admire or respect. You can also join industry associations or groups and attend events to meet other professionals who may be willing to serve as mentors.
When approaching potential mentors, be clear about your goals and what you hope to learn from them. It’s also important to be respectful of their time and expertise, and to be willing to listen and learn from their advice.
Try to offer something in return (not necessarily money), such as your time and effort in helping out in their projects. Always keep the relationship professional, especially at the beginning, and at the same time know that this shouldn’t be a one-way transaction.
Conclusion
These steps will get you off to a good start in a career as a recruiter or headhunter. The initial hurdle of building your network might be the hardest, and we encourage you to give it the time it needs before deciding if this path is right for you.
Plan out career goals for your first and second year. Think about career opportunities you can pursue during this time, and work with a headhunter mentor who is willing to share his/her wisdom.
You can also try out AI-powered tools to aid your recruiting efforts. Scout helps to source for tech talent much more efficiently than traditional methods so that you can focus on building human relationships. Check it out here: