JOB SURFING: MOVE ON TO MOVE   

Many job seekers are not much aware about the headhunters. Recruiters or headhunters work for the companies and have a resume databank. They have contracts in some form or the other with the companies. In case of a vacancy, the company informs them, and they inform the companies about the potential candidates. On the completion of successful search, the company pays the headhunters. Remember that a good recruiter never charges anything from the candidate. You would do well to avoid people who charge you for the service. Bear in mind that recruiters tend to be specialists, often specializing in various functions, such as financial services, IT, or overseas placements. Activate your network. Find if any of your target companies employ any special recruitment agency. Or, find the headhunters who are specializing in your preferred industries. Find from your colleagues which recruiters they found useful. Don't be turned off if the first couple of recruiters you talk to aren't helpful; they may simply be looking for different types of candidates at that particular moment.

But eventually, a recruiter is going to need you. The goal is to position yourself for any future opening. You never know when or where the lady luck will smile. One good way to move things your way is to increase your visibility. Write an article for a magazine; give guest lectures - anything to make yourself a target for headhunters. You can stay popular with recruiters by suggesting names of other people at your company who might fit their search criteria. Or simply offer a piece of industry gossip. Such helpful acts will not be forgotten.

Of course, you have little control over when recruiters call. That's why it's good to try to form relationships before you actually need their services. The essential rule is: Whenever recruiters call, always make time to talk - even if the job they are currently offering isn't for you. "It's always good to know what's out there," says an executive. "It gives you a sense of what other companies are looking for and what skills are necessary."

Conduct your search diligently, using some of the methods described above, and you will be likely to land some promising interviews.

You may have won the battle. But the war is far from over at this point. Before any interview, think about the questions you're likely to be asked, particularly the tough ones. You need to assess yourself and practice answering questions on various aspects that might be relevant. (See CoolAvenues Interview Questions, Interview FAQs, CoolAvenues Recruitment Insider).

For many potential job hoppers, the most important question that might clinch the deal in their favor is, "What is the reason you want to leave your present job?" In industries such as financial services, IT, and entertainment, where turnover is high, simply expressing a hankering to keep pushing onward and upward should suffice. But industries, such as many manufacturing companies, still tend to worry about the stability of people seeking to change jobs frequently. So try to sound positive, stressing your desire to move toward the new company over your desire to get away from your current employer. Also, go prepared with background research on the company you are giving the Interview for.

Oh, and don't forget to get in touch with all the contacts from your search to thank them once you are safely employed again. They will be happy to learn that you landed. You, in turn, may need their help again - very soon.

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