Few people realize it, but relationships can be developed with headhunters that will help you. Their livelihood depends on who and what they know. Perhaps you can exchange mutually beneficial information. Select two or three firms that work in your field. Do not mass mail your resume to every agent in town. This can lead to multiple submissions of your resume to a single company. When such a situation arises, companies will sometimes choose to walk away from the candidate in question. Work with a firm committed to networking and association membership. (DEC is an active member of the California Staffing Professionals Association) Determine who pays the fee, selecting only firms who get paid by the employer NOT by you, the candidate. Let each firm know your true qualifications, define titles and the geographical areas you are willing to travel to. Know what you want, or ask for assistance in defining your parameters. This will include title, style of company, salary expectations, benefits, and location. If the professional recruiter is interested in representing you, expect a detailed analysis of your background and prepare to be honest. Do not overstate your job duties, accomplishments, or education. If there are employment gaps, explain them. Find out first what the recruiter expects of you and then explain what you expect. Reach commitments you both can live with, and stick with them. If you break those commitments, expect your recruiter to cease representation and withdraw your candidacy from potential employers. They are far more interested in long-term relationships than passing nuisances. Keep the recruiter informed about any and all changes in your status, such as salary increases, promotions, layoffs, or other offers of employment. Don't consider yourself an employment expert. You get a job for yourself every three or four years, maybe. These people do it for a living every day of every week. Ask for their objective input and seek their advice in developing interviewing strategies with their clients. Always tell the truth. To back-page, Use your browser BACK button