You are in a panic. You need a job fast and recruiters won't return your call. You don't have anything on the back burner because you thought you could just call the recruiter and get set up. After all everyone knows a recruiter or two. Well, times have changed. Recruiters hold the cards now.
So how can you prevent this from happening to you?
How can you achieve the star status necessary to ensure that recruiters are calling you before you need them to?
First, it's important to understand the recruiter mindset.
A recruiter makes money through placements. Translation - they make their living by placing you in the highest paid position possible - the higher the level of the placement, the higher the fee.Ergo, the more marketable you are, the more recruiters want to work with you.It's a numbers game. A successful recruiter spends time with the most marketable resources first. The key is to make you the most marketable resource.
Want to make this happen?
The process itself is easy, however, it requires planning and consistency in order to implement a solid and productive marketing plan. The more of the following action items you apply the more high profile you become.
Get a Recruiter Hunting YOU.
12 Action Items -Surefire ways to get in the spotlight and have the recruiter "dialing for dollars" to get to you!!
1. Become A Speaker Or Present A Workshop.
Learn to become a public speaker or develop an industry workshop in your field of expertise. Recruiter's peruse industry conferences and program schedules for the names of experts in a given field.
* Start small by speaking at local activities as. As your confidence grows take on engagements at industry functions. Everyone has to start somewhere.
*Gain training and experience by attending a local Toastmasters meeting or group.
* Speak at your local industry association meetings.
* Sign up for a speakers bureau
2. Become An Expert.
This one will take awhile to accomplish, but your ultimate goal is to become the "Go To Person" in your field. You want colleagues to know your name. The more people who know you (and OF you) the more references you will get. Recruiters call their list of contacts to find good matches. If you are widely recognized, the recruiter will hear your name repeatedly and be compelled to call you.
* Make one day a week an information day or commit yourself to an hour a day to keep informed. Ask your colleagues if they uncover something of interest to forward you a copy.
* Subscribe to a clipping service that sends you "customized" news delivered to your in box. You can also set up these accounts through Yahoo, AOL, etc.
3. Get An Interview.
All major industry publications have opportunities to be interviewed. Position yourself as the spokesperson or the focal person in the interview. Recruiters will track you down because of your name and your notoriety.
* Learn the key editors in the industry's most important publications. Let them know you are available to be interviewed.
* Go to the publications booths at trade show and introduce yourself to editors. It always helps if they know you personally.
4. Write Articles.
Having a byline in an industry publication is an immediate signal that you are an expert. Writing for industry publications should be a regular part of your personal marketing plan.
* Do some research into the publications in your field. Find out the guidelines for submitting content.
* Write short article to get started then expand. Letters to the editor are also good to submit. You can showcase yourself as an expert.
TIP: Don't expect to get paid at least initially.
5. Volunteer For a High Profile Assignment.
When issues are in the news, it is time to be on that task force. Say Yes! Yes, I can. Yes, I can do that. Accept new project requests if they are related to your area of expertise.
TIP: Don't volunteer for issues that are controversial. You want your image to be positive not negative
6. Accept a Leadership Role In An Association.
Professional organizations are the first place many recruiters call when looking for qualified candidate. If you are an officer, the association will be more likely to give them your name.
* Be involved in SIG'S (Special interest groups), especially in areas where you can lend your expertise or gain some.
TIP: Many search professionals attend local chapter meetings hoping to network. Remember the #1 rule in networking-You have to show up!
7. Attend Trade Shows.
Recruiters are always searching for candidates at major industry trade shows. Many times they will volunteer in industry association booths to meet the members.
* Check out the industry conferences and training sessions at the show. Plan to attend at least one every six months.
* Be on the lookout for interesting new technologies or innovations that might impact your career.
TIP: Be a badge scanner. When you see someone from an executive search firm initiate a conversation. Ask them why they came to the show or what did they think about it
8. Register For Conferences.
The higher the profile of the conference the more recruiters will be attending. It is events like this that bring them hoping to bump into a key executive.
*Go to the room early and stay late. Make a point of meeting the presenter and engaging in a few moments of conversation. Ask if you might follow up after the program and stay in touch. Many times search professionals will also be waiting to speak to this same person.
TIP: Big shots usually show up at the show the first business day, unless they are the speaker scheduled at the end of the week.
9. Keep Connected With Your Colleagues And Associates.
Make sure your peers know where you are and about your current business. You want them to think of you first when the recruiter calls them for a contact.
* Send out regular press releases to your resource list. Remember, serious stuff only. Keep it short and to the point. Watch for more later on how to write a personal press release.
* Be on the lookout for ways to help your associates. Newspaper & magazine articles are great when you notice a colleague's name. Clip it out and send it to them along with a quick personal note including your contact details. They will want to return the favor someday!
* Make one day a week a telephone day, or commit to an hour a day to be on the phone and reconnect with the people important to you.
10. Become An Award Winner.
Enter industry competitions. Every one loves a winner. This will gain you both company and industry press. It translates into major visibility.
*Get your name in the spotlight by submitting, promotions, awards, relocation's, etc.
*Tip: Send a copy of your press release to the recruiters with whom you are most interested in working.
11. Research Recruiter Websites.
When you find a site you like, ask for an article that has been written or get more information about the company. Start a dialogue before you are actually looking for a recruiter. Make sure they know you are networking and not looking presently. You don't want your current employer to hear about it and misunderstand.
* Ask to be added to the mailing list or email list. Most firms have one. Use this as a door opener to get a dialogue started.
* Find out what organizations they belong to. Make a point of attending those association meetings.
12. Get a Personal Business Website.
Not one that includes friends and family. Make it your online portfolio. List your skill sets, accolades, attributes and area of expertise. Showcase your success. Paint a picture that makes people want to know more about you.
* Hotlink industry associations to your site. Many times search professionals will discover you through that method.
In today's faced-paced, ever-changing business environment it is important for you to keep your connections active. Remember the old adage "Out of sight out of mind"? Well, it's doubly true today.
So how can you prevent this from happening to you?
How can you achieve the star status necessary to ensure that recruiters are calling you before you need them to?
First, it's important to understand the recruiter mindset.
A recruiter makes money through placements. Translation - they make their living by placing you in the highest paid position possible - the higher the level of the placement, the higher the fee.Ergo, the more marketable you are, the more recruiters want to work with you.It's a numbers game. A successful recruiter spends time with the most marketable resources first. The key is to make you the most marketable resource.
Want to make this happen?
The process itself is easy, however, it requires planning and consistency in order to implement a solid and productive marketing plan. The more of the following action items you apply the more high profile you become.
Get a Recruiter Hunting YOU.
12 Action Items -Surefire ways to get in the spotlight and have the recruiter "dialing for dollars" to get to you!!
1. Become A Speaker Or Present A Workshop.
Learn to become a public speaker or develop an industry workshop in your field of expertise. Recruiter's peruse industry conferences and program schedules for the names of experts in a given field.
* Start small by speaking at local activities as. As your confidence grows take on engagements at industry functions. Everyone has to start somewhere.
*Gain training and experience by attending a local Toastmasters meeting or group.
* Speak at your local industry association meetings.
* Sign up for a speakers bureau
2. Become An Expert.
This one will take awhile to accomplish, but your ultimate goal is to become the "Go To Person" in your field. You want colleagues to know your name. The more people who know you (and OF you) the more references you will get. Recruiters call their list of contacts to find good matches. If you are widely recognized, the recruiter will hear your name repeatedly and be compelled to call you.
* Make one day a week an information day or commit yourself to an hour a day to keep informed. Ask your colleagues if they uncover something of interest to forward you a copy.
* Subscribe to a clipping service that sends you "customized" news delivered to your in box. You can also set up these accounts through Yahoo, AOL, etc.
3. Get An Interview.
All major industry publications have opportunities to be interviewed. Position yourself as the spokesperson or the focal person in the interview. Recruiters will track you down because of your name and your notoriety.
* Learn the key editors in the industry's most important publications. Let them know you are available to be interviewed.
* Go to the publications booths at trade show and introduce yourself to editors. It always helps if they know you personally.
4. Write Articles.
Having a byline in an industry publication is an immediate signal that you are an expert. Writing for industry publications should be a regular part of your personal marketing plan.
* Do some research into the publications in your field. Find out the guidelines for submitting content.
* Write short article to get started then expand. Letters to the editor are also good to submit. You can showcase yourself as an expert.
TIP: Don't expect to get paid at least initially.
5. Volunteer For a High Profile Assignment.
When issues are in the news, it is time to be on that task force. Say Yes! Yes, I can. Yes, I can do that. Accept new project requests if they are related to your area of expertise.
TIP: Don't volunteer for issues that are controversial. You want your image to be positive not negative
6. Accept a Leadership Role In An Association.
Professional organizations are the first place many recruiters call when looking for qualified candidate. If you are an officer, the association will be more likely to give them your name.
* Be involved in SIG'S (Special interest groups), especially in areas where you can lend your expertise or gain some.
TIP: Many search professionals attend local chapter meetings hoping to network. Remember the #1 rule in networking-You have to show up!
7. Attend Trade Shows.
Recruiters are always searching for candidates at major industry trade shows. Many times they will volunteer in industry association booths to meet the members.
* Check out the industry conferences and training sessions at the show. Plan to attend at least one every six months.
* Be on the lookout for interesting new technologies or innovations that might impact your career.
TIP: Be a badge scanner. When you see someone from an executive search firm initiate a conversation. Ask them why they came to the show or what did they think about it
8. Register For Conferences.
The higher the profile of the conference the more recruiters will be attending. It is events like this that bring them hoping to bump into a key executive.
*Go to the room early and stay late. Make a point of meeting the presenter and engaging in a few moments of conversation. Ask if you might follow up after the program and stay in touch. Many times search professionals will also be waiting to speak to this same person.
TIP: Big shots usually show up at the show the first business day, unless they are the speaker scheduled at the end of the week.
9. Keep Connected With Your Colleagues And Associates.
Make sure your peers know where you are and about your current business. You want them to think of you first when the recruiter calls them for a contact.
* Send out regular press releases to your resource list. Remember, serious stuff only. Keep it short and to the point. Watch for more later on how to write a personal press release.
* Be on the lookout for ways to help your associates. Newspaper & magazine articles are great when you notice a colleague's name. Clip it out and send it to them along with a quick personal note including your contact details. They will want to return the favor someday!
* Make one day a week a telephone day, or commit to an hour a day to be on the phone and reconnect with the people important to you.
10. Become An Award Winner.
Enter industry competitions. Every one loves a winner. This will gain you both company and industry press. It translates into major visibility.
*Get your name in the spotlight by submitting, promotions, awards, relocation's, etc.
*Tip: Send a copy of your press release to the recruiters with whom you are most interested in working.
11. Research Recruiter Websites.
When you find a site you like, ask for an article that has been written or get more information about the company. Start a dialogue before you are actually looking for a recruiter. Make sure they know you are networking and not looking presently. You don't want your current employer to hear about it and misunderstand.
* Ask to be added to the mailing list or email list. Most firms have one. Use this as a door opener to get a dialogue started.
* Find out what organizations they belong to. Make a point of attending those association meetings.
12. Get a Personal Business Website.
Not one that includes friends and family. Make it your online portfolio. List your skill sets, accolades, attributes and area of expertise. Showcase your success. Paint a picture that makes people want to know more about you.
* Hotlink industry associations to your site. Many times search professionals will discover you through that method.
In today's faced-paced, ever-changing business environment it is important for you to keep your connections active. Remember the old adage "Out of sight out of mind"? Well, it's doubly true today.
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