5 ways to get headhunted by the firms you want to work for

By Kirstie McDermott

Unemployment remains at a low rate in the U.S., with figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicating that at the end of May 2023, the rate was just 3.7%.

And despite many high profile layoffs across the financial services sector and the tech industry since the middle of 2022, the US Chamber of Commerce says that in fact, hiring rates have outpaced quit rates since November of 2020.

In addition to the pressure for talent, a widening skills gap is emerging. According to a recent survey of 600 U.S. human resources professionals by Wiley, 69% said they had a skills gap. That's up from 55% in 2021.

That then knocks into recruitment. It is harder now for organizations to recruit and crucially, retain talent: more than 40% of the survey's respondents report that it takes more time than before to find suitable candidates.

All those factors combined make it a good environment for those looking to be headhunted. If you've got the right skills and the right experience, companies need to know about you. So when it comes to the steps you should take in order to get a recruiter or headhunter's attention, these are the five things to do.

1.  Build a strong professional network

Jobs don't just land in people's laps, and networking is key because the wider your circle, the more likely it is that you'll be noticed by potential employers.

Attend industry events, conferences, and seminars to meet professionals from your desired company. Engage with them genuinely, build relationships, and maintain a strong online presence through professional platforms.

2.  Develop out your social media

Don't underestimate the value of social media platforms, especially LinkedIn. A well-crafted profile will showcase your skills, accomplishments, and professional interests. Optimize your profile with relevant keywords, participate in industry groups, and make sure to like and share content from the people you want to get in front of.

3.  Share insightful content

The next step once your social profiles are optimised is to expand your visibility and attract attention from recruiters.

Establish yourself as a thought leader in your field by creating and sharing valuable content around your area of expertise. There are numerous ways you can do this: Write insightful posts, contribute to industry blogs, or create a personal website showcasing your achievements, projects, and skills.

This demonstrates your knowledge and passion, and showcases your skills, all of which can help in attracting attention from both recruiters and hiring managers.

4.  Engage with recruiters

Recruiters and hiring managers are active on professional workplace platforms, so help make their job a little easier by identifying them, adding them, and engaging with them to express your interest in working for their company.

Plus, keep an eye on the job boards and websites of the companies you'd like to join, and make sure that you have an updated resume and tailored cover letter highlighting your relevant skills and achievements ready to go.

5.  Enhance your skills

If none of the above is helping you get a bite, then you can take a look at your current experience and analyze the areas in which you may need to improve. This might involve pursuing additional education, certifications, or gaining other relevant experience in your current role.

Being headhunted takes time and requires a combination of proactive steps, continuous self-improvement, and a bit of luck. If you'd like to speed up the process for getting a new job, then the Financial Planning Job Board is a great place to start.

It is packed full of interesting and relevant roles, like the three below.

Vice President, Bank Compliance, Goldman Sachs, New York
In this Vice President, Bank Compliance role you'll have a primary focus on Regulation W compliance with regard to the Bank's transactions with affiliates, and the determination of Bank eligibility for lending and certain other activities transacted. You'll require analytical skills, three to five years' of experience in the banking or financial services industry and have the ability to understand and apply complex regulation. Get all the details here.

Senior Premier Banker, Wells Fargo Bank, Arlington
Wells Fargo is seeking a Senior Branch Premier Banker (SAFE) to acquire new affluent consumer and small business customers, and deepen existing relationships, through outreach and pre-planned appointments. You will require four or more years' of customer service experience, or an equivalent. Plus, you'll need three years' of experience building and maintaining effective relationships with customers and partners. See all the details for this job.

BAAM – FP&A, Associate, Blackstone Group, New York
The BAAM (Blackstone Alternative Asset Management) – FP&A, Associate will work on a team dedicated to analyzing and presenting information that assists management in executing day-to-day operations and developing long-term strategy. This includes daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly reporting, as well as public company reporting requirements. To be considered, you'll need four years' of experience in finance or accounting, strong technical and analytical skills as well as strong verbal and written communication skills. Apply for this job now.

Accelerate your employment search today on the Financial Planning Job Board