When it comes to job hunting, it’s not just what you know, but also who you know. Having a strong network of contacts can give you a real advantage in the job market. But what if you’re just starting out and don’t have any connections?

One way to get your foot in the door is to work with a recruiter or headhunter. These professionals can help you find the right job and make sure your resume gets in front of the right people. But what do they look for in candidates?

Here are five things that recruiters and headhunters look for in candidates:

Strong resume

The first thing that any recruiter or headhunter is going to look at is your resume. This is your one chance to make a good first impression, so it’s important to make sure your resume is well-written and free of any errors.

In addition to a well-written resume, recruiters and headhunters also look for resumes that are tailored to the specific job. Generic resumes are a turn-off, so make sure to customize your resume for each job you apply to.

Positive attitude

No one wants to work with a Negative Nancy. Recruiters and headhunters are looking for candidates who have a positive attitude and are a pleasure to work with.

If you’re the type of person who is always complaining or has a negative outlook on life, you’re not going to be an attractive candidate. On the other hand, if you’re positive and upbeat, you’re more likely to stand out from the crowd.

Go-getter attitude

In addition to a positive attitude, recruiters and headhunters also want to see that you have a go-getter attitude. They want to see that you’re the type of person who is always looking for new opportunities and is willing to take on new challenges.

If you’re the type of person who is content to sit back and let things happen, you’re not going to be an attractive candidate. On the other hand, if you’re always looking for new ways to improve and grow, you’re more likely to stand out.

Track record of success

Recruiters and headhunters also want to see that you have a track record of success. They want to see that you’ve been successful in your previous roles and that you have the skills and experience to be successful in the role you’re applying for.

If you don’t have a lot of experience or if you’ve had a few setbacks in your career, you’re not going to be an attractive candidate. On the other hand, if you have a long list of accomplishments, you’re more likely to stand out.

Good fit for the company

Finally, recruiters and headhunters are also looking for candidates who are a good fit for the company. They want to see that you have the right skills and experience for the job, but they also want to see that you’re a good fit for the company’s culture.

If you’re not a good fit for the company, you’re not going to be an attractive candidate. On the other hand, if you’re a good fit for the company, you’re more likely to stand out.

Make Yourself More Attractive to Recruiters and Headhunters

When you’re job searching, it’s important to do everything you can to make yourself more attractive to recruiters and headhunters. Here are three simple things you can do to make yourself more appealing to potential employers:

Keep your online presence up to date

Make sure your LinkedIn profile is current and that your resume is posted on Indeed or another job search site. If you have a personal website, make sure it’s professional and up to date. Recruiters and headhunters use the internet to research potential candidates, so you want to make sure you’re putting your best foot forward online.

Get involved in professional organizations

Joining professional organizations shows that you’re committed to your chosen field and that you’re interested in networking and staying up-to-date on industry news. Many professional organizations offer job boards or career resources, so it’s a great way to get your name out there to potential employers.

Attend industry events.

Attending industry events is a great way to network with potential employers and get your name out there. Many industry events have job fairs or career resources, so it’s a great way to get your foot in the door with potential employers.

Get involved in professional and industry groups

When you are involved in professional groups, you are more likely to be top of mind for a recruiter or headhunter. This is because you are building a reputation as a knowledgeable and connected professional.

Stay current with your industry

When you are up-to-date with your industry, you are more likely to be seen as a valuable resource. This is because you can provide insights and perspectives that are relevant to the current market.

Be active on social media

When you are active on social media, you are more likely to be seen as a thought leader. This is because you are sharing your insights and ideas with a wider audience.

How to Use Recruiters and Headhunters to Your Advantage

When you’re looking for a new job, it’s important to use all the resources at your disposal. That includes recruiters and headhunters.

Recruiters are people whose job it is to find candidates for open positions. They work with companies to help them find the right person for the job. Headhunters are similar, but they usually work with individuals, not companies.

Here’s how to use recruiters and headhunters to your advantage:

Get in touch with them

The first step is to get in touch with recruiters and headhunters. You can do this by searching online, attending job fairs, or networking.

Let them know what you’re looking for

Once you’ve made contact, let the recruiter or headhunter know what you’re looking for. Be specific about the type of job, the location, and the salary you’re seeking.

Keep them updated

If you’re already employed, you should still keep the recruiter or headhunter updated on your situation. They may have a job that’s a perfect fit for you, but they won’t know if you’re interested unless you tell them.

Be patient

Recruiters and headhunters are busy people, so don’t expect an immediate response. They may not even get back to you right away. But if you’re patient, they may eventually come through with a great job opportunity.

Follow up

If you don’t hear back from a recruiter or headhunter, it’s okay to follow up. Just send a brief email or give them a call to check in.

Recruiters and headhunters can be a great resource when you’re job hunting. But you have to be proactive and follow up to make the most of them.