Almost everyone has received at least one call from a headhunter this year

31 March 2010

1 minute read

Almost everyone has received at least one call from a headhunter this year

If you haven't been approached by a headhunter since February 2007, this may prove somewhat depressing, but almost everyone working in the City appears to have taken at least one headhunter call in 2010.

Our survey of 712 people working in London, conducted in mid-February, revealed that 80% of people had been approached by at least one headhunter since the start of the year and that 39% had received more than four calls.

In fixed income currencies and commodities, which appears to be having another strong quarter, the proportion of people being pursued by headhunters was even higher: 87% had received one call; 48% had received more than four calls; 10% had been bombarded by more than 10.

The implication appears to be that if you haven't received a single headhunter call this year, you have either implemented a successful avoidance strategy, are deeply unpopular, or are far enough off recruiters' radar to be in the Bermuda Triangle. If the latter is the case, you may wish to read this on how to get headhunted.

AUTHORSarah Butcher

Global Editor

cj
cja105
8 April 2010
To banker - sure, but it's common sense really...I had one really hard lesson and I'm sure as hell I wouldn't make that mistake again. To be honest, the sheer cheek that people have today just astounds me......!
Reply
Da
Daniel
5 April 2010
Hi Guys,
Quick quite if you could help. I'm looking to move to a small asset managament boutique, long term pref and pretty uncontrained but I don't know which Head hunters specalise in these type of firm... Could you help me out please?
Thanks
Reply
Ba
Banker
2 April 2010
Many thanks for all the feedback. It has been confirmed that I did the right thing by refusing to deal with this recruiter and his clients. The reimbursement of travel costs should not be dependent on the amount of time one has spent out of work. Its that simple.
Reply
JA
JA
2 April 2010
i am a headhunter and have the following advice to candidates that i think makes sense and hopefully means a meaningful relationship for all.
bona fide headhunters will only call with real ideas and they should be willing to disclose the name of their client very quickly to demonstrate they have real mandate, if not they are data mining.
Equally they should be willing to meet in person to present their case and assess brief the candidate. By meeting in person it gives the candidate a chance to assess the headhunter and hopefully agree a working strategy, for cross border hires a detailed phone interview would suffice
if the headhunter is representng you fairly he or she should negotiate for clients to reimburse or cover travel expenses, its a reasonable request provided the client is reputable.
Like many industries there are good and bad in all. For me headhunting is an effective and discreet way to source top people for my clients and I am proud to be associated with them, the methodology works, but i accept there are many cowboys out there, but most simply dont last long
Reply
Pr
Prima Donna
1 April 2010
@ Banker, please stop wasting everyones time - Mr. Recruiter, if bullsh*t was a currency you would surely be a billionaire, well ahead of Bill Gates.
Reply