Contingency recruiters earn fees only after a client company hires a candidate they refer. They may collect payments even if their search doesn t produce a successful hire. Find the right targets. You ll improve your chances of a return call if you locate headhunters who specialize in your industry or function. Check your local bookstore or library for directories that list recruiting firms by type, industry, job function or region.
Most good recruiters specialize in a few industries or functions.
It s wise not to limit yourself to contacting recruiting firms in your immediate geographical area, even if you don t want to relocate. Many firms that appear to be local or regional actually have national accounts. Get and give referrals. You should ask friends, co-workers, family members and colleagues in your industry for referrals to recruiters. Then, place calls to those individuals and mention your mutual contact.