Talent pools and headhunting

Talent pools and headhunting are tools used by companies to cherry pick the best employees in the market who will drive the growth of their company. Generally they're considered more expensive ways for companies to hire employees, but this extra cost is offset by the higher chance that the new recruit will be a success.

Being a big fish in a small pond
Big corporations track the progress of top graduates and other high flyers they have identified as potentially valuable in the future. They make a move to acquire the services of individuals from this talent pool when they've got positions they need to fill. It's generally a long term process and your career progress may be being tracked without you even knowing it.

The higher your profile in the market, the more they will want you and the greater the rewards you can expect, so here are some tips on how to go about getting noticed:

• Have a strategy - knowing what you aim to achieve in your career is the key.
• Post your CV on job websites; companies regularly scour these looking for top talent.
• Network - get your face around; there's nothing like it for building a profile.
• Join a business association - the local chamber of commerce is a good place to find out more.
• Make yourself an expert - writing a blog or getting an article published in a trade journal are good ways to boost your credibility.
• Be the best - do your job well, and make sure people know about it. It's what they're ultimately going to be hiring you for.

If there's a specific company you'd like to work for you should try making a prospective application explaining why you think you would be a perfect fit for their organisation. They may not have a specific position open for you now, but they will appreciate the pro-active approach and will be likely to keep you in mind for upcoming vacancies.

Going hunting
Companies enlist head-hunters to go out and find individuals when they have a specific role that needs filling. Unlike the 10-20% of an employee's salary that most regular recruitment agencies charge, head-hunters can earn substantially more for the extra effort they put in.

Once given a description of the individual they need to find, head-hunters will use every trick in the book and every avenue possible to uncover the best of the best, so if you want to be in their sights, follow the rules above.

It's now becoming increasingly common for individuals, especially those in high-paying roles, to approach head-hunters to find roles for them. This involves the head-hunter delving deep into companies to find out what vacancies are currently available, and what might be coming up in the near future.

How to recognise when you're in demand
"Someone called for you earlier but wouldn't leave a message. He said he'd call back." This is a classic sign that someone wants to talk. If you want to keep your job search a secret you should be as subtle as you can when answering questions and always request they call you back at a more convenient time. They'll understand your situation and to your colleagues you'll sound like you're fending off a telemarketing call.

We all love the idea that someone out there has spotted us and is after our services; it's a feel good thing, but that's not enough in itself. You may find yourself being flattered into a deal that – without the inner glow you've got right now – you wouldn't normally touch with a bargepole.

Don't allow yourself to be seduced by the natural sense of satisfaction and self-worth you'll feel by being approached. Never make snap decisions on whether to accept an offer, or verbally commit yourself to something you might later regret.

Take your time, and treat it like any other job offer. Sleep on it. Discuss it with friends and colleagues. Only take it if it's absolutely the right thing for you at this moment in time. Remember: if this person has noticed you, you can be sure that he or she is not the only one. Be patient, and see what the next phone call brings.