articles and insights

How to Deal with Headhunters

"In the business world, a “headhunter” is someone who handles recruiting and interviewing on behalf of corporate clients. If you’re invited for an interview with a headhunter, you’ve made a good impression during telephone screening interviews. During this round of interviews, the headhunter will dig deeper in an effort to uncover the real you, and only applicants who pass this rigorous screening process will get interviews with the client.

Step 1 - Pretend you’re interviewing with the employer. Some job-seekers mistakenly view the headhunter interview as a formality or a casual chat prior to meeting with the employer. They may not prepare as well or be as mindful of their body language and other cues during the meeting. However, if you don’t pass this first step, you’ll never make it to an official interview with the employer. Approach the interview as though you’re meeting with senior company leadership and as if it’s your one opportunity to impress. Arrive early, dress professionally, offer a firm handshake and make plenty of eye contact.

Step 2 - Be prepared for more personal questions. A headhunter’s reputation is on the line when he recommends candidates to his clients, so he wants to look past the stellar resume and get a glimpse into your personality. He’ll likely ask much more personal questions than you’d normally encounter during an interview. For example, he might ask about your upbringing and how your parents influenced your career choices. While these questions may not seem directly related to your qualifications, he’s trying to understand your goals and values. Be honest and open, and share personal details that portray you as a committed, hardworking candidate." 

Step 3 - Remember that the headhunter could open doors for other jobs if you don’t get this one. Headhunters represent several clients, so if you’re not a good fit for this position, if he likes what he sees he might think of you when he’s recruiting for vacancies at other companies. Don’t embellish your credentials so that you better fit the position you’re interviewing for. Instead, be honest about your qualifications and establish trust.

Step 4 - Show enthusiasm. Headhunters want to refer candidates who will impress their clients and increase the odds a company will hire them to recruit for other jobs. Top-notch qualifications aren’t always enough; instead, they want enthusiastic applicants who will make a good impression on the employer. If you seem bored or demonstrate little interest during your interview with the headhunter, he’ll assume that’s how you’ll interview with the client, as well. Because this could damage his reputation, he’ll likely eliminate you from consideration even if you’re well-qualified. Ask insightful questions about the position and the company to demonstrate you’re committed to fitting in with the corporate culture.

This article was first published here: https://work.chron.com/deal-head-hunters-during-interviews-17768.html

10 Ways to Stop Feeling Overworked and Overwhelmed 

All of those can help, but as Scott Eblin, author of Overworked and Overwhelmed: The Mindfulness Alternative, says, "The only person who is going to keep you from feeling overworked and overwhelmed is you."
According to Scott, it all starts with one thing. You must commit to intentionally managing your time so you have a fighting chance of showing up at your best: your most inspired, your most productive, and your most "in the flow."
So how do you do that? Here are Scott's tips:

1. Recognize and overcome the tyranny of the present.
People who are always "in the moment" don't look ahead and make plans to pursue their goals and dreams. Though there are certainly things you need to do every day, much of what you think you need to do isn't particularly important -- especially where your long-term goals are concerned.

2. Ask, "Is this really necessary?"
Challenge your basic assumptions about your regular habits. Do you need to have that meeting? Do you need to create that report? Do you need to respond to that email? In many cases you don't, but you do anyway simply because that's what you've always done. Eliminate as many "nice to do" tasks as possible. Not only will you have more time, you'll also have more time to be effective where it really matters.

3. Push reset on your calendar.
Sometimes the answer to "Is this really necessary?" is, "Yes, but not right now." What is the most important thing you need to do today? What tasks will keep you from getting that done? The same is true if something important pops up: Immediately reset your calendar and re-prioritize. Getting stuff done is fine, but getting the right stuff done is what really matters.

4. Determine (and follow) your unique operating rhythm.
We all work differently. Some like to hit the ground running. Others like to start the day by reflecting, meditating, and thinking. Some like to work late into the night. The key is to understand not just how you like to work but also how you work best. You might like to work late at night, but if you're tired and frazzled by a long day you won't perform at your best... and isn't performing at your best what matters most? Do some experiments to figure out what works best for you. (Here's a cool infographic on the impact of schedules on productivity.) While you won't always be able to stick to your plan, you will always have a plan to return to.

5. Schedule the most important tasks first.
What are your priorities for the month? The week? Today? Determine what they are and do those things first. Why would you work on less important tasks when the truly important items are where you create the most value -- whether for your business or your life?

6. Give yourself time for unconscious thought.
Giving yourself time for unconscious thought is key to making smart decisions when you face complex problems. Research shows people tend to make their best decisions when they have an opportunity to review the data and facts... and then focus their thought on something else for a period of time. How? Take a walk. Do a mindless chore. Exercise. Do something where your body takes over and your mind goes on autopilot. You'll be surprised by the solutions you can dream up when you aren't trying to be creative.

7. Set boundaries.
No one can or should be on 24/7. Yet you probably feel you are--because you allow yourself to be. Set some boundaries: the time you'll stop working, certain times you'll do things with your family, certain times you won't take calls, etc. Then let people know those boundaries. Other people won't respect your time unless you respect your time first.

8. Be strategic with "yes" and "no."
You can't say yes to everything. (Well, you can, but you won't get everything you say yes to done--so in effect you're still saying no.) Sometimes you simply need to say no. Other times you can say, "No, unless..." and add stipulations. The same is true with yes: Saying, "Yes, but only if..." creates guidelines. Always consider the effect of a request on your most important goals. An automatic yes also automatically takes time away from what you need to get done.

9. Tame your distractions.
Most people are distracted over 30 times an hour: phone calls, emails, texts, office drop-ins... the list is endless.Schedule blocks of time when you'll turn off alerts. The only way to stay on schedule is to work on your own schedule -- not on that of other people.

10. Remember your impact on other people.
If you're a leader -- and if you run a business, you definitely are -- you naturally impact other people. You set a direction. You set a standard. Be a great role model: a person who gets important tasks done, who stays on point, who focuses on achieving goals and dreams ... and who helps other people achieve their goals and dreams. That's reason enough to manage your time so you're consistently at your best.

This article was first published here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/10-ways-stop-feeling-overworked-overwhelmed-jeff-haden