OK, so this title isn’t nearly as cool as the title of the article I want to talk about: How to Headhunt the Headhunters, by Tara Weiss from Forbes.com. But, that’s the way it goes. The article got my attention and it has some great information I want to pass along to you.

First, don’t just send your resume out indiscriminately. I get the concept of “flooding the market” with your info, but it just doesn’t work.

What does work? Find a recruiter who specializes in your field. I am a medical sales recruiter, so I specialize in placing people in sales, marketing and management for medical sales, clinical diagnostics, research and laboratory products, biotech products, imaging, pathology, DNA, cellular, molecular, histology, medical supplies, hospital equipment, surgical supplies, pharmaceuticals…you get the idea. But, if you send me a cover letter, you’d better make it effortless for me to skim it quickly and get the facts I need.

Use your network. If you know someone who knows a recruiter, get them to introduce you. Or, use social networks to do the same thing. LinkedIn (I’m on that one) is a great resource.

Get your name out there. Make yourself visible by attending conferences (better yet, offer to speak at one) or by writing articles for blogs or industry newsletters.

Finally, any recruiters you do come in contact with should be a part of your network that you maintain, so pass along names of others if you can. Do your part to help others, and when it’s your turn to need help…you’ll most likely get it.