[ADVICE] Headhunter found me on LinkedIn... wants to chat.

Doesn't hurt to talk and you can use this as practice. Advice? Be assertive and confident in your skill sets. Be honest but don't be afraid to pat yourself on the back for the good things you have done or what you can provide. Also, even though you might not be interested, express your curiosity and excitement about the position. Sell yourself.

one other thing...be prepared. Have answers to those basic questions usually asked. E.g, Why are you looking? what have you done? what do you currently do? etc. Even though you know what you do and it might be boring to you, the person you are talking to has no idea, so talk it up.

 

You have nothing really to lose here by having this conversation. I always ask those people how they came across my number or search method. That is one of the reasons I stopped using Linkedin because too many random HR firms wanting to have a chat.

 

A headhunter from New Guinea found me on LinkedIn -- I declined his offer to fly out and meet his tribe.

 

Could be for a small business that needs to give a great title to get someone in.

 

This happens a lot.

 

I should have elaborated and said that even though it might be for a smaller company, there is nothing wrong with that. I love working at small companies where I have a huge impact.

 

did you mean cool instead of coo?

 

You need to have irrational confidence. Most executives have no idea what they're doing. You don't make the shots you don't take and a myriad other slogans that support irrational confidence. You can do it!

 

Nigerian headhunters contact me often with a $5 million sign on bonus and some gold chains

I reject

 

Every executive at one time in their career was not an executive and took a job that they didn't know what they were doing in to learn to be an executive.

 

See yourself in the role, visualize successful outcomes. You have all kinds of support and analytical staff helping you once you get there, most of whose own sense of success and stability relies on your success. There are less intelligent people with worse people skills and less experience in better jobs than you, because they willingly ask for the roles and learn to exploit all the credibility and leverage that comes with it.

 

I've had plenty hiring firms add me on linkedin, but none has messaged me. the ones i get are offering training programs or borinf seminars.

 

I'm going to give you a little advice.

There's a force in the universe that makes things happen. And all you have to do is get in touch with it, stop thinking, let things happen, and be the COO.

 

Saw this quote the other day:
"If someone offers you an amazing opportunity but you're not sure you can do it, say yes - then learn how to do it later." Richard Branson

 

Also, remember that headhunters only get paid if you get hired... They're not going to waste their time if they don't think you'd be able to do it. Sure, maybe there's someone better than you, but let the employer decide that. You wont get it if you dont try.

 

Could be a smaller firm looking for a cheaper candidate; could also be a new recruiter still learning the industry. I work at a headhunting firm and can tell you from experience that both are common