So, would you recommend OP go through a headhunter? I've heard mixed things about them, mainly that they don't do much in exchange for taking 15% of your first year salary.
It sounds like he's suggesting OP should leverage his professional network, especially since he's not looking for his first job. He's got a decent chunk of industry experience, and should've built enough connections to get a couple referrals to different places.
From my own personal experience, I got incredibly lucky finding my first job, with a bunch of extraordinary people, through what was essentially a cold call. Since that job, I haven't had a job that wasn't through some kind of referral or secondary connection.
> Since that job, I haven't had a job that wasn't through some kind of referral or secondary connection.
This has been a huge part of my job finding experience. Most of my work has been found through previous connections. Keep in touch with these folks and help them when you can. It's a good thing to do, and will pay dividends in the future.
Other things that were useful (beyond my network):
* Contracting, because this lowers the risk on both sides. Of course you have to be able to handle the difficulties of contracting.
* technical meetups and getting to know hiring managers through these, which again lowers the risk because you're a known quantity (or at least more known). This is a long play, so join a Meetup now, way before you need to switch jobs.
It's more like 20% but it shouldn't be affecting your base.
If anything it should be increasing it.
They are, in general, scum of the earth though, so tread lightly and hold no loyalty.
Don't give them your CV in word format unless you feel like finding modified versions of it in the interview.
And please replace referral contact/ name info with "referrals available on request" unless you don't mind your old boss being hit up for new work behind your back.
