How to Get Headhunted (Even If You’re Not Looking)

You’re not job hunting.
You’re not scrolling job boards.
You’re not polishing your CV every week.

And yet — getting tapped on the shoulder for your next opportunity sounds pretty good.

This is the power of being headhunted.

Recruiters and hiring managers often approach candidates who aren’t actively applying — especially for mid to senior roles. But they can only reach out if they can find you — and want to.

Here’s how to get headhunted… even when you’re not looking.

1. Make Your LinkedIn Profile Searchable

Most recruiters use LinkedIn like a search engine.

If your profile doesn’t show up — you don’t exist.

Quick fixes:

• Use a clear job title in your headline (e.g., “Senior Data Analyst | FMCG | Python & SQL”)

• Add keywords recruiters search for in your About section and Experience

• Include tools, certifications, industries (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot, IFRS, EdTech)

Bonus tip: Add “Open to work” privately (choose “recruiters only”)

2. Share What You’re Working On (Strategically)

You don’t need to post every week — but occasional updates help.

Try:

• Sharing a project milestone or achievement

• Posting an article with your take on an industry trend

• Commenting insightfully on posts from others in your space

This keeps you visible — and shows recruiters you’re active and engaged.

3. Be Clear About What You Do

Confusing job titles are the #1 reason recruiters skip profiles.

Examples that don’t help:

• “Consultant”

• “Problem Solver”

• “Growth Enthusiast”

Be specific:

• “Regional Sales Manager | B2B SaaS | APAC”

• “Digital Marketing Lead | Performance & SEO | E-commerce”

Even if you’re not applying, clarity = discoverability.

4. Make It Easy to Reach You

If a recruiter can’t message you, they’ll move on.

To fix this:

• Enable Open Profile (so anyone can DM you on LinkedIn)

• Add an email address in your About section (use a professional one)

• Link your portfolio or website if relevant

You don’t need to broadcast your phone number — but don’t make contact a guessing game.

5. Get Featured Where Recruiters Look

Beyond LinkedIn, recruiters source talent from:

• Niche job boards (e.g., Wellfound, Dribbble, Behance, GitHub)

• Industry forums or Slack groups

• Professional communities or alumni networks

Find 1–2 places your peers hang out — and make sure your profile there shines.

6. Talk to Recruiters Before You “Need” Them

Headhunting is often about timing.

If you wait until you’re desperate for a change, you may miss the best roles.

Build recruiter relationships now — even if it’s just a friendly:

“Not actively looking, but open to hearing about relevant opportunities in X industry.”

This way, you stay top of mind when the right role pops up.

7. Use HelloRecruiters (Even If You're Passive)

You don’t need to be job-seeking full-time to be open to the right move.

On HelloRecruiters, you can:

• Select your location, industry, and preferred type of role

• Get matched with recruiters who specialize in your space

• Stay in the loop — without broadcasting your search

💡 Want to see who’s hiring in your field?
→ Get matched with vetted recruiters

Final Thoughts

Getting headhunted isn’t about being famous on LinkedIn.

It’s about:
✔ Being discoverable
✔ Being relevant
✔ Being open (even passively)

And when the right recruiter finds you — it could be your next big step.

Ready to be on recruiter radars — even while you’re “not looking”?

Let HelloRecruiters introduce you to 5–10 recruiters in your industry and location.

Start here → hellorecruiters.co