Hire Expectations: How to Be a Standout Candidate in Our Recruitment Process
by Imogen Gibb, Consultant
If you've never worked with a headhunter before, the process may seem a bit daunting. Our role is to position you for success - presenting you to hiring managers, guiding you through interviews, and ultimately negotiating offers on your behalf. Building a strong relationship with the consultant who represents you can make all the difference. Here’s how to work effectively with us at MadlinHanna to ensure an enjoyable process, and maximise your chances of securing the right role.
Optimise Your Online Presence
First impressions matter, and in today’s market, your LinkedIn profile is often the first thing hiring managers and recruiters will see. Ensure that:
Your profile is up to date and accurately reflects your experience.
You have a professional, high-quality photo.
Your headline and summary highlight your key skills and areas of expertise.
Your experience is detailed, with a focus on achievements rather than just responsibilities.
Having a well-crafted profile ensures you’re visible to headhunters, and helps us approach you for the right roles.
Communication is Key
During a hiring process, you’ll spend a lot of time speaking with your consultant. We’re here to advocate for you, so keeping communication open at every stage is crucial.
Be proactive: Quick email or text updates on your availability, interview schedules, or any delays enables us to schedule and manage your process efficiently.
Keep us informed: If your circumstances change - whether it’s another offer on the table or shifting salary expectations - let us know as soon as possible.
Trust the process: We have your best interests in mind and can guide you through challenges, from interview prep to offer negotiations.
Good communication enables a smooth process, and helps us represent you in the best way possible.
Craft a Strong CV
Your CV is the first impression a hiring manager will have of your written communication and professional experience. We don’t use them to secure the interview but they form a part of the process. To stand out:
Start with a strong professional profile - highlighting your unique selling points (USP).
Avoid generic, vague statements - be specific about your achievements. Give examples.
Keep the tense consistent throughout.
Focus on key achievements, not just responsibilities.
Be concise - irrelevant, early career roles are not essential.
A polished CV gives hiring managers confidence in your ability and makes you more memorable.
Prepare for Interviews with Your Consultant
Interviews can be daunting, but we’re here to help you feel prepared and confident.
Use the STAR technique – structure your answers with clear examples.
Think about opinion-based questions – do your research, and practice responses to industry-related topics.
Presentation prep - we’ll run through your presentation with you. Come to the practice session fully researched and with a solid first draft.
Ask us key questions – we know our clients well and can provide insights into their company culture, leadership style, and expectations.
Have a pen and paper ready during our prep calls - taking notes will help you retain key details and go into your interview fully prepared.
Be Open About Salary Expectations
Salary discussions can feel uncomfortable, but transparency is key. We will always aim to secure you the best possible offer, but having a clear idea of your expectations from the start ensures a smoother negotiation process. In most cases, we won’t share your current salary with the hiring manager, but we do need to understand it to give you the best advice on positioning your expectations. Being upfront allows us to negotiate effectively on your behalf and secure a package that aligns with your goals.
Working with a headhunter is a partnership. The more we know about you—your strengths, ambitions, and preferences—the better we can match you with the right opportunities. By optimising your online presence, maintaining clear communication, refining your CV, preparing thoroughly for interviews, and being transparent about salary expectations, you set yourself up for success.
We’re here to support, guide, and advocate for you - let’s work together to find the right role and make the process as seamless as possible.
MadlinHanna Consulting is a recruitment consultancy specialising in public affairs, corporate communications and financial PR. Contact us in London on +44 (0) 20 8088 4102 or in Brussels on +32 (0) 2 586 38 98 for more information or a confidential conversation about these services and more.