[Mr.Unique]

It always helps to have a well-written resume that documents some marketable skills.

YMMV

[EQAndyBuzz]

There is software that takes a resume and based on key words and requirements will go through it and spit out a result. Let’s say they are requiring 10 skills and you have 7, you are matched to the job at 70%. They then take the top 10 or so resumes and sent it to the hiring manager. Out of 10 the manager picks the 3 best. After interviewing if they don’t have a candidate, the process starts all over again.

[Vigilanteman]

Due to #9, they may not even get read. HR managers are some of the laziest people on the planet, which is why #9 is so popular. It helps (a lot) that there is a tight labor market currently so they have to actually have to do some work.

My best advice is to be nice to headhunters when you are younger, even help them find people if their job isn't for you (if you can). When you are older and you need work, they just might be there for you. That's how I got my present job. And my last job in my previous country of residence.

I have a great deal of respect for headhunters because THEY actually have to work, unlike HR Mandarins.