I n order to be hunted by an executive recruiter, you have to maintain a visible profile in your industry.

That includes writing articles for industry publications, being visibly active in professional associations, consulting outside your job, seeking leadership roles in community organizations and staying in touch with former associates and bosses.

If you’ve done all of this, you probably won’t need to contact a recruiter because one will already have found you. But if you haven’t been found yet...

Consult one of the recruiter directories. The top two are Directory of Executive Recruiters (Kennedy) and Executive Recruiters of North America (Hunt-Scanlon). They are available at most libraries.

Get recommendations. Talk to colleagues, friends and people in your industry’s professional associations. Ask which recruiters they have worked with, and send your résumé with a cover letter to your top choices.

Attend career-development programs sponsored by your professional associations. Follow up a recruiter’s lecture with a note introducing yourself and commenting on his/her presentation.

Ask friends in your industry to refer you to recruiters when they are “hunted.”

Start networking with search firms before you broadcast your résumé to potential employers. Search firms like to discover fresh talent.

WHEN A HEADHUNTER CALLS

During the initial conversation with the recruiter, be sure to ask about the specific job opening and the company. What is the level of responsibility? Salary? Corporate culture?

If none of these are right for you, tell the headhunter what would be right. If you can, suggest someone else who might be good for the position. Remember that you will be judged by the quality of your recommendation. Good people know good people.

HANDLING THE INTERVIEW

The recruiter is probably interviewing many candidates. You must demonstrate that you are the best choice. To do this...

Be positive, knowledgeable and enthusiastic about your field of expertise. This is especially important if you are currently unemployed.

Prepare questions for your interview. This shows that you are actively interested. The best candidates ask the best questions.

Issues to cover: Job responsibilities, insider’s information about the company, potential pitfalls of the position, possible career opportunities, what happened to the person previously holding the job.

Declining a position won’t damage your relationship with a recruiter as long as you are professional and honest throughout the process.

TO KEEP HEADHUNTERS INTERESTED IN YOU...

Offer to be a source for future searches. If you’re helpful, the headhunter will think of you when other openings arise.

Stay in touch. Follow a meeting with a thank-you note. Periodically drop a line about your latest accomplishment or promotion. Don’t write too frequently -- only when something is newsworthy. The most frequent communicators are usually the least desirable candidates.