Hunting the Headhunters: A Woman's Guide

With crisp writing, thorough explanations and insightful advice, freelance journalist Cole pursues headhunters``job brokers hired and paid by client companies to fill vacancies for high- and mid-level executive positions.'' Her book is a gold mine of information about this relatively new industry, most of it appropriate for men as well as women who are contemplating a career move. Special sections focus on women's issues, from how to answer a recruiter's question about child care (``instead of going through the difficulties you had finding child-care arrangements for the first six months after you went back to work, emphasize the stable arrangement you've established over the past two years'') to tips on dressing for success. Interweaving interviews with headhunters, anecdotes from women who have used their services and her own judicious perceptions, Cole teaches the novice how to ``take an active role in the game of executive headhuntingand at the same time take an active role in planning your career.'' In the process, she also demystifies these high-powered people, comparing them to old-fashioned matchmakers. The book includes a list of general and specialty recruiting firms. First serial to Business Week Careers and Glamour. (September)