A number of my private clients have been headhunted recently and asked me how to best response.

After the accepting the initial flattery of being in demand, I recommend:

1) Requesting a short telephone conversation with the headhunter.

2) Ask what they saw in your profile and the reason for contact.

3) Ask who is the client?

4) Qualify further and ask - Apart from money why would they advise you join their client organisation and work for that particular line manager?

5) What is the headhunters client base and specific area of focus - this can be useful if you want a useful connection for future opportunities.

6) Finally dig further and ask - How many times have they recruited for this line manager before? This shows the depth of relationship.

Best wishes with responding, it is always a lift to be headhunted and can lead to developing a positive relationship. I know as a headhunter in my previous career - with the best candidates I placed them several times in better career moves.