February 26, 2026 • Nawia
How to get a direct hit?
Perhaps you have been headhunted before, or you are now in a situation where you would like a change in your everyday life and are wondering how you could get headhunted by an interesting organization? So how can you make sure that your name ends up on a consultant's contact list?
At Nawi, direct search always starts with a business need. The company is looking for expertise that will solve a specific problem, accelerate growth, or bring new direction. The direct search consultant defines the profile, maps the market, and identifies individuals whose background matches the target. The process is very systematic and is a project with a beginning and an end, where the right person and personality are recruited for the job.
Direct searches are conducted through many different channels, of which LinkedIn is the most important and central. There are also other channels through which experts or managers can be directly searched for. At Nawia, we use artificial intelligence in direct search to comprehensively review public information sources, such as company websites, speaker lists, graduation lists, and blog posts. At the beginning of each project, we always consider the search criteria: "Which channel can we use to reach this target group?"
It is also important to note that direct recruitment is used for a wide variety of roles, not just management positions.
LinkedIn serves as the most important direct search tool
Most of the mapping takes place on LinkedIn. The platform functions as a search engine and database. The consultant narrows down the search according to the desired profile, for example, based on industry, title, location, skills, and level of experience. The search results are based on keywords and profile structure.
If your profile does not contain key search terms that describe your skills, it will not appear in search results. So, consider whether your LinkedIn profile contains the right search terms.
What is important in a LinkedIn account? Here's how to improve your chances of being recruited.
1. Headline
The headline appears in every search. The title alone is not enough. The same job title means different responsibilities in different organizations. The headline should include the core task and key area of expertise, even if separated by keywords.
For example, in a financial role, simply stating "Controller" does not indicate whether the work focuses on reporting, business coaching, internal accounting, or group accounting. Specifying this helps the consultant understand the profile immediately.
2. About section
The About section provides a space to comprehensively describe your expertise. Often, this section remains too general or incomplete. A strong About section describes your core expertise, the problems you solve, the environment in which you operate, and the results you produce and have produced.
Make this section clear and easy to read. Mention key areas of responsibility, change projects, systems, industries, and business impacts. Write in such a way that an outsider can understand your expertise without knowing the internal context of the organization.
3. Work experience
LinkedIn's search functions rely heavily on keywords. Add key responsibilities and tools for each role. List systems, technologies, and key projects.
Many people leave this too brief. A short description reduces findability and leaves your skills open to interpretation. The same title can mean very different things in different companies. A title alone does not tell anyone anything about your skills.
4. Skills
List the skills that best describe your expertise. Remove any irrelevant skills or those that do not reflect the direction you are seeking.
Visibility can strengthen memory traces
Direct search is not based solely on search results. Consultants monitor industries, companies, and talent movements. Being active and networking on LinkedIn strengthens your memory.
Publications, comments, and expert opinions build your image. This does not mean constant content production, nor is it necessary if it does not feel natural to you.
A consistent career story is convincing
If you are aiming for more demanding roles, build up your track record in your current position. Participate in strategic projects, take responsibility for changes, and clearly state this in your profile. You can also describe your future direction in the About section.
So, is your LinkedIn profile in order? Can you be found through a direct search on LinkedIn or other possible public sources of information?
Check out our recruitment services and find the right solution for your business
Author of the article
Hanna-Mari Hannula
Senior Consultant
