Do you get calls at work from third party recruiters (AKA Headhunters) telling you they have the greatest career opportunity. Maybe you laugh at them, or at the very least don't take them seriously. No matter what your opinion of them, Headhunters can be a valuable resource in getting you your next job.

Many times you'll be contacted by a recruiter when you're not considering a career change. You might be very content with your current employer. That's good; however, what the recruiter might be offering is a career opportunity that's better than the one you currently have. The next time a recruiter calls, don't be so quick to get them off the phone. The few minutes you invest in a conversation could turn into a great job for you.

So what should you do the next time a third party recruiter calls you at work? Here are a few suggestions.

Find out as many details as you can about the company. Chances are pretty good the recruiter won't tell you the name of the company, at least during this first phone call. There are some things you can find out that will help you decide if it's the type of company you'd like to work for. You might ask the following questions:

* What is the size of the company, in terms of revenue, sales, number of employees, number of locations, etc?

* What types of products and/or services are offered by the company?

* Is the company international?

* How long has the company been in business?

* Is it a public or private company?

Get information about the position. Ask questions to find out about the role and responsibilities of this position. This might not be the right fit for you in your career. Some points to clarify include:

* Job title

* Key duties and responsibilities

* Where the position is located

* Why the position is available

* Length of time it's been open

* Travel requirements, if any

Find out about the recruiter. Ask about his/her experience – do they specialize in your industry? How long has their office been in business? Are they a part of a large network of recruiters?

Set up ground rules for contact. If you decide to work with this third party recruiter, let him/her know if you can be contacted at work or if you prefer receiving calls on your cell phone. Can they call you during business hours? Can he/she email you at work, or should they use your personal email address? Be clear as to how you want to be contacted. Since you might not be unhappy in your current position, you wouldn't want your current employer to know you're working with a recruiter.

Ask about the process. If you decide to move forward, what will be expected of you? What role does the recruiter play in the process? Is there anyone else who will be involved? Finding out about the process in the beginning will help to prevent any miscommunication or misunderstandings going forward.

Control your resume. You should know when your resume is submitted to a company. Ask the recruiter to contact you before a resume is sent out to get your permission to do so.

Fees/Costs. Are you required to pay any fees for the recruiter's services? If the answer is yes, don't work with them. Reputable third party recruiters are employer paid and candidates have no financial responsibility whatsoever.

Utilizing the services of a third party recruiter can be a big help as you search for your next career opportunity. It's your decision whether or not to work with a Headhunter. Take your time and ask as many questions as you need to so you feel comfortable with the recruiter and the process. If you are not completely comfortable about the recruiter, position or the process you can always say “no, thanks” (politely, of course) and hang up the phone.