One way of finding out which senior academics are approaching the big time - at least in political terms - is to check the address book on their Palm Pilot to see how many of the big headhunting firms have started to approach them. But remember, being approached rather than eagerly waving one's own CV is the key to success. Rumour has it that one Russell Group vice-chancellor has applied for so many positions in recent months, without getting on any of the shortlists, that his application letter is now greeted with disdain when it drops on a headhunter's doormat.