Glossary: HR & Recruiting Definitions
Headhunting, also known as executive search, is the process of recruiting and hiring highly skilled and experienced professionals for senior-level positions within an organization.
Headhunting is a great method for sourcing top talent who may not be actively looking for a new job but who have the skills and experience necessary to excel in the open position. It can be a valuable tool if your company is looking to fill critical roles or to build a strong team of top-performing employees.
The headhunting process usually involves the following steps:
Once a candidate has been selected and offered the position, the headhunting firm or individual headhunter negotiates the employment terms and finalizes the hire on behalf of the company.
Headhunting and traditional recruitment have the same purpose but possess different aspects, so here are a few points which might change your decision on whether to change your traditional recruitment process:
Headhunting is a type of recruitment in which a company, organization, or individual hires a third party to identify and recruit potential employees for a specific job or position. This is in contrast to traditional recruitment methods, in which a company conducts its own search for candidates and manages the recruitment process internally.
One of the key differences between headhunting and traditional recruitment is the level of specialisation involved. Headhunting is often used to fill senior-level or specialised positions that are difficult to fill through traditional recruiting methods. Headhunters have a deep understanding of the job market and are skilled at identifying and recruiting the best candidates for these types of roles.
Another difference is the level of control a company has over the recruitment process. In traditional recruitment, a company has full control over the search for candidates and the selection process.
With headhunting, the company typically provides the headhunting firm or individual headhunter with the requirements and specifications for the position, but the headhunter manages the search and presents a shortlist of qualified candidates for the company to review.
Headhunting can also be a more costly recruitment method than traditional recruitment. Headhunting firms and individual headhunters often charge a fee for their services, which can add to the overall cost per hire.
However, many companies view this cost as worthwhile, given the expertise and time-saving benefits of using a headhunter.
There are several advantages to using headhunting as a recruitment method, including the following:
While there are several advantages to using headhunting as a recruitment method, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider. These include the following:
Overall, while headhunting can be an effective recruitment method, it is important for companies to carefully weigh the potential advantages and disadvantages before deciding whether to use a headhunter.
Need to hire senior-level positions? Check out our article on recruitment and hiring ideas to save time (and money).
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