What is a headhunter? A complete guide

Every business wants to attract top talent, but it isn’t always easy to do. That’s why companies often use professionals known as “headhunters” to identify highly qualified professionals, especially for executive-level or specialized positions. 

But you may be asking yourself: What is a headhunter? And can one help me with my career? We’ll give you the complete guide to finding and working with a headhunter to maximize your career opportunities.

What is a headhunter in business?

Headhunters, also known as executive recruiters, are experts in identifying and recruiting top-tier professionals to fill open roles within a company. Rather than working in-house, many headhunters are hired externally by businesses and organizations to locate such candidates who may still be employed elsewhere.

Some headhunters specialize in certain industries, fields, or roles, such as executive-level positions, to help companies find candidates who possess the specific skills and background that the role requires. 

Headhunters are highly skilled in networking and have a comprehensive knowledge of the job market, so that they can be targeted in their efforts and find just the right candidates, saving companies valuable time and resources in the recruitment process.

What are a headhunter’s responsibilities?

If you had to distill the role of a headhunter in business into one sentence, a headhunter’s primary responsibility is to identify and place the top professionals in their industry. 

Headhunters go through a candidate’s background with a fine-toothed comb, including assessing the candidate’s skills and experience, interviewing them, and checking their references. This way, candidates have been thoroughly vetted by the time they meet with a prospective employer, who can be assured that this person will meet the specific requirements of the role.

Headhunters are focused on quality, working with you to identify your goals and professional strengths. They won’t put you forward for just any position; their goal is to make sure that potential opportunities align with your most important career elements, satisfying both your immediate and long-term career objectives. 

This careful alignment can also help give you an edge when competing with a list of other candidates for the same role.

What is the difference between a headhunter and a recruiter?

When considering the difference between the two, think of it this way: all headhunters are recruiters, but not all recruiters are headhunters. While both work to find the best candidates to fill a company’s open positions, they do this in slightly different ways. 

Here are the key differences:

• Recruiters work to fill open positions at all levels, while headhunters tend to focus on specialized roles or executive-level candidates.

• Headhunters are more proactive, often approaching professionals who are currently employed and not necessarily looking for a new position. Conversely, recruiters tend to reach out to those actively looking, or even be approached by the job seekers themselves.

• Headhunters are almost always third-party agents, while recruiters may work either in-house or for a contracted agency.

• Headhunters can be paid a variety of ways, such as on retainer or with a commission fee (usually 20-30% of the candidate’s one year salary). Recruiters, on the other hand, usually work on salary.

• Headhunters are mainly focused on sourcing the appropriate candidates, while recruiters often handle the entire scope of the hiring process, from finding candidates and setting up interviews to onboarding the new hires.

Why should you work with a headhunter?

Headhunters are skilled business matchmakers with the inside knowledge and expertise to match the right candidates to a position. Remember, headhunters usually don’t get paid until the position is filled, so they’re motivated to find appropriate candidates and not waste time with someone who isn’t right for the job. 

Many headhunters will even work with you on developing your resume and provide some level of interview coaching, if needed. They also tend to have intel on positions that are not publicly advertised, and can submit you as a candidate for those.

Headhunters can also save you time in the job search process by sifting through open positions to help you find ones you’re qualified for. This frees up more of your time to prepare for future interviews and develop your professional network. 

Additionally, a headhunter can act as an advocate on your behalf, vouching for your skills, expertise, and achievements to potential employers. They also have direct access to the decision makers that normal job hunters don’t, which expands your professional network.

How to find a headhunter

A headhunter can be a valuable ally in your job search, but how do you find one?

• Search online. Professional sites such as LinkedIn or other professional organizations can be a great place to search for headhunters who specialize in your field.

• Work your network. Attend industry events, join industry organizations, or contact people in your current network to ask if they have any recommendations. Or do a search on other networking sites, such as Instagram, Reddit, Slack, or Meetup.

• Read industry news. These articles can be a great source for this information, as they’ll usually mention the name of the recruiting agency for an open position within the text.

• Check industry message boards, such as those hosted by trade organizations, college alumni groups, or professional societies.

7 Tips for working with a headhunter

If you’ve been approached by a headhunter (or found one on your own), there are a few things you can do to maximize your job search experience.

1. Don’t give your information without researching first

Make sure that the headhunter you're working with is trustworthy and has experience in your field. Why? Once a headhunter has your information, they’re able to submit on your behalf whether you want them to or not. 

Once that happens, you can’t apply for any other jobs at that same company, whether directly or via another recruiter. So do your homework first to make sure that this headhunter is who they say they are and has reputable experience in your industry.

2. Ask the headhunter questions

Before you sign on the dotted line, you should give your headhunter a thorough examination. Ask them about what companies they partner with, what roles they’ve successfully placed in the past, and why you should work with them (rather than another headhunter).

Other questions you can ask include:

• How many people have you placed in similar positions?

• How will you market my qualifications to potential employers?

• What does your recruiting process entail?

3. Communicate with the headhunter

A headhunter isn’t a mind reader. Make sure to let them know about your career goals, aspirations, and non-negotiables. Check in with them on a regular basis, keeping them updated on your career so that they can present you to potential employers accurately. 

Make sure to use the headhunter’s preferred method of communication, whether that be email or phone. And keep them updated after interviews or any notable changes in your skills, training, or job responsibilities.

4. Get your materials in order

Update your resume and LinkedIn profile, ensuring that your work history, education, skills, and contact information are up to date. This way, the headhunter will have the basic tools they need to match you with the appropriate opportunity.

5. Make sure that the headhunter can reach you

Once you’ve established your professional relationship, be sure to respond promptly whenever the headhunter sends you a message. 

Not only is this the professional thing to do, as it demonstrates your reliability, but it also ensures that you don’t miss out on any opportunities that may pop up!

6. Always be professional

Remember, the headhunter isn’t your buddy; they are a partner in your career whose goal is to place you in a great job. Your communication with them, whether via phone or email, should always be polite, professional, and concise.

7. Be your own best advocate

Headhunters are people too, with their own personalities and work styles. If you have any concerns about the working relationship, don’t be afraid to speak up. Make sure that you’re clear on your goals, your timeline, the interview process, etc. And don’t be afraid to ask questions! 

If, at any point, you’re not comfortable with how things are being handled, you can always cut ties with the headhunter by sending them an email or other written communication to document why you’re ending the working relationship.

The best tip for working with a headhunter is to be yourself and be honest. Don’t lie about your experience, salary, or connections. Headhunters have a lot on the line—such as their commission fee and professional reputation—so they need to know that they’re working with someone trustworthy and committed to their career. 

Make sure that you’re on board with the headhunter’s expectations, and be respectful of their time. While you’re still the one in charge, a headhunter needs to be sure that you’re the right, ready candidate for any opportunities they may find for you.

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Key takeaways

1. Headhunters, also known as executive recruiters, are experts in identifying and recruiting top-tier professionals to fill open roles in companies across the job market.

2. Headhunters work with you to identify your goals and professional strengths, making  sure that potential opportunities align with your most important career elements.

3. Headhunters are skilled business matchmakers with the inside knowledge and expertise to match the right candidates to a position, saving you time in your job search.

4. Top tips for working with a headhunter include doing your research, asking questions, communicating clearly, frequently, and professionally, and staying true to yourself.