By: Career Mastered Staff
COVID-19 brought on many challenges and limitations but also opened the path for business professionals to have a wide range of opportunities to choose certain positions. Research shows that more professionals are looking for jobs than before the pandemic began. That’s good news for both the employer and business professionals.
If you are seeking employment with a new company, you should know the difference between a headhunter and a recruiter. The terms are often used interchangeably, but there’s a difference. All headhunters are recruiters, but it isn’t necessarily the case that all recruiters are headhunters.
When we work with clients on career strategy, especially those who have a line of sight to the C-Suite, we recommend they build relationships with executive search firms that employ headhunters. Having an inside track can ease the process and help your strategy, especially when dozens of business professionals apply for the same position.
Headhunters and recruiters are both responsible for finding candidates, but they use different methods, and they often source different types of candidates.
A headhunter is an individual or company that finds potential candidates for the position(s) that a company is looking to fill. Subsequently, they provide that information to the company. They have experience placing executive talent in multiple industries. Headhunters have the expertise and powerful networks to find the executive a company is looking for or, a company you have an interest in joining. Typically, headhunters specialize in a certain field and do not generally do any hiring. A recruiter is someone who works with the hiring process itself. They typically post job openings and are the first person a candidate speaks with at a company. They pre-screen candidates and begin the hiring process. A recruiter helps job candidates get placed in the job that best fits their skills.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE HIRING A HEADHUNTER
They:
source high-quality candidates.
typically seek high-level candidates.
are specialized and look for unique candidates.
do not hire; they source.
locate and communicate with the candidate(s).
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE HIRING A RECRUITER
They:
typically work with a variety of industries.
handle the initial part of the hiring process.
help the job candidate find the best position for their skill set.
fill positions.
METHODS
The methods used by headhunters and recruiters are different.
Headhunters are generally proactive; they approach people who are already employed and aren’t necessarily looking for a new job. Headhunters typically use methods like:
Searching professional connections.
Joining and attending professional networking events.
Perusing staff rosters of companies.
Recruiters are more reactive. They often approach recruitees indirectly. Recruiters often use methods like:
Posting open positions on job boards (e.g., indeed.com)
Reviewing resumes that are sent to a company.
HOW EFFECTIVE ARE THEY?
Both headhunters and recruiters can be very effective. It’s best, however, to make sure you do your homework and research the person and/or search firm. Seek out positive referrals and testimonials to locate the best fit for your needs.x
