What is a Headhunter and Why They Won’t Find You a Job?

Headhunters, also known as executive recruiters, play a significant role in the job market. But what is a headhunter? – They are professional consultants hired by companies to search for and recruit the very best talent for specific roles – typically senior leadership roles.

Many job seekers, however, misunderstand the role of headhunters and have unrealistic expectations about what headhunting is, and how it can help in finding them a job. In this article, we will delve into what headhunters do and explain why they won’t find you a job.

What Headhunters Do?

Headhunters act as consultants to their clients and as intermediaries between employers and job seekers during active searches. Their primary focus is to identify and attract highly qualified candidates who meet the specific requirements of a senior-level role. They use their extensive networks, expert tools and industry insights to source potential candidates and evaluate their suitability for the role. Headhunters are typically engaged by companies to fill senior-level positions or highly specialised roles that are hard to fill through traditional recruitment methods or where confidentiality and sensitivity play a significant role.

Headhunters Find The Best Candidates For Their Clients, Not Jobs For Candidates

Contrary to popular belief, headhunters do not actively search for jobs for individual candidates like traditional recruitment companies might do. Their main objective is to identify the best candidates for their clients, which are the companies that hire them as professional consultants. This means that headhunters are primarily focused on finding the very best candidates who have the skills, experience, and qualifications required for a specific role. They rely on their expertise and network to approach potential candidates and convince them to consider the opportunity presented by their client.

How To Position Yourself To Be Found By A Headhunter

To increase your chances of being found by a headhunter, it is essential to position yourself as a desirable candidate in your field. Firstly, ensure that your professional profiles, such as LinkedIn, are up to date and reflect your skills and achievements accurately. Additionally, actively engage in industry-specific events, conferences, and networking activities to expand your connections. Building a strong personal brand through thought leadership and demonstrating expertise in your domain can also attract the attention of headhunters.

It is crucial to understand that the role of a headhunter is primarily focused on finding the best candidates for specific roles, rather than directly finding jobs for individual candidates. However, by positioning yourself effectively, you can increase your visibility to headhunters and improve your chances of being considered for opportunities. Remember to keep your professional profiles up to date, actively engage in industry events, and build a strong personal brand to catch the attention of headhunters.