208
Has anyone used a headhunter to find a new job? If so, would you recommend it?
Hi all.
What do you know about working with headhunters to find a new job?
Thanks.
Christina SantoroWholesale Footwear Sales Executive
41
12/17/20 at 8:42PM UTC
There are recruiters who have exclusivity and then those that work on contingency...it's important to ask a potential recruiter what companies do they have exclusivity working with, if they handle the salary negotiation, if they will allow you to speak to any of their recent candidates to discuss their process, and if you have final say whether they can give your resume to a company or not...Networking is definitely the way most people get jobs, but if you feel you need to work with a recruiter/headhunter, then you need to also make sure they specialize in your field of work. Hope that helps!
Kristin BrooksCPA in Portland Oregon
12
10/01/20 at 4:34PM UTC
I’ve been on both ends of working with recruiters/headhunters and it can be rough. While the recruiters can have access to lots of open jobs, they also charge employers up to 25% of the salary if they place someone in a job. This pushes companies to lowball the salaries to make up for the fee or prioritize candidates that didn’t come via recruiter. I’ve found good candidates to hire via a recruiter, but have hard time affording a 25% charge especially in more senior positions.
I’d recommend using a resume writer and interview coach, then utilizing LinkedIn and Indeed to apply for jobs.
Annetta MosesConsumer Insights and Strategy Leader
1.74k
09/21/20 at 4:18AM UTC
If you are looking for a position, I suggest you consider multiple options:
1) networking especially with former co-workers, classmates, alumni associations, and professional organizations. Prepare a good elevator speech about why you want to network and what type of position you want. Ideally, you have been in contact with your network on a frequent bases before your are contacting this as part of your job search.
2) apply to posted positions. LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Indeed are sites you may want to check. If there are a few companies that you really want to work for, specifically check their sites for openings.
3) executive recruiter. Ideally, you want to establish relationships with an executive recruiter before you are looking for a position. I have maintained relationships with recruiters I met over 15 years ago when I was looking for a position after a layoff. Since then, I have used the executive recruiters to keep me up to date on skills that companies want employees to have to make sure I am current and on salary ranges to ensure my company is paying me in the competitive range. In exchange for this information, I would refer people to the recruiter when the were looking to fill a position that wasn't right for me.
Kathleen Davis
11
09/22/20 at 2:39PM UTC
Thanks for some ideas!
Karen MagarelliMarketing Director, Seattle, NYC, Virtual
77
09/16/20 at 3:45PM UTC
I haven't had much success with headhunters. Let's face it, they are in the game for themselves, and the company, who pays their "finder fee". I have one that I connect with each week, via text, so she's knows I'm still looking, but she doesn't respond. I consider headhunters another tool in the job hunting tool box, but I don't put much faith in their efforts. Honestly, I don't know anyone who found a job through a headhunter.
S.ALITechnology Manager | Web & Mobile App
106
09/16/20 at 12:33PM UTC
So far, all everyone I know who dealt with headhunters has really bad experience. Lack of communication, ghosting and overall not professional. So, If you find a good one please share info .
Thanks !
Sweet Caroline
4.26k
09/14/20 at 4:53PM UTC
In the past 10 years headhunters as we knew them have changed, its more about recruiters filling open jobs. They have relationships with companies but not individuals so they are not out shopping your resume they are finding candidates for their client company. I think it has to do in part with the internet, it used to be hard to find job listings, they might be a newspaper, a trade publication etc. Now everything is listed on LinkedIn or Indeed etc. A bit like real estate, agents are no longer the only way to see what is for sale, instead agents become your advocate in the transaction.
Elyse Shermer
279
09/14/20 at 3:53PM UTC
don't know specifically but probably either:1 - they don't have a job that fits your background or 2- they are too overwhelmed. My experience is if you don't fit their job listings to a tee, they will not be interested in you. They just want to close sales.
Elyse Shermer
279
09/14/20 at 3:31PM UTC
Currently out of a job as well, I have reached out to Headhunters but have had no luck. I too am in Communications (Advertising Sales specifically) so I view it as leaving no stone upturned but have always found job opportunities either through networking or listings, What area are you looking into specifically and what market?
Lisa Simmons
208
09/14/20 at 3:49PM UTC
The headhunters aren't responding? Any thoughts as to why?
