Headhunting
The term headhunting refers to the targeted search for and selection of qualified and often highly specialized specialists and managers. In headhunting, contact is made in a very targeted and active manner by telephone, e-mail or direct notification via an online platform, for example.
What does a headhunter do?
Strictly speaking, headhunters are recruiters. They are also commissioned by a company.
The tasks of a headhunter include, among other things:
- Professional profiling of the sought-after employee in cooperation with the employer
- Direct search for candidates
- Development and implementation of assessment measures with the help of recruitment tests & potential analyses
- Verification of certificates & references from former employers
Headhunters also support their clients with other HR tasks. These tasks include, for example
- Advice on personnel development
- Presentation of remuneration models
- Personnel marketing
- Organizational development
- Strategy development
Headhunting & Remuneration
Headhunters usually work on a mandate basis. This means that they receive part of their fee (usually 50 %) when the contract is awarded. They receive the remaining part of the fee upon successful placement.
Areas of application
Headhunters are therefore typically employed by personnel consultancies or recruitment agencies. Accordingly, they offer direct search or executive search. If a headhunter has sufficient professional experience, they can also become self-employed. Other potential jobs in the field of headhunting include employment agencies, temporary employment agencies, other service companies for applicant selection and management consultancies.
It also happens that headhunters can work directly in the HR department of a company. However, this is quite rare compared to the other options.
