Let's go hunting!

February 16, 2019 9:18 AM

How do I work with a headhunter?

I'm a senior executive at a non-profit and I'm ready to find the next thing. I'm realizing though that the types of jobs I'm looking for aren't going to be posted on craigslist and are most likely going to be through a headhunter, aka executive nonprofit (or for-profit) search firm. I periodically get e-mails from headhunters with job openings, but they thus far have not been a good fit. Would it be appropriate for me to reach out to them, tell them it's not a good fit, but I'd be interested in talking about other opportunities? I do have some specific requirements (total deal-breakers) for the next job which include location, pay, benefits, work flexibility and more. Is that something I would talk to them about? Could I work with multiple head hunters?

If you've worked with one before or are a headhunter, let me know how to works!

posted by Toddles to Work & Money (5 answers total)

Yes, it's appropriate to reach out to them, and yes, it is fine to "work with" multiple head hunters. The thing to realize is that the head hunter works for the employer, not for you. So you owe them no loyalty and don't have to deal with one of them exclusively. On the other hand, if a head hunter likes you and your experience, it's quite possible they will pitch you to several employers because you're a marketable commodity they can make money on. But again, they're not working for you, only you are, so you need to manage the process. Tell them about your deal-breakers, but get them to focus on your positives. (I've worked with headhunters to fill positions where I worked; long ago I got placed by a headhunter who I approached who liked me and found me a job.)
posted by beagle at 9:40 AM on February 16, 2019 [4 favorites]

Headhunters usually work on behalf of an organization looking for a candidate, not the other way around. The way it worked when I worked at an outplacement agency was that people would come in for general interviews and then the notes from that interview along with their resume would go into a search database. People were tagged with their skills or interests - one tag was for NFPs and charities. These interviews were mostly for networking, but people are often under the impression that they can get a job through the agency.

It's fine to work with multiple headhunters. You want to be in their database when they pitch an RFP to be the executive search agency of record for a particular organization or position.

Once the agency scores an assignment, the research team searches their database for candidates. Usually someone at the partner level manages the candidates and interview process for the client.
posted by Calzephyr at 9:43 AM on February 16, 2019

I’m working with a recruiter/headhunter now who was pointed my way by a former co-worker of mine. When he thinks he has something that might be a fit for me, we talk through the details and he’ll ask if it’s something I want to pursue (and if not, why). Yes, he works for his clients - but it’s also important to him that he puts forth quality candidates that are a good fit for the company, so he effectively works for me too, by screening out options that don’t meet my base requirements, aren’t necessarily a good culture fit, and connecting me with opportunities that are just far enough outside my skill set that I wouldn’t necessarily pursue on my own but that would be excellent growth opportunities for me. This guy told me right up front that he doesn’t expect me to work only with him, and that if I’m working with another recruiter to please let him know as a courtesy. On my end I also vetted him out through the person that referred me, so I knew he wasn’t sketchy and I could place some trust there. That’s not always the case, so I’d recommend doing some homework on anyone you reach out to.
posted by okayokayigive at 10:47 AM on February 16, 2019 [1 favorite]

Absolutely talk to as many headhunters (both freelance and corporate) as you feel like.

I do not share the perspective that the headhunter works for the employer. You have a product to sell (yourself), the headhunter is a salesperson, the employer is the customer.

In the rare case where the headhunter really does work solely for the hiring organization that's one thing, but you are unlikely to run into that situation in such a niche market.
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 1:23 PM on February 16, 2019 [2 favorites]

Regarding who the headhunter works for, ask yourself who is paying? The person being paid works for the person doing the paying. okayokayigive sets out the subtleties pretty well, and that reflects my experience too.
posted by GeeEmm at 7:02 PM on February 17, 2019