Definition
Headhunting (executive search) is a form of direct-approach recruiting. The headhunter maps a market, identifies people already in comparable roles at other employers, then contacts them discreetly. It is mainly used for executive roles and rare expertise.
It differs from a staffing agency, which works more with active candidates and at volume. Fees are often higher and sometimes partly paid at the start of the search.
Best practices
Discretion is essential: the person approached is employed. The approach should clearly explain the role and the reason for contact, and the process should end with an answer, even a negative one. A well-built Boolean search and a precise intake meeting are the basic tools. For examples in tech, read our guide to recruiting developers.
Concrete example
For a CFO role at a manufacturing company, the headhunter lists comparable companies in the region, identifies controllers and finance directors already in place, then approaches them one by one with a confidential outline of the search. Those who decline still get a thank-you, and often a referral comes out of it.