Headhunting – The good and the bad.

So what exactly is headhunting? Put simply, it is a recruitment strategy that involves identifying and approaching top-performing employees from other companies to fill open positions. This method is often used to target individuals with specific skills or experience, and it can be an effective way to quickly fill critical roles. 

There are both advantages and disadvantages to headhunting. Before implementing this strategy it is certainly worth taking a look.

The Advantages

A fantastic advantage that comes as a result of headhunting is that it allows companies to identify and find highly qualified candidates who may not be actively looking for new job opportunities. By targeting individuals who are already employed, companies can tap into a pool of talent that may not be accessible through traditional job postings. This is especially useful for filling skilled, senior, managerial, board-level or specialised positions where finding the right candidate is critical to business success.

A not so obvious advantage is that headhunting helps companies to save time and money on their recruitment efforts. By targeting specific individuals, they can avoid the time and expense of sifting through large volumes of resumes and conducting extensive interviews. This can be especially beneficial if they do not have the resources to dedicate to a lengthy recruitment process.

The Disadvantages

There are disadvantages to headhunting. Unfortunately, like many industries, there are some that let the side down. Be careful not to go with a headhunter that is unethical or aggressive in their approach, after all, the reputation of your company is on the line and a bullish, full steam ahead headhunter is not going to help that. A damaged reputation will make it more difficult to attract top talent in the future.

Another disadvantage of headhunting is that without the appropriate research upfront, it can be expensive. Make sure there has been clear and concise salary exploration before you go ahead with headhunting. Otherwise you may find yourself needing to offer higher anticipated salaries or other incentives to convince top-performing employees to leave their current positions.

Conclusion

Headhunting, if done correctly, is a proven and effective hiring strategy for companies looking to fill business critical roles with highly qualified candidates. Remember, it is important to choose a headhunter wisely. Question their process, and find one that aligns with your company’s brand values and long-term goals.