Do head hunters get a bonus just for bringing candidates in for an interview?

Question

I agreed to a phone interview after a few minutes of him "selling" the position to me but I really have little interest and he knows it...what gives?

Answer 1

Headhunters are paid one of two ways: 1) Retainer - money paid up front to fill a position, typically only done for executive level; 2) Contingency - Money paid to the recruiter after the position is filled.

The reason he is trying to get you to an interview is to make it look like he is doing something to fill the slot and if you go and they happen to like you and you happen to like them...he could get paid. A lot of these types of people try to set up as many interviews as possible in hopes of making money.

Answer 2

Some of them do, yes. They might have a 'contract' with an employer to 'head hunt' for them with a bonus for every actually qualified applicant they bring in. Then another bonus if the applicant is hired. So, they like to push and polish up your qualifications, even if you're borderline able to do the job in question.

Answer 3

Wow, good for you. You must be doing something right. Yes, they do get a 'cut' after the company hires you. Depending upon your salary, they get approx. 10 to 20 percent.