Is it a good idea to use a "head hunter" for a job search?

Question

I know someone who is interested in looking at the job market and wants to use a head hunter, but doesn't know where to start and or find a reputable one. He is not looking nationally and would like to focus in specific metro city. Should he use a national head hunter or find someone locally? He is interested looking to move into an excutive level position.

Answer 1

Using a reputable executive recruiter can be a great way to get access to jobs that aren't publicly posted. To find one, do a search under "executive recruiters", or use the Directory of Executive Recruiters from Kennedy Publications.

Contingent recruiters get paid only if they fill the job. A retained search means the employer pays the bill up front (or partly up front), regardless of how the position ultimately gets filled. Some recruiters specialize in certain industries or position levels (exec jobs over $100k, for example).

Recruiters that charge applicants a fee should generally be avoided. Reputable recruiters are paid by the employer who contracts with them to fill a job.

Answer 2

Headhunters work for the employers. They are not in business to find jobs for employees. They generally have their own methods for finding candidates (a network of trusted contacts) and are unlikely to have a position for a prospective employee who approaches them first. It's not impossible, but it is unlikely.

I recommend very highly a site run by a headhunter called "Ask The Headhunter" - http://www.asktheheadhunter.com/

Tell your friend to read everything on that site if he wants to know how the headhunter business works and, more important, how to get the best jobs by being your own headhunter. I give that site my highest possible recommendation. It's must reading for anyone looking for work, especially at the executive level.