Headhunting, also called executive search, is the most targeted form of sourcing - identifying a specific person who fits a senior or hard-to-fill role and approaching them directly, even though they may not be actively looking for a new job.
What it means
Because headhunted candidates are often not job-seeking, the approach and pitch matter more than for someone who has already applied - it is a relationship-driven process, frequently run by a specialist external recruiter retained for that purpose.
Where it fits in
Headhunting feeds the same recruitment process as any other channel once a candidate engages - it leads into screening and interviews like a sourced or applied candidate, just starting from a different point of contact.
Key rules
- Direct approach to a specific, often passive, senior candidate.
- The most targeted form of sourcing.
- Frequently run by a specialist external recruiter.
- Feeds into the standard screening and interview process once engaged.
