Head-Hunters

[sahm]

Does anyone know much about how head-hunters work? My husband just got a voice-mail & e-mail about a job, asking if he knew of anyone that might be interested. Is this a head-hunters way of indirectly (because he's contacting him at work) asking him if he's interested or is he truly being asked if he knows anyone?

If they are asking him, do they really know anything about him or do they just contact people from different companies in a certain position that they believe would be a good fit for the role they are trying to fill?

[Sylvestre]

Head-hunters vary significantly. Few are great, most are okay, lots are bad. Compensation ranges but most are based on a % of salary offered, with the occasional lump-sum payment. For high-end, difficult-to-fill position the compensation can sometimes start at 25K and go up quickly. An old company I worked for hired this PhD expert. The headhunter cost was 40K.
headhunters are usually not paid unless the person works out (i.e. employed for at least 12 months etc.) so it's in their interest to find a good fit.

Headhunters don't beat around the bush (no need to) so they'll ask outright if you want the job (if they think you'll fit). If they don't, then they may just be passing you over.
As for the "do you know anyone else interested..." it's just a way to find potential contacts. Odds are you do know someone in your company who might be interested in leaving and the headhunter is banking on you sharing. If you do actually know someone who's willing to leave (and don't mind toeing the ethical line) you can negotiate with a headhunter for a finder's fee if your suggestion works out

[Bazooka Joe]

Headhunters for the most part are a cross between a used car salesman, a pushy real estate agent and cutco/amway/etc.

They will tell you anything they think you want to hear to get you on the hook, take a percentage for doing very little work, and wether or not they succeed they'll try and pump you for more people they can do the same thing to. They will try any sleezy tactic (high pressure, "lost" contracts, having to speak to a third party to get things approved, lying or misleading about terms, etc) to get you to sign on.

On top of that, many of them get kickbacks from employers if they let them know that their employee is seeking outside work.

I work in a very understaffed undustry, so I see the worst of the worst. There are a few good professional staffing agencies out there. They are the ones that are paid by the employer by the month (or year) and are judged by the number of qualified applicants they bring in. Not the ones paid by the person, or a percentage of that person's wage.

[jimb]

bazooka joe, have heard some similar stories. if you dont mind, could you post the some of the agencies you think are good?

[Bazooka Joe]

bazooka joe, have heard some similar stories. if you dont mind, could you post the some of the agencies you think are good?

I don't know any personally that I would consider "good". I've only dealt with two personally, and I would consider both of them to be at the lower end of the "good" scale.

Honestly, I was giving them the benefit of the doubt. I've heard there are good ones out there, after my previous experiences I have no interest in wading through all the garbage to find the good ones.

[djnorm112]

Headhunters for the most part are a cross between a used car salesman, a pushy real estate agent and cutco/amway/etc.

They will tell you anything they think you want to hear to get you on the hook, take a percentage for doing very little work, and wether or not they succeed they'll try and pump you for more people they can do the same thing to. They will try any sleezy tactic (high pressure, "lost" contracts, having to speak to a third party to get things approved, lying or misleading about terms, etc) to get you to sign on.

On top of that, many of them get kickbacks from employers if they let them know that their employee is seeking outside work.

I work in a very understaffed undustry, so I see the worst of the worst. There are a few good professional staffing agencies out there. They are the ones that are paid by the employer by the month (or year) and are judged by the number of qualified applicants they bring in. Not the ones paid by the person, or a percentage of that person's wage.

if that kickback thing u said is true....that is downright sneaky $hit....worse then a used car salesman....

[sahm]

The company that contacted my husband is Palmer & Company. Has anyone ever heard of them? So, are most people agreeing that if they haven't outright asked my husband if he's interested, then they are really just throwing out feelers for others in his company? The only thing that doesn't make any sense about that is if he doesn't know the recruiter then why would he try to think of someone in his current company that might be a good fit for a job somewhere else? Why wouldn't the recruiter just contact the person in a current role similar to the one that they're looking to hire for? Anyway, I'm not sure that my husband is even interested if it is directed at him, but I was just curious to see if they would somehow have gotten information on him in particular, or if it's just a general practice to contact people in similar roles and try to lure them away. My husband is currently a manager and they're looking for a VP, so I thought that maybe they might be looking for someone who would be willing to move for a promotion. However, he's quite young and has only been a manager for just over 3 years now so that's what made me think that they really have no idea who he is. That's not to say that I don't think he's capable, because I definitely think that he's got what it takes, I was just thinking that you don't see too many VP's (if any) who are very early 30's.
I'd appreciate any further feedback that anyone might have. Thanks.

[IQGreg]

I'm hoping I can shed a little light on this issue since I work for an executive recruitment firm (aka Headhunter) here in Toronto.

I'll start by saying I'm not a recruiter myself; I do the marketing at this particular company - IQ PARTNERS. I'm on RFD to share what I've learned thus far and to try and help out with any career, resume, interviewing advice that I can. I just naturally enjoy helping people with their problems. You'll never see me pushing our services on anyone here.

People are right - Headhunters CAN be a very shady, unethical bunch. Part of the reason for this is that there really are no barriers to entry. You don't need any designation or specific schooling or skills. So one agency could be comprised of extremely professional people, and another could be full of people who are willing to undercut, lie, steal, and pretty much do anything to earn a $. I like to think we're the former, and many of our cleints confirm this. I do know however that the opposite type (as people have mentioned in this thread) are out there as well....and our clients have confirmed this too. Our company has lofty long-term goals in mind, and we know the only way to achieve them is to be honest, treat people with respect, and look out for what's best for others. By operating unethically, you might seal that deal tomorrow, but your reputation will catch up with you sooner or later.

The best advice I can give is if a headhunter contacts you, listen and see who's interests they seem to be looking out for. One of those interests should be yours. If they treat you like it's all about them, hang up. Also if they're trying to hard to 'sell' you on a certain position, be cautious. The good ones will listen to what YOU want, and present opportunities that are great fits for both sides (client and candidate), not try and force someone into taking a job that's not right.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask and I'll do the best I can to provide whatever help or insight I can.

Cheers,

Greg

[BananaHunter]

I'm hoping I can shed a little light on this issue since I work for an executive recruitment firm (aka Headhunter) here in Toronto.

I'll start by saying I'm not a recruiter myself; I do the marketing at this particular company - IQ PARTNERS. I'm on RFD to share what I've learned thus far and to try and help out with any career, resume, interviewing advice that I can. I just naturally enjoy helping people with their problems. You'll never see me pushing our services on anyone here.

People are right - Headhunters CAN be a very shady, unethical bunch. Part of the reason for this is that there really are no barriers to entry. You don't need any designation or specific schooling or skills. So one agency could be comprised of extremely professional people, and another could be full of people who are willing to undercut, lie, steal, and pretty much do anything to earn a $. I like to think we're the former, and many of our cleints confirm this. I do know however that the opposite type (as people have mentioned in this thread) are out there as well....and our clients have confirmed this too. Our company has lofty long-term goals in mind, and we know the only way to achieve them is to be honest, treat people with respect, and look out for what's best for others. By operating unethically, you might seal that deal tomorrow, but your reputation will catch up with you sooner or later.

The best advice I can give is if a headhunter contacts you, listen and see who's interests they seem to be looking out for. One of those interests should be yours. If they treat you like it's all about them, hang up. Also if they're trying to hard to 'sell' you on a certain position, be cautious. The good ones will listen to what YOU want, and present opportunities that are great fits for both sides (client and candidate), not try and force someone into taking a job that's not right.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask and I'll do the best I can to provide whatever help or insight I can.

Cheers,

Greg

+1.

Keep in mind that the employer pays the head hunter, not you. So the head hunter's biggest priority is the employer. You are pretty much secondary but still very important. The more qualified you are, the less they can afford to treat you like dirt. Head hunters specialize in different areas. If you're doing something entry level, then expect to be treated with less courtesy, as there are plenty of other candidates who can fill your shoes if you're too needy.

[nalababe]

there are many forms of head hunter. I have had a good relationship with a head hunter. Every so often he will call with opportunities...but for the most part keeps off my back.

But when I need him, I do, I sit down and discuss what I am looking for...and within a week I normally have several options lined up....

[sahm]

Hey Greg. I appreciate your imput. However, it's not really answering my question regarding how head-hunters make contact with individuals. I suppose that it can vary greatly depending on how the company works, but don't head-hunters in general try and find people for specific jobs? Does it make any sense that they would try and contact someone they don't know and ask if they know someone who might be interested in a specific job? I've seen other forums talking about getting calls because of posting their resume on-line, but I know for a fact that my husband didn't do that. So, although no one but the person who contacted my husband could answer with certainty, I'm wondering how they got his work e-mail/phone number (perhaps just calling the company and asking for the manager's contact info) and if they're indirectly asking him if he's interested, or if they're truly asking him if he knows of anyone else that might be a good fit. It all just seems a bit odd. Anyway, so far no one has mentioned hearing of Palmer & Company so I'm not sure if that's a good/bad thing

[nalababe]

Hey Greg. I appreciate your imput. However, it's not really answering my question regarding how head-hunters make contact with individuals. I suppose that it can vary greatly depending on how the company works, but don't head-hunters in general try and find people for specific jobs? Does it make any sense that they would try and contact someone they don't know and ask if they know someone who might be interested in a specific job? I've seen other forums talking about getting calls because of posting their resume on-line, but I know for a fact that my husband didn't do that. So, although no one but the person who contacted my husband could answer with certainty, I'm wondering how they got his work e-mail/phone number (perhaps just calling the company and asking for the manager's contact info) and if they're indirectly asking him if he's interested, or if they're truly asking him if he knows of anyone else that might be a good fit. It all just seems a bit odd. Anyway, so far no one has mentioned hearing of Palmer & Company so I'm not sure if that's a good/bad thing

A good head hunter will always have a basket of potential applicants. If you possess the key skills, maybe you are not looking right now...but what about in 6 months...or 1 year.

[IQGreg]

Hey Greg. I appreciate your imput. However, it's not really answering my question regarding how head-hunters make contact with individuals. I suppose that it can vary greatly depending on how the company works, but don't head-hunters in general try and find people for specific jobs? Does it make any sense that they would try and contact someone they don't know and ask if they know someone who might be interested in a specific job? I've seen other forums talking about getting calls because of posting their resume on-line, but I know for a fact that my husband didn't do that. So, although no one but the person who contacted my husband could answer with certainty, I'm wondering how they got his work e-mail/phone number (perhaps just calling the company and asking for the manager's contact info) and if they're indirectly asking him if he's interested, or if they're truly asking him if he knows of anyone else that might be a good fit. It all just seems a bit odd. Anyway, so far no one has mentioned hearing of Palmer & Company so I'm not sure if that's a good/bad thing

Like you say, I guess no one can know the caller's true intentions other than the caller himself. I can say that with the people here, if they're interested in a person for a certain position, they'll state their intentions when they contact them....no beating around the bush.

There's a much better chance of the person responding if they think they stand to directly benefit vs. they're just helping someone out.

One situation I can think of is if your husband's company is a client of that headhunter, there would be an agreement in place that prevents them from 'stealing' people from them. A 'wondering if you know anyone....' call might be their attempt at getting around that even though it's still blatantly a violation and unethical....and that's one of the many spots where the bad reputations of headhunters can start to creep in.