Executive Search Is More Than Just Headhunting

Published on March 18, 2021 Written by Creative Niche

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glass skyscrapers and the blue sky above - difference between recruiters and headhunters

While their titles are often used interchangeably, there are key differences between executive search firms and headhunters. With expertise in an organization’s hiring needs, recruiters and headhunters are both skilled in selecting, screening, and securing talent. However, their approach and resources are what makes them unique to the companies they serve. 

So, what makes executive search different from headhunting?

Headhunting, often refers to a recruiter approaching someone who is already in a similar role. While this may seem like a great tactic in theory, it is not the best approach as a person’s success at one company doesn’t guarantee success at another. With an executive search recruiter, chances are you will find a better fit for the role as they have:  

A Larger Network

Many recruiters or recruiting firms have access to a wider network of eligible candidates. Typically they have top talent in mind or can quickly narrow down a list of potential pre-screened hires. Having access to a variety of candidates nationally or internationally, depending on the firm, is also of great benefit. And as geographic borders (and higher costs) may have prevented top talent from relocating in the past, the rise of blended workplaces in 2021 have allowed recruiters to match their clients with talent worldwide. 

Deeper Relationships 

A great recruiting firm or executive recruiter will have developed deeper relationships with clients overtime. Some have secured many roles and over time have gotten to know clients’ needs, values, and the type of talent that would be a great fit. This allows for better placements for both the candidate and client. Specialized recruiters will also be familiar with industry specifics and role nuances, whereas headhunters may fill specific roles but may never fill that type of role again. 

Ready to hire your next leader? With specialties in Marketing, Tech and Advertising, we’re known for our responsiveness, consultative approach, and thorough process that delivers successful matches for our clients. Learn more about our executive search services here.

Contact Us.

Whether you have an immediate need today or are preparing for a strategic hire down the road and want to determine if there is a fit, get in touch with us, and we’ll have the right member of our team follow up with you shortly.
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Creative Niche was founded on land that is the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples, and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples from across Turtle Island. We acknowledge that we are all treaty people and accept our responsibility to honour all our relations.

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Creative Niche was founded on land that is the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples, and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples from across Turtle Island. We acknowledge that we are all treaty people and accept our responsibility to honour all our relations.

To recognize the land is an expression of gratitude and appreciation to those whose territory we reside on, and a way of honouring the Indigenous people who have been living and working on the land from time immemorial. Land acknowledgements do not exist in a past tense, or historical context: colonialism is current and ongoing, and we need to centre reconciliation in our actions and in our work. We encourage our team, partners, and clients to learn about the lands in which they live and to work towards reconciliation.

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Creative Niche was founded on land that is the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples, and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples from across Turtle Island. We acknowledge that we are all treaty people and accept our responsibility to honour all our relations.

Read more

Creative Niche was founded on land that is the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples, and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples from across Turtle Island. We acknowledge that we are all treaty people and accept our responsibility to honour all our relations.

To recognize the land is an expression of gratitude and appreciation to those whose territory we reside on, and a way of honouring the Indigenous people who have been living and working on the land from time immemorial. Land acknowledgements do not exist in a past tense, or historical context: colonialism is current and ongoing, and we need to centre reconciliation in our actions and in our work. We encourage our team, partners, and clients to learn about the lands in which they live and to work towards reconciliation.

Read Less

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