Section: HR & People · RecruitmentDifficulty: Medium

Headhunting

USUK

Proactively approaching passive candidates for senior or specialized roles.

Also: executive search

Definition

Headhunting, also known as executive search, is the practice of proactively identifying and approaching qualified individuals who are currently employed and not actively job-seeking. It is commonly used for senior leadership, niche technical, or highly competitive roles. Headhunters leverage professional networks, LinkedIn, industry events, and referrals to find the right talent.

Example

“The board hired an executive search firm to headhunt a new CFO from competitor organizations, rather than relying solely on job postings.”

Synonyms

  • executive search
  • direct sourcing
  • poaching
  • proactive recruiting

Antonyms / Opposites

  • passive recruiting
  • inbound recruiting

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