Why do key decision-makers adopt the search and selection, or headhunting, approach to recruitment? Search/HeadhuntingMany firms engage the services of a headhunter as part of their succession planning or strategic growth, or when they need a like-for-like replacement. They may have exhausted all their contingency options or need their activities to remain confidential. Other companies simply prefer the structured, discreet approach and view it as an efficient way of recruiting the highest-calibre professionals, who are not registered with contingency agencies. The headhunting approach also provides a single, tailored route to the marketplace that allows the client to control the message conveyed to potential candidates. Above all, a search maintains complete discretion throughout. SelectionSelection forms part of hybrid assignments where both an advertising campaign and a search are used to identify the best candidates. Some clients prefer this approach because the advertising campaign adds weight to the role, increases their visibility and emphasises their growth to the marketplace. For some, this is as important as finding the right individual. |
![]() |



