Drawbacks of Using a Headhunter

Whether you are looking for a job or job change, the new trend is to get help through a recruiter (aka headhunter) or headhunting service. While, there are a number of benefits to using headhunters, a prospective job seeker needs to understand certain things about the roles and loyalties of recruiters and recruiting services. Operating from a point of knowledge, job seekers can have more rewarding and successful experiences with headhunters and headhunting services.

What is a HeadHunter and the Benefits of the Service?

Headhunters act as liaisons between you and a company to find out about openings, market candidates who may fit the profile, and help convince both parties they are a good match. They earn hefty fees for their time and work very hard trying to make things happen. They often work specifically to place prospective employees at a company and understand the inner workings of businesses and human resource offices.

Whose the Real Boss

However, a recruiter does not work for you and although personable, is motivated by the needs of their client company. A headhunter works similar to other employment placement companies. They are paid by the company and may have several other prospective applicants just like you. Recruiters consider the bottom line. What are the companies needs. Your needs for stability, career advancement and salary are not top priorities. A job seeker is a commodity and there are several seekers out there.

Checklists and Blacklists

A recruiter is sensitive about the needs of its client company. A company lists requirements for a particular job. If you don't meet those requirements, you may not receive a great deal of contact from a headhunter. Also, if a recruiter is vested with a company and you do not work out. That headhunter is more inclined to remain loyal to the company and may not be very helpful in finding other positions for you.

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly Truth

All headhunters are not created equal. While some may have an interest in your qualifications, others may simply be working to fill quotas. Be mindful of those headhunters that do not offer honest reports on a company's or employer's reputation, preferences, or your qualifications. Recruiters that seem to force you into a position or that do not advocate for preferential moves may be setting you up for failure.

There Are No Guarantees

Beware of anyone who promises you the moon. Headhunters are skilled bargainers and are looking for that mutually beneficial resolution. They cannot guarantee you any position. They are not always as secretive as they should be and they cannot overcome obstacles such as you being overqualified, having specific salary demands and your personal preferences. Your goal of upward mobility and career growth may not be consistent with their goal of finding a qualified warm body for their corporate client.

The World is Not Their Oyster

Some recruiters work very hard at finding openings and opportunities, but many vest with a few companies and attempt to find contract workers and employees for them. A recruiter who is not diligent may not know of all the available opportunities for someone with your particular experiences or skill sets. With this in mind, a serious job hunter may have to register with more than one headhunter at a time or take some of the responsibility for their own job search.

Anyone looking for better pay or better opportunities has to make smart choices. Looking for your next best job will take some work and a recruiter or headhunter can help you in your search. However, using a headhunter is not for everyone. Understanding the disadvantages of using a headhunter can help you have a more successful and realistic approach to your job hunt.