Nearly two years later, it’s no secret that the pandemic continues to impact nearly every aspect of our lives. Many companies continue to be burdened by the seemingly never-ending disruptions as well. From increasingly specific roles to rising competition from around the globe, companies today are finding it harder than ever to attract and retain skilled workers. As more companies attempt to maintain their pre-pandemic productivity with current staffing shortages, more roles are staying unfilled for longer, leading to detrimental results.
But just as not filling a role can impact a company’s bottom line, so can choosing the wrong candidate. The average cost of a bad hire is up to 30% of the employee’s first-year earnings according to the U.S. Department of Labor. And just like choosing the wrong candidate can be costly, so can choosing the wrong search firm to help you fill your company’s vacant role(s). From lost productivity to wasted search fees, choosing the wrong search firm or recruiter can negatively impact your bottom line. To ensure you’re getting the right candidates in the right roles, you must first decide if you need to hire a recruiter or a headhunter to help you fill your company’s vacant role(s). Although the terms “headhunter” and “recruiter” are used interchangeably, there are nuances to each – and knowing the difference can ensure you hire the right partner for your needs.
Recruiters
A recruiter is someone who works with the hiring process itself. Recruiters can either be in-house or work for an independent recruiting agency or search firm. This role generally posts job openings and serves as the initial contact person. Additionally, they pre-screen candidates and get a start on the hiring process. A recruiter usually works with many different types of industries and jobs with the goal of helping a wide variety of candidates get placed in positions that best fits their skill sets.
Even though your company may have an in-house HR department, if you’re not getting a sufficient number – or the right kind – of applicants, an external recruiter or firm may be the answer.
Headhunters
A headhunter is a professional, third-party talent-finder (either an individual or a firm) who fills one or more positions on behalf of their clients. Like talent scouts, headhunters usually specialize in a specific market or field and use their extensive Rolodex of contacts to find and present qualified candidates for the position(s) a company is looking to fill.
Beyond simply matching candidates with current vacancies, headhunters often have an edge over recruiters as they keep a constant pulse on the talent market – which includes passive job seekers. Given today’s current talent shortage, working with a knowledgeable headhunter who is skilled in excavating the passive talent pool is more important than ever. In fact, according to LinkedIn, approximately 70% of today’s global workforce is made up of passive talent, and skilled headhunters know how to pursue candidates with the relevant knowledge and experience required and recruit them on behalf of their client.
To break it down even further:
Recruiters
- Find people to fill any role within their company or the company of a client
- Post and manage open positions
- Remain in place throughout the entire screening and interview process
Headhunters
- Usually specialize in a specific market, field or industry
- Network within their contacts and databases to find qualified candidates
- Locate passive candidates and recruit them on behalf of their client
- Work with the client or company to find the perfect candidate for a specific role
Whether your company is casting a wide net for a remote role or focused on filling a specialized position, finding a qualified and reputable partner to fill your company’s hiring needs is paramount.
Employment Experts
Search Solution Group is composed of industry experts with decades of expertly trained headhunters, recruiters, and an overflowing network of top-level talent. SSG has a team of subject matter experts with an unmatched ability to understand and execute the latest trends and market fluctuations to customize each client and candidate to their exact needs.
Utilizing an extensive and carefully crafted database of talent, Search Solution Group utilizes a rigorous vetting process to identify perfectly matched placements, thus establishing an impressive track record of unparalleled success.
To learn more from Search Solution’s expertly trained team or implement any job analysis trends into your business strategy, please contact the Search Solution Group.
