A Return To Headhunting?

In the last 12 months the demand for the more expensive but thorough methods of headhunting has been less popular with clients.  Reducing costs, even at the price of having to sift through more CVs, has been the more popular option.  But, it looks as if things are starting to change.

A number of clients have come to Paul Harper Search & Selection recently who have been disappointed with contingent recruitment methods and have failed to appoint to senior positions, despite having tried two or three times to appoint.

“Although there are good candidates in the market, they are very difficult to identify, and for those in employment there is a continuing reluctance to have their CV sent to clients,” believes Paul Harper.  “If a client is looking for a specific skillset and especially in senior roles, then headhunting can discover the best people, and convince them they are right for a role.”

“People don’t like being seen as a commodity to purchase and this can stop good people coming forward.  Contingent traditional recruitment will continue to be used for junior roles and to try and control costs.  However, the trend back to considered and focussed identification and targeting of the best potential candidates is starting to become part of the recruitment mix and this is trend will continue as development plans have to be put on hold if the right candidate cannot be found.”

Back to headlines