Executive-level jobs are notoriously difficult to fill. You may be able to find a wealth of job seekers in the industry. But finding that ideal candidate who can help your business to grow, excel and thrive can be a tall order. It is the reason why most of the companies typically turn to head-hunters or recruitment agencies for filling their executive-level jobs. But which one is the best? And why?

Head hunters or recruitment agencies are the best?

The Nature of the Beast

Executive-level jobs are a little less ‘run of the mill’ and clearly defined when it comes to recruitment. For example, if you have an administrative role vacancy, you’ll usually be able to draw up an exact job specification that will entail a tick list for a candidate search. It may include easily quantifiable skills like knowledge of a computer system or any other skills. Candidates for these job positions are generally much easier to come by, and the role can get filled by any one of several suitable applicants.

Executive-level jobs are much harder to quantify. You are likely to want someone with a specific skill set. However, it’s what you need above and beyond this, which makes recruitment so complicated. Most of these additional characteristics are less quantifiable.

For example, you may crave to know how your candidate has directly contributed to cost-savings in previous roles. Or, you may want to see that they are a skilled negotiator. These performances and proven abilities are rarely listed neatly in the resume of a candidate sitting ready and waiting for your vacancy from the moment it appears.

Hence, businesses usually turn to recruiters and head-hunters for executive-level jobs. But they aren’t the same thing.

Candidate vs. Employer Focus

Recruitment agencies are the conduit between the candidate and the employer in many ways. It is why we can use them for vast types and levels of jobs. Both the job seekers and the employer can and approach a recruitment agency with near equal status as they all need each other. However, it does result in a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to recruitment. It is fine in many scenarios.

Contrarily, a head-hunter is dedicated to executive-level jobs and is committed to the employer primarily. It means that instead of a generic recruitment approach, you can expect one that is highly tailored to your individual business needs. A good head-hunter is so keen on the role and the firm itself. You often find that through their various process of understanding the employer and the job role. They uncover very particular competencies that the employer may not aware of.

Passive vs. active candidates

One major weapon a successful recruitment agency has in its arsenal is a well-populated database. This database acts as a tool to match between a large number of candidates currently looking out for a new job and a large number of employers looking to fill their open positions. These candidates are what we call ‘active candidates’ as they are actively looking for new employment opportunities.

A head-hunter will not rely on targeting the active marketplace alone. Instead, they recognise that for executive-level jobs, the best candidates are rarely sat by the phone with an updated CV. Instead, these people are part of a pool of ‘passive’ candidates who aren’t currently searching for new employment. However, they will be in job roles where they are already displaying the skills and attribute you are seeking.

Research vs. Numbers

There are some further differences between recruitment agencies and head-hunters, which will help you, decide which is best for filling your executive-level vacancies.

Recruitment agencies use a system of profiling. It is what makes it possible to break an application down into a set of numbers that works in a database. It allows one candidate to quickly and easily get compared with another, which is then get compared with the job role.

Professional head-hunters put the onus on research and networking instead. They don’t believe in the numbers game, but an evidence-based one. By getting to know in-depth details about the position to be filled, and the company intimately, they can take a highly targeted approach that will vary from one role to another in the quest of finding that one candidate who can deliver what you need.

Head-hunters vs. Recruitment Agencies

Therefore, whether a head-hunter or a recruitment agency will best serve, you will depend on the type of job position you are looking to fill. For higher level or complex executive-level jobs, then an executive head-hunter is your best solution.

Want to see how we are eagle-eyed for your talent? Then, call us on +91 7795547089 or Email us at team@bssrecruit.com.

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