Headhunters are specialised search consultants hired by companies to fill specific senior or scarce roles. Unlike standard recruitment agencies, they typically work on an exclusive and success-based basis – their fee is often 25 to 33 percent of the annual base salary and only becomes due when the role is filled.
The core method is direct outreach to passive candidates – people who are not actively looking. Headhunters research profiles on LinkedIn, Xing, industry networks and through personal contacts. First contact is usually a LinkedIn message followed by a no-strings phone call.
For candidates, a professional approach pays off: answer honestly, articulate expectations clearly, stay polite even if the current opening is not a fit – the next role often follows within weeks. Confidentiality is part of the profession; information is rarely shared without consent.
Headhunters play a smaller role in the public sector than in the private sector, but matter for top positions. Lunigi addresses a different layer – low-threshold, fair access to curated job listings for everyone.