{"id":906,"date":"2022-06-14T07:04:17","date_gmt":"2022-06-14T06:04:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/articles.acdev.co.uk\/articles\/?p=906"},"modified":"2022-11-22T09:43:23","modified_gmt":"2022-11-22T09:43:23","slug":"what-is-executive-recruitment-and-how-does-it-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.agencycentral.co.uk\/articles\/what-is-executive-recruitment-and-how-does-it-work\/","title":{"rendered":"What is executive recruitment (and how does it work)?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Do you have a senior vacancy, but not sure what recruitment method to use? Then read on and find out about executive search<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recruiting can be tricky, especially when looking for management or board level staff<\/a>. Understanding what executive recruitment is and how it works, could minimise the cost and time of your next hire, while also helping you take on the perfect candidate<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is an executive search agency?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Executive recruitment is used to find candidates for senior-level jobs. Recruiters may operate within a particular sector and are responsible for sourcing market leading or hard-to-find talent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also known as search and selection or headhunting, this form of recruitment is typically known for its proactive approach<\/strong> and doesn\u2019t solely rely on traditional methods of sourcing candidates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How executive search works<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

An employer will approach an executive agency with a need for senior or highly-skilled talent, usually granting the agency exclusive rights to work on the placement<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The recruiter will then get a detailed understanding of what the employer wants, both in terms of skill and character, before identifying and engaging with prospective candidates<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

…while headhunting fees are usually more expensive than those of a standard recruitment agency, the process is much more intensive.<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

These are likely to be passive candidates<\/a> who are already in a role. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once the right candidate has been identified, introductions can be made with the employer. Recruiters may also play a part in negotiations.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, some firms may do things a little differently, but this gives you some idea of the general process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How executive recruiters get paid<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Executive search recruiters usually work on a retained basis<\/a>. Unlike contingency recruitment, this means that the recruiter is paid an upfront fee before receiving additional payment once a successful placement is made. It\u2019s also not unusual to be charged a fee at the shortlist phase. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The final cost could be more than 30% of the candidate\u2019s annual salary.<\/strong>   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s the difference between a recruiter and an executive recruiter?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although the overall goal for an executive search consultant and a recruiter is the same (i.e. make a placement), there is one key difference:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recruiters will typically identify a number of active job seekers who would be right for the job.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, a headhunter will aim to find the perfect match for both the job and the company<\/strong> – whether the candidate is actively looking for work or not. <\/p>\n\n\n

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When do you choose an executive recruitment agency over a traditional recruiter? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This largely comes down to the type of role you\u2019re recruiting for. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re looking to fill a key or high profile role, then you might want to consider executive recruitment. The same applies if the position is particularly niche or requires hard-to-find skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thinking of using an executive search firm? Then it\u2019s important to remember that while headhunting fees are usually more expensive<\/strong> than those of a standard recruitment agency, the process tends to be more intensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What jobs do executive search firms recruit for?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Executive recruiters find staff for management or C-suite level roles<\/strong>, meaning that salaries will often exceed \u00a3100,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An executive recruiter will aim to find the perfect match for both the job and the company – whether the candidate is actively looking for work or not.<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The specific types of staff that a search consultant may source will vary depending on the market they operate in. For instance, a healthcare headhunter may recruit a Hospital Director, however general roles are more likely to include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n