Headhunter Job Description Template

Use this Headhunter job description template to advertise the open roles for free using Longlist.io. You can use this template as a starting point, modify the requirements according the needs of your organization or the client you are hiring for.

Job Brief

We are looking for a Headhunter to join our HR team and help us fill our open positions with qualified candidates.

Headhunter responsibilities include defining hiring criteria, sourcing potential candidates on social media and reaching out to prospects via email or phone. To be successful in this role, you should have excellent communication skills to interact with candidates and internal teams. You should also be familiar with online and offline sourcing techniques, like networking at career events and searching for potential hires through resume databases.

Ultimately, you will place qualified candidates in a timely manner and build talent pipelines for our future hiring needs.

Responsibilities

  • Coordinate with hiring managers to define necessary requirements for open roles
  • Send recruiting emails to passive candidates and follow up when necessary
  • Browse resume databases and portfolio sites
  • Join social media groups and professional networks and interact with potential candidates
  • Advertise open positions to external networks
  • Ask for referrals from current employees, acquaintances and industry professionals
  • Maintain organized databases with candidates’ data (e.g. in our ATS)
  • Attend job fairs and organize career events
  • Keep in touch with past applicants
  • Use Boolean search to look for qualified candidates for hard-to-fill roles
  • Conduct benchmark research on compensation and benefits for various positions and seniority levels
  • Measure source of hire and time-to-fill for each role
  • Research and recommend new sourcing tools and techniques

Requirements

  • Proven work experience as a Headhunter, Recruiter or similar
  • Advanced knowledge of sourcing techniques (including Boolean search)
  • Hands-on experience with sourcing tools (e.g. resume databases and portfolio sites)
  • Familiarity with HR databases and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATSs)
  • Excellent communication and persuasion abilities (particularly when making cold calls and sending recruiting emails)
  • Time-management skills with the ability to handle multiple open roles simultaneously
  • Good decision-making skills
  • BSc degree in Human Resources Management or relevant field

What does Headhunter do?

A headhunter, also known as an executive recruiter or talent acquisition specialist, is responsible for finding and hiring top-level talent for organizations. On a day-to-day basis, a headhunter typically performs the following tasks:

  1. Identifying job vacancies: Headhunters research and identify potential job openings within client organizations or through networking channels.

  2. Job analysis: They analyze and understand the requirements of the positions and create comprehensive job descriptions and specifications.

  3. Sourcing candidates: Headhunters actively seek out potential candidates through various channels, including online job boards, social media platforms, professional networks, and direct contact with industry professionals.

  4. Screening and evaluating candidates: They review resumes and applications, conduct initial phone screenings, and evaluate candidates' qualifications, skills, and experiences. They often use a structured interview process to assess candidates' suitability for the role.

  5. Interviewing candidates: Headhunters may conduct in-person or video interviews with shortlisted candidates to further assess their fit for the position. They evaluate candidates based on technical skills, cultural fit, and overall suitability.

  6. Reference and background checks: They verify candidates' provided references and conduct background checks to ensure accuracy and validate their qualifications and work history.

  7. Presenting candidates to clients: Headhunters prepare and present a shortlist of qualified candidates to their clients, providing detailed candidate profiles, resumes, and summary evaluations.

  8. Coordinating interviews: They schedule and coordinate interviews between the clients and the candidates, ensuring a smooth and timely process.

  9. Negotiating job offers: Headhunters may assist in negotiating job offers, including compensation, benefits, and other employment terms.

  10. Maintaining relationships: They build and maintain relationships with both clients and candidates, keeping candidates engaged and clients satisfied. They may provide feedback and updates to candidates throughout the hiring process.

  11. Market research: Headhunters stay informed about industry trends, talent availability, and competitor analysis to provide clients with market insights and guidance.

  12. Administrative tasks: They handle administrative responsibilities such as maintaining databases, updating candidate records, creating reports, and managing contracts and agreements.

Overall, the day-to-day activities of a headhunter involve a balance of research, candidate sourcing, evaluation, interviewing, relationship management, and administrative tasks to successfully match qualified candidates with job opportunities.