headhunter agency
/ˈhɛdˌhʌntər ˈeɪdʒənsi/
Meaning
A headhunter agency is a recruiting firm hired by businesses to find, screen, and recruit highly qualified candidates for senior-level or specialized jobs. Unlike standard employment agencies, they actively seek out and approach candidates who are often already employed elsewhere ('passive candidates').
Examples
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The board decided to hire a headhunter agency to find our next Chief Executive Officer.
The board decided to hire a headhunter agency to find our next Chief Executive Officer.
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She was approached by a headhunter agency representing a major competitor in Chicago.
She was approached by a headhunter agency representing a major competitor in Chicago.
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Using a specialized headhunter agency helped us fill the executive role much faster.
Using a specialized headhunter agency helped us fill the executive role much faster.
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The headhunter agency specializes in finding top-tier software engineers for tech startups.
The headhunter agency specializes in finding top-tier software engineers for tech startups.
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We pay a premium to the headhunter agency, but they always deliver outstanding candidates.
We pay a premium to the headhunter agency, but they always deliver outstanding candidates.
Common Mistakes
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✗ I went to a headhunter agency to find a temporary summer job.
✓ I went to a recruitment agency to find a temporary summer job.
Headhunter agencies typically focus on executive or highly specialized roles, not entry-level or temporary work.
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✗ The headhunter agency is looking for a job for me.
✓ The headhunter agency is recruiting for a client.
Headhunter agencies work for the hiring company (the client) to find candidates, not directly for job seekers looking for employment.
Related Expressions
Practice
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To find a new Vice President of Sales, our company partnered with an executive ___.
💡 A recruitment firm that targets top talent
Show answer
headhunter agency
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She wasn't looking for a new job, but a ___ contacted her with an irresistible offer.
💡 An agency that actively recruits employed specialists
Show answer
headhunter agency