People often call me and ask me if I have a job for them in a particular field. I need to explain that placing people in jobs is more the role of an employment agent or a “headhunter.” I tell them that as a career consultant, I help people to identify their skills, interests and values to define a career direction. I also coach them about how to build their job search strategy, including resume and cover letter development, networking and interviewing skills.
Professionals who place people in specific positions are either employment agents or executive search people, also called “headhunters.” It depends on the level of job they work with. Employment agencies tend to fill support positions that pay $40,000 to a maximum of $50,000. They may be a good resource for someone seeking a secretarial or clerical position.
By contrast, headhunters place professional people making $50,000 or more. There are two types of search firms which fall under the general heading of headhunter. Contingency firms look for computer, accounting, sales and other professionals earning $50,000 to $90,000. Retained executive search firms place professionals usually making more than $100,000.
