Should I use a headhunter? If so, which one?

[Anonymous]

12 year nonprofit veteran with Master's degree working for large private charitable organization doing campaign/issue advocacy (been in my current job 7 years). I have been told I have a very strong resume/experience, including time as a local elected official. My well-placed friends and connections have been putting in a good word for me for the past two months I've been looking, but so far, no real leads. Would a headhunter be a good expenditure? Anyone in a similar situation have advice to offer?

Thanks!!

[Anonymous]

Headhunters don't really work in your situation. Unless you are a CEO then they typically work for the employer who has an opening. If you have connection to one the give them a call but I wouldn't pay money to get a placement from them.

[Anonymous]

You're probably more well-connected than the headhunter. Maybe it's just a tough time right now in your field?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Headhunters don't really work in your situation. Unless you are a CEO then they typically work for the employer who has an opening. If you have connection to one the give them a call but I wouldn't pay money to get a placement from them.

Agree. What you want to do is find out who does the exec search work for non profits and let them know you'd be interested in being considered for positions. But they are getting paid by employers to find people, not the other way around. I think you can get outplacement help but that's usually more about helping you organize your search, figure out how to network, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Headhunters don't really work in your situation. Unless you are a CEO then they typically work for the employer who has an opening. If you have connection to one the give them a call but I wouldn't pay money to get a placement from them.

This is completely incorrect. Remember though, headhunters work for companies, not job hunters. I got my current job through a head hunter and am not the CEO. That said, they only do searches for C suite level jobs in the nonprofit space because it's expensive to retain a headhunter. They are more flexible with lobbyists and lawyers.

The goal for a job hunter is to develop a relationship with a headhunter. Meet with a headhunter and stay in touch. They will call when things come up. I've known the headhunter who placed me for 8 years. I've interviewed, but this was the first time I was actually placed.