The headhunter fulfills a function for two clients--the individual seeking or accepting a new position, and the company seeking someone to fill such a position. Either client may seek out the headhunter, just as the headhunter may seek either client. In doing so, the headhunter today makes increasing use of new technologies, especially the computer, the Internet, and various communications systems. Some may also use video technologies to gather interviews or a form of video resume. The new technology has changed the way the headhunter does his or her job but not the job itself. That is, the headhunter has always done considerable research on the industry in which he or she is involved, the executives at various companies, job applicants, the requirements for a given job, and the different companies that may require new hires. Today, though, more of this research is accomplished by computer. In addition, companies and applicants alike post their needs and their abilities on the Internet for all to see, and the headhunter culls from these listings to bring people and companies together. The headhunter can also use this new technology to research resumes and to assure that all information on them is accurate. Email communication is used between the headhunter and both applicants and companies to see that things run smoothly.
The term "headhunter" implies that the individual involved seeks executives to take over positions in a company, though in fact the headhunter works both sides of the street by finding positions for individuals seeking to become executives as well. The headhunter is the current name for the human resources staffing role, and the developing technologies are being used in this process as they are for most other business practices. The objective of this analysis is to indicate some of the ways headhunting is changing and how it is adapting to and being impacted by new technology.
One business writer note...