Difference between Headhunting Firms and Retained Execute Search Firm in China

When searching for your next executive, you might be faced with different kinds of services offering to do the same service – find the best executive for your company. However, each different service has their own advantages and disadvantages, and depending on your needs, you may go with either. Headhunting and Executive Search, while are similar in most respects as they both work to fill positions in a company, there are subtle differences between both. In this article, we look at the difference between Top Headhunting Firms in China and Retained Executive Search Firm in China.

Similarities

Headhunting firms and executive search firms work to fill positions in companies. They are hired by the organization that has an executive requirement. They are usually hired by companies when they have a very specific need, or when they are unable to find the suitable person who matches their needs.

Differences

While headhunting firms work on a contingency basis, which means that there will not be any fee charged to the client unless a candidate recommended by them is hired, a retained executive search firm will be in a retainer with the client company. This means that there is some kind of retainer deposit due before they start their search process.

The way headhunting firms and retained executive search firms work are also different. Headhunting firms target those candidates who are currently unemployed, while retained executive search firms, on top of targeting out of job candidates and those looking for a job, will also approach those executives who currently have a job, getting you the most suitable talent available.

The confidentiality extended by headhunting firms and retained executive search firms are also different. Headhunting firms never work on a confidential basis, while retained executive search firms always work on a confidential basis.

Headhunting firms are also unable to, and will never give performance guarantees of their candidates to the client organizations. Retained ExecutiveSearch Firms will be in a position to, and will provide candidate performance guarantees to the client organization, and the client can demand the retained executive search firm replace the candidate if the performance of the candidate is not adequate.

Retained executive search firms also offer additional services such as onboarding and integration of the candidate and leadership development services.