What does headhunt mean?
A headhunt is the process of searching for and trying to recruit a person for a job, especially a senior, specialist, or difficult-to-fill position. The related verb, headhunt, describes actively seeking and approaching prospective candidates, often before a role has been formally advertised. In business English, the term is usual and largely neutral, although it can imply a direct, determined, or sometimes intrusive approach when used figuratively. A headhunting firm or headhunter may specialize in identifying qualified executives, technical specialists, or other professionals. The expression combines “head,” suggesting a leader or important person, with “hunt,” suggesting an active search. It is especially useful when distinguishing deliberate talent search and recruitment from ordinary applications or casual job advertisements.
The act of searching for and trying to recruit a person, especially for a senior, highly skilled, or otherwise difficult-to-fill position.
"The organization appointed an external search firm to lead the headhunt for its new director."
Usually countable, especially when referring to a particular recruitment campaign.
To search for and approach someone in order to persuade them to accept a job or other opportunity.
"The technology company headhunted specialists from several rival firms."
Commonly used in recruitment and professional contexts; often implies seeking someone who is already employed or otherwise established in their field.
The plural is used when referring to separate recruitment campaigns or searches.
"Several corporate headhunts led to senior appointments."
A headhunt turns hiring into a hunt for a “head,” but the goal is a candidate, not a scalp.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does headhunt come from?
Headhunt is an English compound formed from “head” and “hunt,” combining the ideas of seeking a person and actively searching for them. The recruitment sense developed during the 20th century as employers increasingly used specialist agencies and direct recruitment to find senior or scarce talent. “Hunt” has Germanic roots and is represented in English by the Old English verb huntian, while the compound headhunt developed within modern English business and employment language.
Related word forms
How headhunt is actually used
The term is common in professional, business, and recruitment contexts. It can sound slightly informal, and in figurative use it may imply persistent or aggressive pursuit of someone, as in political or professional recruiting.
Easily confused with headhunt
A headhunt is a search for and attempt to recruit a person, whereas a headcount is the number of people in an organization or group.