Head hunter or apply directly...?

[A930Rocket]

Is it better to apply directly to a company or use a head hunter?

My wife finished her DNP last month and has a head hunter working for her at one hospital in NC, but there are several other, upper level management/CNO, jobs available in SC, that she can apply directly.

What's is your experience?

[mreid]

A head hunter, but only if they have the retained search. For a senior management job, this Is imperative. It means the company is going to use that firm exclusively and is guaranteeing them a search fee. If the company receives her resume directly, they will either turn it over to the search firm or ignore it. There are search firms that work on a contingency meaning they are not guaranteed a fee and they are not working exclusively for the client. They tend to work on more early career roles and use a shotgun approach hoping one or more resumes will stick.

At this point, I have to remind everyone that search firms don’t work for you, they work for the company that pays them. As the talent, you are a commodity. It can be very frustrating when you believe that they are working for you only to never hear from them again or have them return your call. Adopt the appropriate attitude and manage the relationship to avoid the stress this can cause. Best of luck!

[PorscheGAL]

Here in SC, it depends on the hospital. Some won't use HH. Some are amazingly receptive to follow-up phone calls after a resume is submitted.

IIRC, your wife has worked in healthcare quite some time here in SC. This may be the time to call in a favor or get contact info on the hiring person.

I wish her all the luck in finding a great job!

[RANDY P]

Whatever you do, don't do BOTH. If they get the same person from two different headhunters for the same job, it's over. That's how you get disqualified at the employer.

I would also be very selective as to whom you trust to submit the resume. Find someone local, not a headhunter from a remote location.

rjp

[A930Rocket]

Thanks everyone!

I’ll forward the info to her.