Seven Reasons Why You Should Hire a Headhunter for Communication Hires

In the past, communications was often seen as the lesser sibling to marketing. However, the importance of communications has become increasingly evident, transforming it into a mission-critical function for businesses. A company’s reputation, shaped significantly by its communication strategies, can influence revenue and overall success. The aftermath of significant crises like the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill (2010), the Volkswagen Emissions Scandal (2015), the Equifax Data Breach (2017), and the Boeing 737 MAX Crisis (2018-2019) has shown how swiftly reputational damage can occur, with lasting impacts on the brand.

Given the crucial role of communications, hiring the right talent is essential. However, there are common misconceptions in the market about the skills required for communication roles, often conflated with marketing. Communication professionals may specialise in areas such as corporate reputation, crisis management, sustainabilily, or internal communications, and some may have experience across various industries or in highly regulated sectors like pharmaceuticals, or finance.

For generalist agencies or in-house recruiters, navigating this landscape can be challenging. The nuances of these skill sets are not always evident from a CV. This is where partnering with a specialist headhunter can be invaluable. Here are seven reasons why you should consider hiring a headhunter for your communication roles:

1. Expertise in Identifying Talent Specialist headhunters have a deep understanding of what constitutes excellence in communication roles. They are familiar with the specific hard and soft skills and experiences that distinguish top candidates, ensuring you hire someone who can make a significant impact.

2. Extensive Network and Contacts Headhunters cultivate extensive networks within the industry, allowing them to access a pool of passive candidates who may not be actively seeking new opportunities. This network is crucial for finding the right talent, especially in a field where skilled professionals are in high demand.

3. Efficiency in the Hiring Process The process of headhunting or executive search doesn’t have to be prolonged. A skilled headhunter can reduce the time to hire and the risk of losing candidates to other opportunities. Headhunters offer insights into market conditions and compensation trends, ensuring clients’ offers are positioned attractively against competitors while handling counter offers with professional and persuasive negotiation skills. Moreover, candidates sourced through headhunting often have lower churn rates, as they are typically more considered in their decision-making and committed to the new role once they accept.

4. Building Trust Communication professionals often deal with high-stakes situations, advising CEOs and managing crises. They are usually very busy and may not have the time to search for jobs actively. Many have established relationships with trusted headhunters who understand their career aspirations. This trust allows headhunters to access a passive talent pool, bypassing the noise of unsolicited job offers.

5. Maintaining Confidentiality Reputation management is sensitive, and the hiring process for such roles often requires discretion. Headhunters provide a layer of anonymity, protecting the confidentiality of both the hiring company and the potential candidates.

6. Bringing Fresh Perspectives and Diversity A diverse communications team brings a variety of perspectives that can better represent and resonate with different audiences. A good headhunter has a broad network of diverse candidates, ensuring that new hires add unique strengths and insights to the team rather than being mere clones of existing members.

7. Strategic Guidance and Market Insights Beyond just filling a position, specialist headhunters can offer strategic insights into market trends, salary benchmarks, and talent availability. This guidance can help businesses refine their communication strategies and position themselves competitively in the market.

In conclusion, hiring a headhunter for communication roles is not just about filling a vacancy; it’s about investing in the long-term success and reputation of your company. With their expertise, networks, and insights, headhunters can ensure you find the right talent to navigate the complex and ever-evolving landscape of corporate communications.