Headhunter is defined as a person who identifies and approaches suitable individuals employed elsewhere to fill an open business position with their client.

When I first got in this business almost 12 years ago, this was a term that I did not like nor did I respect.  It was a term to identify these annoying people that would call me at work/home to solicit me to consider an opportunity they were working on or looking for referrals for other people in my network.  I never thought I’d become something that I disliked.  As I left corporate America, I remember being a little embarrassed about my new occupation / business.  I also knew that I wanted to change the way this business is done.

When we talk with people outside of recruiting, we hear at best lukewarm comments about this job/career.  I tend to relate it sometimes to the used car salesman mentality.  So when people asked me what I did years ago, I would tell them “executive recruiting” or even “professional sales” so as to avoid the dreaded word Headhunter.  Like I was some savage out there looking to remove people’s heads.  People would retort – “oh you’re a headhunter”- I would uncomfortably agree.  Over the years, I’ve watched individuals say the “H” word in my presence and they would immediately apologize.  As I’ve learned more and more about this business and this role, I have truly learned to embrace this “badge of honor”.  I’m proud to be a Headhunter and understand the importance of the role in the business world today.  If you want to offend me call me a sales person.  Just kidding.

When I think of the title “Headhunter,” I think of someone who will represent their Client’s employment brand with honor and respect and will go to the end of the earth to find the right individual to match with the company.  We become a strategic partner who gives their clients an advantage over the competitors.  This is how we feel at TYGES.  Anyone can be a recruiter (for a period of time) but not everyone can be a Headhunter at TYGES.  This is why we have a set of core beliefs that we stand up against daily:

Recruiting is an Information business, not a sales business.

We will be honest, transparent, and respectful.  Our expertise, industry knowledge and commitment to confidentiality will help you make wise decisions.

Recruiting is an Invitation business, not a transaction business.

We believe in the humanity of people.  People are not products and we will build strong relationships through ongoing positive experiences.

Recruiting is an Innovation business, not a imitation business.

We will continually improve processes and innovate in everything we do.  We will accept nothing short of Excellence.

Recruiting is an Intention business, not a passive business.

We will conduct ourselves with purpose and professionalism. Our belief system will reinforce the benefits of partnering with TYGES.

Next time you hear or say the term headhunter, think of it as a badge of honor.  I do.

this post originally appeared at www.reinventingrecruiting.com