Executive Search & Headhunting

Recruit C-suite and senior executives through retained executive search

Startup Cost
$30,000-$150,000
Difficulty
Advanced
Time to Profit
12-24 months
Profit Potential
$25,000-$250,000/month

Overview

Executive search firms earn 25-35% of first-year compensation per placement.

Completing 8-25 searches annually at $150K-$500K+ salaries generates $300,000-$3,000,000+ with 70-85% margins.

In 2025, executive talent drives organizational success.

Revenue from retained search fees (typically 1/3 upfront, 1/3 at 30 days, 1/3 at placement), exclusive engagements at 25-35% of first-year comp, C-suite and board search premiums, assessment and due diligence services, and onboarding and integration support.

Successful firms build deep industry expertise and networks, conduct thorough confidential searches, assess executives beyond resume, negotiate offers and close candidates, and achieve high placement success rates.

Companies hiring executives as clients.

Marketing through business networks and referrals, industry expertise and reputation, board connections and private equity, executive search awards and rankings, and thought leadership.

Required Skills

  • Executive Recruiting
  • Industry Expertise
  • Executive Assessment
  • Negotiation
  • Confidential Search
  • Business Development

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Very high fees per executive placement
  • Retained model provides upfront revenue
  • Prestige and high-level business relationships
  • C-suite networks highly valuable
  • Recession-resistant at senior levels

Cons

  • Need extensive executive network and credibility
  • Long search cycles (3-6 months per search)
  • High pressure to deliver exceptional executives
  • Highly competitive executive search market
  • Candidate and client expectations very high

How to Get Started

  1. Build executive recruiting experience and credentials
  2. Develop deep industry expertise and networks
  3. Create C-suite and senior executive relationships
  4. Market retained executive search services
  5. Conduct thorough confidential executive searches
  6. Assess candidates through comprehensive process
  7. Close placements and support executive onboarding

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