Job Seeking Advice

Depending on the company using a headhunter could be helpful or it could be very harmful.  I used to hire high end networking guys that commanded a $20k headhunter fee.  Whenever a headhunter would bring a name to me I literally couldn't hire them because I didn't have the budget for the fee.  Even if I really wanted the guy/gal there was nothing I could do.

If the company is ok with the fees of the headhunter and you've already been presented then I think its totally appropriate to leverage your internal contacts to put in a good word for you or lobby on your behalf.  It won't effect the headhunter fee structure at that point because they've already introduced you.

If the headhunter hasn't introduced you formally I would personally try the internal referral route versus the headhunter route because you're instantly making yourself more cost effective for the company by not putting a headhunter fee on your head if they decide to choose you.  Given two equally qualified people applying a company is much more likely to hire the guy/gal without the fees attached.

From my experience, the company and head hunter have an agreement that if you have applied to a company within the last x months (6, 12, 24... my experience was 12), the head hunter is not entitled to their fee.  Usually this is a contentious point.  It makes me wonder why the hunter is introducing you at all.

I guess my reply did not help you out at all with your question.  Good day!

If you did not know about the job until the HH brought it to you, the ethical thing would be to go through the HH.  If you already knew about it, the ethical things would be to tell the HH you already knew about it and are working it internally.

That was what I was going to say.  Hope you get the job!

Agreed.  Sounds like the best of both worlds.

also keep in mind that even if you get hired and the HH doesn't get a fee - the HH has a check in the favor column.  so next time an opening comes up or a friend needs a job - you should have the HH on speed dial.

I've worked with a very successful HH that has given me leads on job openings and said that the company doesn't take HH referrals - but I should apply.  In return, I've referred a handful of friends to her.  She makes a few placements without fees and ends up getting tons of goodwill.