What is headhunting?
Headhunting is the direct, proactive approach of specific professionals for a specific role, rather than waiting for applications. It is common for senior, scarce or confidential positions. CourtesyMasters has practised headhunting and direct sourcing for hospitality since 1999, always discreetly and with respect for everyone involved.
Detailed answer
Headhunting is the direct approach of specific professionals for a specific role, without waiting for applications. It is common for senior, scarce or confidential positions, where the right person is usually not applying anywhere.
Why do the best candidates need to be approached?
The strongest professionals are rarely browsing job boards. A General Manager who is leading a hotel successfully is busy with the team and the operation, and is valued by the current employer. That does not mean they are closed to a move: many experienced professionals are open to a conversation when the right role comes along. That conversation rarely starts with a job application.
A published vacancy mainly reaches active job seekers. Headhunting reaches the larger group of people who are successful where they are, but open to an opportunity that fits their ambitions better.
Which roles are headhunted in hospitality?
CourtesyMasters headhunts across the full spectrum of hospitality leadership, including:
- operations and management: hotel managers, resort managers, operations directors and cluster managers
- culinary and F&B: executive chefs, culinary directors, F&B managers and restaurant directors
- commercial and support: revenue directors, heads of sales and marketing, financial controllers and HR directors
How does a headhunting assignment work?
It starts with a clear picture of the role: the requirements, the performance expectations, the team and the operational context. From there, the market is mapped and a target list is built of high performers in luxury hotels, fine dining and hospitality brands, based on proven commercial results.
The approach itself is confidential and peer-to-peer. Every approach protects the candidate's current position, so a conversation never puts an existing role at risk. Candidates are evaluated on verified commercial results, leadership and operational execution before you receive a precise shortlist, and the support continues through the offer to the candidate's first day.
Discretion on both sides
CourtesyMasters has practised headhunting and direct sourcing in hospitality since 1999, always discreetly and with respect for everyone involved. For candidates, it means they can discuss their ambitions in confidence, without the pressure of a public recruitment process.
Read more about headhunting at CourtesyMasters.
Related Frequently Asked Questions
What is a boutique executive search firm?
A boutique executive search firm is a small, specialised practice that takes on a limited number of assignments with senior attention, in contrast to large, volume-driven firms. CourtesyMasters has worked this way since 1999: a dedicated team, deep hospitality roots and personal involvement from first briefing to final placement. Read more about us.
What is the difference between executive search and recruitment?
Recruitment typically fills open vacancies through advertising and applications. Executive search works the other way around: a consultant proactively identifies and approaches accomplished professionals, including those not actively looking, and guides both sides through a confidential, structured process. CourtesyMasters combines both disciplines, always with a hospitality focus.
What is executive search?
Executive search is a specialised form of recruitment for senior and hard-to-fill positions. Instead of waiting for applications, a search partner proactively identifies, approaches and assesses proven professionals, often confidentially. CourtesyMasters has applied this craft exclusively to hospitality since 1999, through a structured six-step methodology. Discover more about executive search services.
How can I report recruitment fraud or impersonation involving CourtesyMasters?
If you receive a suspicious message or offer that claims to come from CourtesyMasters, please contact us directly before responding. We will confirm whether the communication is genuine and take action to protect you.
Where is CourtesyMasters headquartered?
CourtesyMasters is headquartered in The Hague, The Netherlands, and works internationally from hubs in Madrid, Florence, Rome, London, Monaco and Cannes. See our locations for the full overview.
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