headhunted

Sought for hire

Headhunted describes being recruited for a job, typically by a specialized recruiter who sought you out rather than you applying: She was headhunted by a tech startup.

The term implies being poached—targeted for your skills or reputation rather than discovered through ordinary hiring channels.

Being headhunted often suggests flattering professional recognition.

recruitment

recruiter

One who finds candidates

poachedIllegally hunted or taken
scoutedExplored in advance
approachedMoved toward something

courted · lured · offer · candidate · placement · shortlisted · interview · hire · onboarding · prospect

career

promotion

Rank increase or publicity

advancementForward movement or promotion
relocationPermanent change of residence
executiveSenior organizational leader

corporate · ladder · succession · appointment · opportunity · ambition · competitor · counteroffer · resignation · departure

elite

executive

Senior organizational leader

specialistExpert in one field
CEOTop corporate officer
directorOne who leads

expert · high-flyer · star · in-demand · sought-after · prized · coveted · rainmaker · unicorn · game-changer

tribal

trophy

Award for winning

skullHead's bone casing
ritualCeremonial set of actions
warriorOne skilled in combat

tribe · indigenous · raid · enemy · conquest · ceremony · ancestral · tradition · Borneo · Amazonian

Opposites

recruitment initiative

headhuntedapplying

Putting into use

pounding the pavement · following up · networking · trail · follow

employment desirability

headhuntedfired

Terminated from employment

laid off · let go · made redundant · terminated · dismissed

Phrases

headhunting firmExecutive recruitment agency

Family

headhunter, headhunters, headhunting, headhunt, headhunts

Familiarity: Top 200,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Positive · Rated G