I think a lot of the disagreements in the comments is coming down to different conceptions of headhunting. Dan, you refer to targeting/specific/direct outreach to particular individuals, but that doesn’t seem the crucial difference, its in the intent, tone and incentives.
“Hey X person, you’re doing a great job at your current job. You might be totally happy at your current job, but I thought I’d flag this cool new opportunity that seems really impactful—happy to discuss why it might be a good fit” seems fine.
Giving a hard sell, strongly denigrating the current employer or being strongly incentivised for switches (eg paid a commission) seems way less fine.
I think a lot of the disagreements in the comments is coming down to different conceptions of headhunting. Dan, you refer to targeting/specific/direct outreach to particular individuals, but that doesn’t seem the crucial difference, its in the intent, tone and incentives.
“Hey X person, you’re doing a great job at your current job. You might be totally happy at your current job, but I thought I’d flag this cool new opportunity that seems really impactful—happy to discuss why it might be a good fit” seems fine.
Giving a hard sell, strongly denigrating the current employer or being strongly incentivised for switches (eg paid a commission) seems way less fine.