Question 1

What is the difference between a headhunter and a recruiter?

Accepted Answer

Headhunters (executive search firms) proactively approach passive, high-level candidates for senior or specialized roles, often under confidentiality. Traditional recruiters source and screen candidates for any open role. Shortlist replaces both for SDR, BDR, and AE roles — using AI to source passive candidates and deliver pre-screened shortlists in 48 hours.

Question 2

How much does a headhunter charge to find an SDR?

Accepted Answer

Headhunters typically charge 25–30% of annual salary for contingency or retained searches — $16,000–$25,000 for a typical SDR role. For retained searches, a portion ($5,000–$15,000) is due upfront regardless of outcome. Shortlist costs $199/mo with no per-hire fees, making it 98%+ cheaper for SDR/BDR placements.

Question 3

Should I use a headhunter to hire sales reps?

Accepted Answer

Headhunters make sense for senior sales leadership (VP, CRO, Head of Sales) where confidentiality and network access matter. For SDR, BDR, and AE roles, the headhunter fee-to-value ratio is poor. Shortlist delivers pre-screened candidates in 48 hours at a fraction of the cost — headhunter fees are unnecessary for individual contributor sales roles.

Factor	Shortlist	Headhunter / Executive Search
Cost per hire	✅ $199/mo — unlimited roles on plan	$20,000–$40,000 per placement (25–30% of salary)
Time to first candidates	✅ 48 hours	4–10 weeks
Best suited for	✅ SDR, BDR, AE — individual contributor roles	VP, C-suite, highly specialized senior roles
Candidate sourcing	✅ AI-driven passive network	Manual networking, confidential outreach
Screening methodology	✅ 5-factor AI scoring model	Relationship-based, gut feel
Volume capacity	✅ Multiple roles simultaneously	Typically 1–3 searches at a time
Contract terms	✅ Monthly, cancel anytime	Retained (upfront $5K–$15K) or contingency

Shortlist vs. Headhunter

See the difference yourself

Shortlist vs. Headhunter

See the difference yourself

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