The headhunter that got me my current job also represents the firm to which I would like to lateral

Bit of a predicament. I'm ready to lateral at my current firm. However, the same headhunter that covers the firm at which I am currently employed and facilitated my interview process happens to cover the firm to which I am looking to lateral. 

As of now, I am approaching the other firm directly. But if they go through the headhunter at any point, will the headhunter tell my current firm? If that happened I would be toast.

Advice for how to do this professionally? Thanks a lot!

4 Comments
 

How long have you been at your current firm? Most headhunters have lockout periods of sorts where they agree not to contact anyone they've placed for ~12 months (or similarly, provisions where they have to give back some of the $ if a candidate leaves early regardless of if it's the HH's fault)

If it's been a bit, I see no problem in at least reaching out. If the group is professional you can expect them to be discreet as they deal with similar situations all the time, and they've previously made money off you so they know you're a higher-quality candidate

 

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