The Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC) has 1,400+ member executive search consultants, also known as executive headhunters, around the world who specialize in the recruitment of Human Resource Executives. These executive recruiters fill executive positions including: Executive Development Directors, HR Generalists, Diversity Directors, Training and Development Directors, Recruiting and Staffing Executives, HR Information Systems Directors, Labor Relations Directors, and Compensation and Benefits Directors.

HR executive search professionals require candidates to perform as business advisors to top management on issues including organizational development, mergers and acquisitions, compensation, talent management and outsourcing. The typical HR executive position works closely with boards to offer expertise on compensation and succession planning. Eileen Finn, President of Eileen Finn and Associates, and an AESC member, believes the Human Resources sector is seeing a lot of movement in senior level talent as companies fail to focus on retention. Finn offers the following advice for those in the HR executive search process: "Look at how you can thread your skills. HR is a function that can move into all different industries. HR pros are poised to focus on growth industries like Healthcare."

Finn adds: "I also think individuals who can transition into interim or consulting assignments will be in demand. The use of contract talent in US organizations is likely to continue. And HR is a function that will grow on the contract side."

Global cities offering strong HR executive opportunities include: Toronto, Brussels, Sydney, Vancouver, Philadelphia, Paris, Charlotte, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, Milan, London, New York and San Francisco.