Also used to describe recruiters, often
derisively. Head-hunters are
hired by companies to fill vacancies in their staffing
positions. A good head-hunter can negotiate a very
lucrative deal for you to the benefit of everyone
involved (you and the head-hunter because you get paid
well, the company you work at becase they get an excellent
worker.) A bad head-hunter does nothing but take money
from you both without adding any value.
In my experience as a contractor, a head-hunter will get
anywhere from 30-50% of my hourly wage (i.e. I'm paid $50/hour,
they'll bill the company I work at at $75/hour.)
Until you've got a couple of jobs under your belt,
head-hunters will be a Necessary Evil. Even then,
large companies (the HPs, Ciscos
and Suns of the world) will only hire
you through an agency because they've got more money
than time.