Solo executive headhunter in one industry

Small and mid-sized employers that need a leader or specialist and don't have time or networks to find one themselves.

A fee per successful placement, usually a percentage of the hired person's first-year salary. Some firms charge a small upfront retainer to start a search.

• Deep knowledge of one industry
• Networking and cold outreach
• Interviewing and assessing people
• Discretion and tact

• Public liability and professional indemnity insurance, check what cover suits your work
• Check whether your state or territory has any licensing or registration rules for recruitment or labour hire, as these differ by state
• Privacy law when you collect and store candidate details, check your obligations
• Income is lumpy: placements can take months and fees may be refunded or replaced if the hire leaves early, so the monthly average is an estimate across a year, not a steady amount
• Working from home may need council approval, check with your local council

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your website, tools, insurance and the networking or advertising you do. These are estimates, and working from home keeps overheads low.

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $12,000, averaged across a year. Income is lumpy because placements can take months, and fees may be refunded or replaced if a hire leaves early.

Check whether your state or territory has licensing or registration rules for recruitment or labour hire, and your privacy obligations when storing candidate details. Also check public liability and professional indemnity insurance, and council approval for working from home.