The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 11 letter word HEADHUNTERS
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
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More clues leading to the result HEADHUNTERS
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "People employed by recruitment agencies" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case people employed by recruitment agencies = headhunters.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does HEADHUNTERS mean?
HEADHUNTERS noun- A savage who cuts off the heads of his enemies, and preserves them as trophies.
- One who recruits senior personnel for a company.
- A pitcher who throws at the batter's head.
- A player who uses a hockey stick to attempt to strike an opponent's head.