Clients

How To Choose a Search Firm

Most companies use the resources of a professional search firm when they need to hire key talent. Search fees are a significant investment. The level of service and the results need to be commensurate with the amount of your investment.

Companies tell us that it is a difficult and sometimes confusing process to find the right firm to work with at the time they are really needed.  Sometimes, a bad experience with a search firm leaves clients reluctant or hesitant to use one a second time. There are some important questions you may consider asking a search firm prior to engaging them to work on your behalf.

• Not all search firms are alike. If you have not used a firm before, or need a new search relationship, ask collegues for professional recommendations. Interview 2-3 firms.  
• A search business process is critical. Ask firms specific details about how they work; how, where and who they are successful in recruiting; how long a search takes; their fee structure; and what guarantee they provide to ensure that a candidate of your choosing accepts your job offer.
• The search firm is a direct representative of you and your company. Ask for examples that reveal a firm's core values, their relationships with candidates and with other clients, and their business ethics.
• Results are the bottom line. What does the search firm do for your company if the search is not producing a hireable candidate?
• Time. Search is very time consuming. Determine if your search firm will commit to give your search its number one focus until a candidate is hired.
• Communication. A successful search requires honest disclosure of  information between the client and the search firm. What will a search firm need to know about your company to be fully informed for the search? Does their search business process included frequent updates to the client regarding the status and progress of the search?   
• Check references. Search firms should provide 2-3 client references who are knowledgable about how they work and the results they obtain. Does your search firm have a solid reputation with candidates also? Obtaining a candidate reference is valuable insight into how the firm is perceived by  employed professionals.