Chosing a Search Firm

Executive search firms come in all shapes and sizes. It is important that you give careful consideration to which firm or firms you choose to work with. As a candidate, the firm (or firms) you choose to associate with can have a significant impact on your job search success.

Please review and consider the following when choosing a search firm to represent your interests:

  • Select a firm that specializes in your area of career interest. Specialized firms are much better networked within your career interest area.
  • Select a firm whose client base in consistent with the types of firms that would interest you. It is always a good idea to request a list of the recruiting firm's clients.
  • Select a firm whose client base is in alignment with your geographical preferences.
  • Select a firm whose client base is consistent with the types of companies that would interest you. It is always a good idea to request a list of the recruiting firm's clients.
  • Give careful consideration to the search professional you will be working with. It is important that you feel comfortable with this key individual. Find someone who will work with your interests in mind and who will provide you with useful career and job search advice.
  • Ask your friends, colleagues and business associates to recommend search professionals that they have worked with in the past.
  • Select a firm whose policy is to request your approval prior to submitting your information to their clients.
  • Give consideration as to whether the firm is an active member in good standing of reputable professional organizations. Members of such organizations are required to adhere to standards of ethical practice.
  • Visit the search firm's web site. Review posted job opportunities and other information to help you understand the firm's specialties and whether such opportunities and areas of specialty line up with you career interests.



Using an Executive Search Firm

Developing and maintaining relationships with recruiting professionals at reputable Executive Search Firms is an effective component of managing your long-term career development. Do not discount the value of executive search professionals in helping you advance your career potential.

Please review and consider the following tips when dealing with executive search professionals:

  • It is important to understand that executive search firms are paid by their client to source, recruit and place candidates that
    fit their needs.
  • Executive search professionals can and will assist candidates in performing effectively during the recruiting process. When working with recruiters, ask for their advice with respect to helping you understand the recruiting process and how you can be most effective throughout the process.
  • Listen carefully and consider all tips, techniques and "pointers" shared with you by the recruiter. Search professionals will generally provide you with very frank advice and suggestions during the recruiting process.
  • When working with a recruiter who has presented you to his or her client, it is important that you be reachable and return phone calls promptly. Likewise, the recruiter should make himself or herself available to you, when requested.
  • It is important that you be open and honest in your dealings with search professionals that you have entrusted. Make sure you advise the recruiter immediately of any and all changes in your employment status, other job offers received, and/or other job opportunities being considered.
  • Recruiters will generally request your compensation information early on in the process. Make sure you provide a complete and accurate "picture" of your compensation situation - it is very important that you fully disclose all the components of your compensation.
  • If you are working with more than one recruiter, make sure that there is not a duplication of efforts. You want to avoid situations where you are being presented to the same company by more than one recruiter.
  • If you have submitted your resume and related information to a recruiter on an unsolicited basis, you will likely not be contacted unless that recruiter or his/her firm is involved on an assignment where your skillset or background is a "fit."
  • Follow up with the recruiter immediately following any and all phone and/or face-to-face interviews scheduled with a client/employer. It is important that the recruiter be able to get back to his/her client as soon as possible to discuss your interest level in the opportunity for which you were interviewed. Unnecessary delays in getting back to the client send the
    wrong signal.
  • View the recruiter as a resource. Developing and nurturing relationships with these professionals will generally help you in the long-run.