How to Choose and Work with a Search Firm

Criteria to help you decide:

• Size of firm: Number of offices and number of executives
• Scope of expertise: Local, regional, national
• Retained or Contingency
• Process: How a search is facilitated. In person interview vs. phone vs. resume
• What industries do they serve.
• History: How long in business
• Ethics: Confidentiality

• What type of firm?
• Who is my contact?
• What can I expect from the firm?
• What level of openings do you handle?
• What will happen to my resume?
• What obligations will I incur?

Contract: Handles short-term to long-term client openings with employees that are on the contract firms payroll.

Contingency: Handles assignments from clients where fee is paid upon completion of the search. Wide spectrum of companies with various competencies, sizes, professionalism, etc. Usually non-exclusive in nature.

Retained: Predominantly exclusive contracting of services to one firm where monies are initially paid to begin the search. Nationally much higher degree of success for clients.

One important fact to keep in mind: although the search firm works for the client, they cannot help you reach your objective unless you help them.

Honest/Factual Information

• Income objectives and salary history
• Resume accuracy
• Goals
• Achievements/Accomplishments
• Areas of expertise
• Interest in the position
• References

Communication Issues

• In person or phone (keep your appointments)
• Timely follow-up
• Honest appraisal of interest vs. "shopping"
• Decision making ability. "Do you want the position?"
• Resignation and counteroffer
   

Search professionals can be an effective help in your career path. Ask questions, choose wisely, communicate honestly.