Choosing An Effective Executive Recruiting Firm That's The Right Fit
Your company is ready to outsource the search for a
successful executive to join the team, but you don't know how to choose the
best executive recruiting firm to tackle the task. It's not uncommon,
particularly if your company has traditionally handled all job placements
through its Human Resources department. Unfortunately, when a company finally
realizes that it would be better served by having a third party recruiter
handle searching for and vetting potential candidates, the key players are
already stressed and aren't sure how to proceed. We've put together some
guidelines to help you choose a headhunting company wisely. If you follow them,
you'll soon be working with a recruiting firm that is dedicated to finding the
right individual for every opening at your company and who will follow up with
you after a placement to ensure that both the employee and employer feel that
the match is a successful one.
Experience: It Sounds Obvious, But
Being experienced in a particular industry can be extremely
beneficial, but not all recruiters who originally came from the industry
they're now recruiting for can handle all of the additional aspects of matching
qualified candidates with suitable opportunities. If they are good at what they
do, they will have an understanding of the relevant issues within the industry
as well as an in-depth network of colleagues and associates they can call on.
Look for an executive search team with not only years of industry experience,
but a solid recruiting background as well. Ask for references from other
companies they've worked with. If they're good at what they do, they'll be able
to give you recent references and contact information.
Ask About How They Conduct Their Searches
The Internet has revolutionized the way many employers find
qualified candidates, making it simultaneously easier and more difficult to
weed through the reams of online material to get to the gold. An executive
search group that relies primarily on Internet databases for qualified leads is
only doing half the job. For complete coverage and top drawer candidates, a
recruiting firm needs to reach out to their own industry contacts, industry
organizations and more. They should also have current data on passive job
seekers (individuals who aren't actively looking for a new job, but who would
welcome the opportunity to learn more about a potential position). Full coverage
executive search means using all of the tools available.
Does The Recruiting Firm Fit Your Company Style?
There are as many kinds of executive search companies as
there are upper management and executive level job openings. While larger firms
might have more employees, they don't necessarily have greater access to
candidates. Many small recruiting firms have reciprocal agreements with other
firms or have access to information through affiliate companies across the
country and around the world. The most important thing to keep in mind is that
you will be working closely with a recruiter or recruiters for weeks at a time.
Do you prefer working with a single contact person who will guide you every
step of the way? Speak up and let any executive search company you're
considering know what you will expect from them. Ask how often they will be in
touch with you throughout the recruitment process to see if it meshes with your
own expectations.
Finally, trust your gut. Not everyone will agree with this
suggestion, but in most cases your gut instinct is a reflection of an
instinctual reaction. If you're comfortable during the first interview with the
members of a recruiting firm, chances are you'll continue to be comfortable
with them throughout the process, making things run smoothly for everyone. Contact
LatinRecruit.
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