Resources for Companies

Choosing the Right Search Firm

Hiring a new employee is one of the most significant investments a company can make. That's why it's so important to ensure that your business is supported as effectively—and successfully—as possible in this effort.

In our experience, we have seen firsthand that not all search firms are created equal. That's why we created these helpful tips to select the right search firm to work on your behalf.

1. Rely on recommendations and references when selecting a search firm. If you have not used a search firm before, ask colleagues or professional contacts for their recommendations.

   Once you've selected two or three firms to consider, be sure the firms provide two or three client references who are knowledgeable about how they work and the results they obtain. Also, be sure the search firm has a solid reputation with candidates. Obtaining a candidate reference is valuable insight into how the firm is perceived by employed professionals.

2. A search firm is an ambassador and representative of your company. How does the search firm's values, business ethics and relationship-building skills mesh with your company's?

3. 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.

4. Invest the time. The search process may be very time consuming. Determine if your search firm will commit to give your search its number one focus until a candidate is hired.

5. Keep the lines of communication open--consistently. 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 include frequent updates to the client regarding the status and progress of the search?

6. Results are the bottom line. Understand how the search firm works to identify key candidates and, as important, what the firm's strategy is in the event that it does not find a slate of hireable candidates to consider.