Needs Assessment

Regardless of whether or not an opening requires the help of a search firm, a corporate self-assessment is the first step to successful hiring at all levels.

• What type of person would be best suited for this environment?
• What do you want the person in this position to accomplish?
• How difficult (or easy) will it be to attract good candidates?
• How much help do you need with the interview and hiring process?
• Do you have a proper transition strategy?

Identifying your needs and your available resources to fill your needs will help clarify the type of external services you require.

• Certain positions require full-blown, international searches.
• Other situations are better served by a supply of resumes from a local recruitment firm.
• Maybe you only need help with reference checks and interviewing.
• As a general rule, more important and higher level positions require more capital (time, energy and research) to complete.

Working with a Firm

During the course of an assignment, recruitment firms work closely with their clients, often developing strong relationships and gaining valuable insights into the client’s internal processes and corporate culture. This knowledge can be used to assist clients in making organizational improvements that go far beyond the position at hand.

Managing the Search Process

• Be responsive and involved. Most search timelines extend as the result of clients dragging out the final interview process. To maintain search momentum, stay in frequent contact with the search firm and, in general, on top of the whole process.
• Evaluate sample resumes and review telephone screens early in the search to be sure you are “on the same page” with the search firm.
• Ask the search firm to generate specific types of candidates to help achieve your staffing goals. For example, if your company needs more women in management, require that a certain percentage of candidates they present be women.
• Require detailed, written reference reports that spell out the specific positive and negative proficiencies and competencies held by the candidate.
• Respond quickly to the search firm’s emails and calls. Run a fast schedule as the search progresses. Maintaining momentum is an essential component to presenting your company as professional to prospective candidates (who are, of course, interviewing you as well).

Good search firms do not try to be all things to all people. Different firms are useful in certain situations. If you do not need the complete array of services offered by a firm for a full search, try to negotiate a more limited service agreement.