Suppose you are tasked with talent search and hiring highly talented candidates in your company. In that case, you may be contemplating working with an executive search firm to find the ideal candidates you seek. Well, that is one of the best choices you could ever make. An executive search firm helps your company attract and find the most qualified and skilled individuals to meet your company’s unique needs. They seek talent and focus on identifying the top-level candidates to fill in your high role job openings. The question is, how do you select the best executive search firm and get the right people just for your bus? Here are the things you should consider.
Experience
The first question is if the firm has in-depth knowledge of the industry and fully understands the type of role in question. Extensive knowledge of the industry, skills, and experience all contribute towards a successful candidate search. Enquire if they have a well-established network of contacts, for instance, being a member of the IRC search partners that enables them to achieve an extensive search.
The search process
Another thing you should consider is how they perform the search process to fill the position in question. Determine if their methods demonstrate the ability to bring out the complete nature of the role and align with the company’s culture and values. Ask how they manage the search process, how they attract qualified candidates, and how they identify the best of the best. Some will rely on job board advertising to attract candidates, while some will seek out passive and active candidates. Getting an idea of how they conduct the search process helps you determine if it will bring you the desired candidates.
Reputation
When you partner with an executive search firm, they become an ambassador for your company and the first point of contact to your hiring needs. So, the firm you choose should directly align with your company’s values as it will be a reflection of your brand. Take time to know their principles, their level of professionalism, and their reputation at large. Such factors impact a search firm’s ability to access high-level skills and executive talent. The reputation of the firm could positively or negatively impact your brand, so choose carefully.
Priority
Will the executive search firm prioritize your search, and who will handle it? An excellent executive firm will prioritize your search to fill in your position within the given timelines to get your company going. Check the professional credentials of the particular agents that will handle your search and inquire if you will have direct access to them. Ensure you get a skilled team to conduct your search. Enquire about the average time it takes to complete it and when you should expect to interview the first candidate. All that is to help you determine if the firm suits your needs.
After-hire services
Enquire about the firm’s after-hire services. Do they follow up on placed candidates? A good executive search firm will stay in touch with your company post-hire and follow up on hired candidates to ensure there are no problems and deal with any issues that arise in the first phase of starting a new position.
The bottom line
A reputable executive search firm should be able to give you references of companies they have worked with before in successfully filling up high role positions with top-level candidates.
