Hiring a Search Firm -- A guide from HFC Executive Search

Hiring a Search Firm

What is Executive Search?

Executive search is a means of finding high-caliber leaders in local, regional or national markets. The search firm acts on behalf of the client company seeking the right manager for a specific role.

Typically, these candidates are not actively seeking new positions. It is the retained search firm’s role to identify candidates who may fit the culture and needs of that company, and to then present a “short list” of candidates to the client.

The retained search consultant serves as a management consultant to the client company.

Value of Executive Search

Executive search brings value to clients because the search consultant provides a company with knowledge of the managerial market within its industry, as well as a network of relevant industry contacts to identify suitable candidates for each assignment.

We emphasize building long-term client relationships and partnerships. The search process involves working with clients to understand their businesses, organizations, inner culture and thinking – so we can offer responsive, innovative solutions to a client’s management needs.

An emphasis on specialized industry expertise enhances the value proposition a search consultant can bring to its client.

Securing Key Players

For companies looking for senior managers in an increasingly tight executive market, executive search may be the only way to secure the right mix of skills, experience and cultural compatibility.

Why Use a Retained Search Firm?

Using a high-quality retained executive search firm ensures that the client will benefit from:

Confidentiality

A commitment to finding the right candidate whatever the challenges

Specialist knowledge of an industry

The ability to secure the best players in a timescale tailored to the client’s objectives

Chemistry between the search consultant and the client is very important. Understanding the problems/issues of the search assignment is absolutely paramount to success, as is constant communication between the client and the search consultant.

The size of the search firm is not important – what is important is who is doing your assignment and how much effort the senior partners will place upon it.

Because the retained search firm is representing the client company it must conduct itself in an entirely legal, ethical and professional manner. Confidentiality is paramount.

A hallmark of a successful search firm is that the majority of its work comes from satisfied clients – clients who return repeatedly to find the management talent they need to grow their businesses.

Questions to Ask When Choosing a Retained Executive Search Firm

	Will the consultant be a credible ambassador for your company?
	Does the consultant understand your company and its environment?
	Does the consultant have the right experience and industry knowledge to handle our assignment?
	Will the consultant give you top priority?
	Will the assignment be handled by the firm’s best people (i.e. avoid the “bait and switch” tactic)?
	Are you comfortable with the consultant’s approach and do you feel the assignment will be handled effectively by the firm?