Working with Search Firms

If you decide to work with a Search Firm/Headhunter/Third Person Recruiter, there are some basis questions you need to ask prior to giving them your business. Here are some of those Key Questions:

Where did you get my name?
Do you operate on a contingency or retainer basis?
What is the name of the employer?
Do you have a firm agreement to represent the employer if one of your candidates is hired for this specific position?
Are you working on this exclusively or are other firms working on it as well?
Are you working with HR or directly with the hiring manager?
How are you involved in the hiring process?
What will be the interview process?
Why is this job open?
Is this job opening due to growth or replacement?
If this is a replacement, what happened to the previous person in this position?
How much does the job pay?
Are there any additional pay components beyond salary?
Have you ever placed candidates with this client before?
Where is the job located?
Is this at the company headquarters / corporate office?
Is the company profitable?
Have they laid off any employees in the last year?
How would you describe the company culture?
What is the background of the person I will be interviewing with?
What is the interviewing style of the person I will be interviewing with?
Who has final hiring decision authority?
What will you do with my resume?
Will my resume be given out to any other client without my permission?

After you have met with the person at the Search Firm, ask yourself:

What does your gut tell you about working with this recruiter?
Do they really listen to your needs and long-term career plans?

Additional Resources:

Headhunters Revealed! Career Secrets for Choosing and Using Professional Recruiters
by Darrell Gurney
Kennedy's Pocket Guide to Working with Executive Recruiters
by Kennedy Publications
Wall Street Journal's Career Journal at www.careerjournal.com
Directory of Personnel Consultants by Specialization by National Association of Personnel Consultants.