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 Recruitersby Darrell Gurney
- Kennedy's Pocket Guide to Working with Executive Recruitersby Kennedy Publications
- Wall Street Journal's Career Journal at www.careerjournal.com
- Directory of Personnel Consultants by Specialization by National Association of Personnel Consultants.
