How to Find the Right Executive Search Firm
How to determine if an executive search firm is the right option
The hiring and recruiting process can be challenging when hiring for a senior-level position. It is important that the candidate integrates well with the company culture, represents the brand effectively, and has the right mix of experience and skills.
One way to ensure success is to work with an executive search firm. These organizations can take over many recruiting tasks that help you find the right candidates and free up your time to focus on other business functions.
This article will cover:
Why you would need to retain an external firm
The benefits of working with an executive search firm
How to find the right firm to partner with
Why you would need to retain an external hiring team
Filling a senior-level position
One of the most common reasons companies hire an executive search firm is when a senior-level position is open and the stakes are extremely high. Because hiring out can be an investment, it is often reserved for these higher-level openings.
Rare mix of expertise
Another scenario is if the candidate you are looking for has a mix of experience that is not easily found. It can be extremely challenging to find the right blend of skills and background on your own. You know what you want, but you may not know how to find it.
Discretion is required
If your search requires the utmost secrecy, it is wise to get help from an executive search firm. For example, if you are looking to fill a position that is currently taken by someone who is not working out and that person is not aware of the upcoming transition.
Diversity initiatives
You may be focusing on diversity and inclusion in your organization. If you know you need to take steps to create a more representative team of leaders, work with an outside firm to take the right steps while ensuring you are following laws and regulations and operating under the right policies that support equality.
Benefits of working with a search firm
Executive search organizations can support you if you are going through the above changes or scenarios. Working with a search firm will help you:
Gain an edge in your industry with better hires
Speed up the search process
Expand existing networks and contacts
Gain expertise you may not have
Free up time to focus on other mission-critical tasks
Build or improve your employment brand
Executive search firms also ensure that you hire people who align with your company culture and values. They can customize their services to your particular goals and needs for a given position or industry climate.
Finding the right firm
Now that you know when you may need an executive search firm and the benefits of working with one, how do you find the right search organization? Here are a few tips to keep in mind.
1. They must know your industry
Find a search firm that knows your specific industry well. They should have experience and lots of networking opportunities for your target market.
2. They specialize in the positions you are looking to fill
One of the first questions you ask should be if they have worked to fill similar positions in the past. What were the outcomes? Were their previous clients satisfied? They should also have an impressive executive-level track record. Ask for references or testimonials.
3. They have similar core values
When you are looking for firms, make sure you evaluate what drives them. What are their core values? Why was the firm founded? What do they care about the most?
These are important questions when you want to be sure a firm will help you hire based on cultural fit.
4. They are transparent
It is important to work with a firm that will always be transparent. This kind of relationship requires open, consistent communication. You should always trust the firm and know that they are working for your best interests.
5. Ask about individuals you will be working with
Sometimes it is more about the individuals helping you. Ask about the person you will be working with, and make sure you get to know them before you hire them. They should be driven to dig into what your company does and the precise characteristics and experience you are looking for in a candidate. They should also be concerned with helping you meet each goal.
Why work with Drive Talent?
When you need experienced professionals to help with your senior-level recruiting initiatives, work with the team at Drive Talent. We personalize our approach to your needs and help you find top-level candidates. We are a woman-owned business with a unique focus on executive, sales, and marketing positions.
Contact the Drive Talent team today to get started with a better executive search process.