Being on this side of the desk as a search firm provider, I am sometimes asked by Human Resource clients what criteria they should consider in selecting an executive search firm provider?
Here are some recommended criteria:
1) Does the provider offer a solid and understandable process? Will there be milestone dates and a clear understanding of what happens next within the typical three month search process?
2) Who will conduct and oversee the actual research and search strategy? Will it be the search firm person who is selling the search services or will they hand off to someone else who will conduct the actual search? Be wary of believing in the person who is only selling the service to you. You may later find out that he/she will not be involved in the actual research and delivery of services and you could be disappointed.
3) Does the search firm have too many “blockage” issues in the sector where you want to recruit from? Blockage is defined as the search firm provider having many clients within that particular sector and due to other prior client relationships, they will not be able to recruit into those companies.
4) Does the search partner have the necessary sector experience so they can offer a deep dive of understanding about what is needed for this particular talent acquisition project? They should also bring a deep personal network within the necessary sector to get to the “red-hot” center of candidate targets.
5) Does the search provider offer some sort of guarantee for their services? For example, will they come back and execute the search for free if the person they put in place does not work out? At a minimum, you should ask for at least 6 months to a year for a guarantee.
6) Last and most importantly, do you feel intuitively that your search partner will not let you down? Each and every search is difficult (that is why you are asking a search firm for their expertise) and do you sense enough trust/confidence in your search partner? Does he/she have resourcefulness, chutzpah, persistence and integrity to see the project through and get it down right? Be wary of search providers who talk a good game but have trouble with executing the details. An executive search project is “project management 101” and philosophy is fine but milestones must be met.
7) Consider price as your last criteria. You will never make a bad financial deal with a good person that you believe in and have a strong business relationship with.
The search firm selection process is the most important step you will make in being successful with bringing in a top talent for your company. You can doom the project from the start by not selecting the right search partner.
