In a overpopulated world of pseudo-recruiters, it is challenging to determine which firm can best meet your organization's needs. To aid the search firm critical decision process, we have developed a list of things to consider when choosing a search partner.

Longevity
Search firms do not survive, especially during difficult economic times, unless they do quality work. Handler & Associates has been in business for over 25 years, and while how long a firm has been in business does not necessary predict success, but it does tell you that the firm has stood the test of time.

Research
Does the company conduct its own research or do they out-source the work? Research methodology is paramount in choosing a search firm and will give you some indication of the search firm’s ability to control the resource function of sourcing candidates. Research is the foundation on which Handler & Associates is built.

Specialization
What type of positions does the firm typically work on? It is important to confirm that the search firm has specific knowledge of your industry and is accustomed to recruiting candidates at the level of the position you are trying to fill.

References
Ask the about the length of the firm’s relationships with their clients, the number and level of searches completed, the frequency of communication between the clients and the firm and the ultimate effectiveness of the candidates they have placed.

Understand the Entire Process
Make sure to have a clear and complete understanding of the entire search process, including fees, related expenses and timeframes for completion.

Communication
At a minimum, you should expect weekly progress reports. Remember, you should never have to chase the search firm for information. Reports should be forthcoming on a regular basis.

Candidate Reference Checks
Are candidate references conducted prior to referral to you? This process eliminates unqualified candidates from wasting your time and resources.

Current Work Load
Each consultant can manage three to six concurrent searches effectively. There are not enough hours in the week to give each client’s search the attention that it deserves when the load exceeds six assignments. Do the math yourself.

Off-limits Policies
Find out if there are companies the firm will not recruit from because of existing relationships. Also understand the limitations in recruiting from your company. Do these limitations include your facility, division, or enterprise wide.

Guarantees
If the candidate does not work out will you replace him or her? And for how long? Is there any additional cost? Are there any conditions on the guarantee?

Contingency Work
Beware of contingency firms masquerading as retained. Giving a retainer to a contingency firm will not buy you retainer quality work. Make sure you get what you pay for.

The careful choice of a search firm should be a positive step toward solving one of management's most critical problems. We welcome the opportunity to be rated and compared against our competition. We feel that our track record, credibility, ethic’s, professionalism and ability to produce results will stand on its own merits.

Copyright © Handler & Associates, 2008