- Why work with a retained niche search firm?
When you work with a retained niche search firm, you benefit from the company's experience in the field, industry knowledge and targeted network. Since a specialty firm will be up on the latest trends and success factors in the field of your open position, it will have a unique understanding of the role and the specific skills required. Due to its specialty, the search firm will know how to analyze the qualifications of candidates and how to attract the right professionals to accept a challenging position. In the field of corporate communications, a specialty firm will appreciate the distinct differences between media relations, investor relations, internal communications and government affairs as well as the need for a specialist versus a generalist. What's more, a niche search firm will be able to tap into its well-developed network of contacts in the industry in order to conduct a targeted and efficient search. A niche firm's know-how, industry understanding and relationships will save you time and effort as you try to fill a position.
- As the client, why do I have to meet with the search team members?
An in-person meeting with the search firm at the outset helps the recruiters provide you the best service by getting to know you and your organizational culture. There is no substitute for an in-person meeting for the search firm to be able to learn the nuances of the assignment, success factors, reporting structure, culture, chemistry fit and expectations. An in-person meeting also sets the tone for regularly scheduled follow-up phone meetings and email correspondence between client and search firm about the progress of the search. You can also use the initial in-person meeting to work with the recruiters to define and/or refine expectations for the role and the position description, decide on selection requirements and formulate an interview strategy. When you meet with the recruiters in person, you initiate a partnership for a smooth and efficient search process.
- Why can't we see candidates immediately?
An experienced search firm like ours will present you with the highest quality candidates as quickly as possible. The thorough process required, however, takes a little time. The search firm first needs to identify the target market, including appropriate companies and specific individuals. It will then conduct research through its proprietary database, relationship network and online tools such as social networking. Next it will contact appropriate potential candidates, collect and review resumes and conduct initial interviews. The search firm will then comprehensively evaluate potential candidates including assessment of strengths, weakness, skills and intangible qualities with respect to the position, as well as verification of education credentials and in-depth interviews. Each step is important for the search firm to be able to present you with a slate of the best candidates. The speed at which you see candidates may also be affected by the time of year and scheduling abilities of all parties involved.
- Shouldn't it be easy for Heyman Associates to recruit in this market?
You might think that a crowded candidate market makes a search firm's job easier. In some ways, in fact, the task is harder. True, there may be more job seekers than open positions, but a niche firm must keep the search narrow and focused. More job seekers mean more candidates for the search firm to screen ... and weed out. An experienced search firm will cut down the number of applicants by adhering to strict minimum qualifications. In addition, the search firm will seek passive candidates who are happy in their positions and who will likely require more coaxing to leave their jobs in today's challenging job market. A niche firm will know how to approach and communicate with such professionals. Longstanding relationships and a search firm's reputation go a long way in building candidate trust.
