How to Choose an Executive Search Firm

Organizations usually engage an executive search firm when a role is important enough, requires a rare set of people skills and business expertise. Hiring the right talent for mission-critical roles influences and drives organizational success. Hiring mistakes are expensive in terms of both direct and indirect costs. This is the reason why winning the battle for the most talented professionals becomes even more important. Executive Search Firms help organizations make the "right hiring choices" and add significant value to their workforce. Partnering with an Executive Search Firm often plays a key role in identifying, attracting, and acquiring ‘Key Talent’ for an organization.

So, selecting an Executive Search Firm is as critical as the final hire itself. Here are a few things to keep in mind when trying to identify the right Firm for your organization:

Knowledge about Industry

You must look for someone who comes with the requisite experience in the sphere your organization operates. This doesn’t end here. The Executive Search Firm should also be able to recognize the unique role of your company in the industry and its culture. They should understand your priorities, goals, vision and challenges.

Past Experience

The Executive Search Firm’s past record is very important. Their work in your industry especially, should be reviewed. Be sure to see where their candidates are now and how well they did after they were employed. Check out the references they share with you to make a sound decision.

Methodology

Executive Search Firms use a wide variety of tools to get the job done. Sometimes experience and knowing the right people works. At other times, an industry may demand the use of innovative techniques to seek out the right employee. What fits your industry and what position you’re looking to fill can help dictate which Executive Search Firm to go for. A good Executive Search Firm will know how to assess whether a candidate will fit into your organisation or not.

Speed

No Executive Search Firm can credibly commit to finding an applicant in a short time span. However, this is not to say that you should not factor in the amount of time they will take. Take a look at their results to get an idea of what to expect. A good Executive Search Firm will be able to balance time pressures with thoughtful processes to close a position well in time.

Most of all use your own judgment. An Executive Search Firm would be interested in listening to your concerns and willing to understand what you need. Much like in the case of a new employee, you don’t want to hire someone who doesn’t understand what you need.

At The Taplow Group, we consider every search as a Partnership—not only by making a fruitful hire, but also by building a successful and thriving team. Our partner organizations generally find that the input and perspectives we provide are helpful well beyond the scope of the specific search. Reach out to us at www.TaplowGroup.com for more information on how we can best partner with you!