SELECTING EXECUTIVE SEARCH FIRMS
During last years there have been many companies providing executive search consulting services, some of them highly qualified but others do not follow the AESC Code of Ethics and Professional Practice Guidelines.
It is important for clients before selecting a search firm; they fully understand the services, methods of operation, handling, fees, limitations and expenses. Also it is important to know better the quality of the people they work with, as same as their track record, reputation and professionalism in managing the search assignment.
ETHIC AND PROFESSIONALISM
In order to be part of the AESC firm, companies must be assured commitment to professionalism and high level of integrity; all subscribe to the
Code of Ethics and
Professional Practice Guidelines.
CAPABILITY AND SIZE
Because of the executive firm has many offices or consultants does not mean the Company has the ability to handle successfully any search assignment. Furthermore, there are many small offices firms which operate nationally and internationally; as same as many multi-office firms which operate regionally.
In conclusion, it is more important the capability of the firm because it will provide you with the more professional and best possible candidate. However, multi-national firms have also demonstrated make a successful job working at senior management levels.
LIMITATIONS
No matter what the search firm is, there will always be a limitation of some kind. Here, the most important is to know exactly what those limitations are and how they could affect the search; and if would be possible, how they may be prevented and eliminated.
Plus, other important fact is the search firm must show commitment with both the clients and the information during the search process including the process will be treated in absolute confidentiality.
METHODS
Such as a consulting engagement, the methods of operations are only accepted the following.
- Understanding the organization, its needs, and the job position.
- Prioritize the work describing the position according to the documentation and making the scope of services, fees, expenses and cancellation policy.
- Research and feedback of the job environment using verbal and written reports.
- Potential candidates’ evaluation including the verification of their information.
- Facilitating interviews between the client and appropriate candidates.
- Final negotiations participation in order to ensure the client has the opportunity to hire the best candidate.
- Continuous participation and commitment with the client until the complete integration of the candidate to the company.
TRACK RECORD
The key factor in a firm that makes the difference with others is based on QUALITY. The only way to evaluate the reputation of the selected firm is evaluating the past performance. As many completed and repeated business had the firm, as much quality it has. Plus, we cannot forget to understand how past clients felt with this firm.
GUARANTEE
Despite executive search consultant is the ideal activity to hire an executive, you should not forget about the guarantee in which the firm compromise to fulfil the job position. Therefore, some details should be considered in unusual situations, such as what would happen if:
- The chosen candidate is hired for other position than the assigned previously.
- The hired applicant decided to leave voluntary or involuntary the job position.
SEARCH MANAGER
Depending on the clients’ requirements, they will always want to know more about the methods used to conduct the search. Some of these requirements are.
- Oral and written communicative skills with both the organization and the candidates.
- Knowledge and familiarity about the industry and its functions in order to make recommendations.
- Inquisitive intelligence making the right questions to candidates.
- A problem solver maintaining the control and power over any challenging and difficult task.
- Adequate conscious and sensitivity in front of the client needs.
- Compatibility with those people making the final hiring decisions.
RESPONSIBILITY
Being a particular task of the client to select a particular Executive search consulting firm, but it is also part of its responsibility to consult about.
- Adequate step by step method to select the most appropriate firm.
- Get to know exactly what are the services of the firm, as same as what are the convenient expectations from the search consulting relationship.
- Ensure to provide the firm with the enough information, which must be completely understand in order to cover the required position and qualifications duties.
