When you are getting ready to replace a member of your team or to add an additional staff member, the task may seem a bit daunting. Going through the process of finding the top talent, assessing their abilities, interviewing potential candidates, and finally, hiring that individual, can sometimes be overwhelming. However, it doesn’t need to be difficult at all, and enlisting the services of an experienced executive search firm can become an overall enlightening experience if the recruiter offers knowledge of the current recruiting market place….a great way to become tuned in and more effective.

That being said, it is very important, in order to reap the most benefits from the partnership, to create the most strong and productive relationship with your executive search firm possible. If you have spent the time researching firms to find the one that will best suit all of your recruiting needs, it only makes sense to take your partnership with them just as seriously. How can you work to get the most from your relationship with your executive search firm?

Here are some useful tips that will help you build a productive and effective relationship with your executive search firm:

1. Be transparent. When you meet with your recruitment consultant, make sure that you are honest about your expectations from the firm. If you try to provide a sugarcoated version or decline to include all the expectations for a candidate, the executive search firm may not be able to meet your needs – because they don’t actually know them. Make sure that you clearly outline exactly what you are looking for in potential candidates to help ensure the executive search firm can deliver.
2. Communicate. Make sure that you keep in contact with your executive search firm in case there are any changes to your expectations (ie. job requirements, contract changes, etc.). The best way to ensure that your needs are continually being met is to make sure that your recruitment consultant is informed.
3. Respect the process. Finding the top talent out there is not going to take a week. Any well-respected, experienced executive search firm will tell you this. Make sure that you do not enter into the relationship with unrealistic expectations. Finding and hiring the right individual is a complex process. So if you want to avoid common hiring mistakes and make the most from your relationship, respect timelines and work in collaboration with your executive search firm.
4. Be prepared. Make sure that you take the advice that your recruitment consultant offers and prepare yourself properly when it comes time to participate. Make yourself available for interviews, and provide timely feedback to the firm. Failing to make a good impression or taking too long to get back regarding your feelings about potential candidates may mean losing them!

The recruitment process, in order to be conducted effectively, requires a balance – and you are an important part of that. A good executive search firm will fill you in on what is expected, but it is always nice to come prepared and be informed about what is expected of you in this collaborative role.

To find out more about how to establish a strong relationship with your executive search firm, or to schedule a consultation, please contact Permanent Search Group by calling 1-905-276-2006 or visit www.permanentsearch.com