As a recruiter, I've used lots of outsourced CV search companies over the years, and they can be a great source of candidates and placements.  However, they can also vary wildly in quality and execution.

If you're using or trialling one, here are three ways to get the best out of them:

1. Be as specific as possible
The best CV search providers will let you specify your search well, including factors such as CV age, location and distance etc. Plan what it is that you need from your seatch and use all of these parameters. The best will let you specify your own boolean search. If you don't know how to use these, then learn and use them! Spend the time tninking about and building your search, and you'll be rewarded with better CV quality. 

2. Vary your search
If your search isn't getting you what you need, vary it. For instance, you may have been asking for the latest CVs. These can run out quickly , especially in sectors where candidates are scarce. Try getting your searchers to get you older CVs (over 2 years for instance) where candidates might be ready to consider a new role. 

3. Feed back
It is easy to just send over search parameters by email, and never speak to your CV search providers beyond that. You may still get good CVs and profiles this way, but you'll often miss out on the knowledge and experience of people who are experts in rooting out the best CVs - make sure you speak with your account manager or equivalent regularly and you'll reap dividends! 

There are many other ways to get that little advantage when using an outsourced provider, but these are my top three. Hope they help!

Mike Theo