SCI Logistics and Transportation North American Practice Group Report
By: Marjorie Slater, Director, New York
One of the smartest things you can do when a search consultant calls is to answer the phone. Here’s why: Specialized executive search consultants can make your life much easier. They operate as strategic business consultants, professional coaches, career counselors, interviewers, client advocates, negotiators, relocation assistants, and anything and everything required to satisfy the needs of both clients and candidates. Highly-specialized search consultants understand a myriad of functions and how they interconnect. They provide real value to organizations and individuals alike.
Why would retained search consultants care about my best interests?
Retained search has no financial bias because consultants are paid as they conduct their work, rather than contingent upon a hiring event. Additionally, assignments are exclusive, keeping consultant’s focused on finding the right candidate, not the first candidate. This retained approach provides the highest quality service for both clients and candidates.
What can search consultants do for me?
Executive search consultants can improve a company’s productivity while greatly reducing the liabilities associated with the cost of either not hiring or a bad hire, thereby improving a company’s performance. Search consultants provide a professional service for companies that want to attract, assess, hire, and develop top individuals in critical leadership roles.
How do I know if the consultant who calls me is a good one?
You can determine a consultant’s character and skill set when you work with them, in addition to checking their references. A good search consultant will take time to make sure a position is a “fit” for both candidate and client before scheduling interviews, as well as prepare and follow-up effectively, thus saving you a lot of time.
Why not save money by finding my own people?
Human capital is critical to the success of any business. Should managers seek out low-cost alternatives when often employees are the key resources that elevate companies over their competitors? Good search consultants can add value at every step in the human capital acquisition process.
As an individual, I’m not looking for a new job right now, so why should I invest my time talking to an executive search consultant?
“Knowledge is power” and being aware of professional opportunities will help you gain greater perspective of your own career path. Search consultants provide objective views about both the marketplace and your career as they understand your background, your company, and your business. So go ahead, answer that phone!
