With the influx of technology today, finding the right candidates and talents for your company is easier than ever. Despite these advances in technology, many job postings, whether in print or on the Internet, are barely noticed. When they do get noticed, though, they really get noticed, meaning you’ll have to spend a lot of time sorting through countless resumes and screening several applicants yourself.
That’s where retained search firms come in.
But, first of all, what is a retained search firm? Why should you utilize the service of a search firm when you can do it by yourself or have your HR head do the work for you? Let’s start with one question at a time…
What is a Retained Search Firm?
A retained search firm is one of the main categories of an executive search firm. Retained search firms are paid for the process which earns them a recruiting fee in three stages based on the anticipated compensation of an executive.
While you (or your HR head) can take care of recruiting and screening potential candidates, it will take you far more time than you need to waste, especially when you’re trying to find the right people for an executive or senior-level job. Imagine what you could do with that time instead!
So, now that you know what a retained search firm is, here are three reasons why you should use one.
They’ll Find Credible Candidates
When using a retained search firm, the recruiting team can establish a higher level of credibility with passive candidates. Not only that, but because retained searches receive high priority, candidates will take a call far more seriously.
Since retained searches are more appealing to high-profile candidates, it’s guaranteed that you’ll get a high level of service and performance from the search firm and the candidates they find. They’ll be no more searching for that proverbial needle in a haystack!
There is a Higher Level of Commitment
Since most high-level executives tend to only work with retained search firms, this creates a connection of trust and commitment between the candidate and the search firm. Candidates the search firm has brought to you will be thoroughly committed to the job if they are hired. They trust that the job the search firm has found is something they’d excel at and, if they’re from a good search firm, they will!
This amount of commitment shows a level of seriousness and goes well beyond the typical contingency effort. It will drive amazing results.
There is a Competitive Edge
When you utilize the help of a retained search firm, the hiring team places value on finding the “best of the best” talent for their organization, which will take their business to the next level.
Highly successful professionals are not actively looking to make a change in their work lives. Instead, change finds them. When an executive recruiter from a good retained search firm calls these candidates with a job, they listen! Top performers only want to work for companies that take their hiring process seriously. They’re not looking to work with someone who posts their job opening on every job board. It seems like a sign of a desperate company, not a strong, successful one.
So, sit back, relax, and let a retained search firm take care of the recruiting. They’ll find you the best candidates for your executive jobs.
Do you have trouble finding good candidates for your job openings? Let us know in the comments below!
If you have questions or would like more information, I’d be happy to help. Please send an email, and my team will get in touch with you!
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in January 2017 and has been edited for accuracy and comprehensiveness.