Executive Recruiting

Employers looking to recruit for executive or management jobs with qualified, experienced professionals may find the task extensive and tedious.  Executive positions range from middle management to presidents, CEOs, or partners, so many employers enlist the services of an executive recruiting firm.  These firms offer both candidates and employers a number of useful services, but for a rather hefty price. 

Candidates may begin their executive job search with these firms by completing a number of steps.  Candidates first select a recruitment firm, and submit their resume, which will be entered into a specific database.  In order to obtain further information or conduct a phone interview, executives may be contacted by executive recruiters.  Once a job has been found that matches a candidate’s credentials, a recruiter will contact the candidate to explain the position and to see if the candidate is interested.  If the candidate is interested in the available position, the executive recruitment firm will contact the employer to set up an interview.  Executive recruiters generally offer pre-interview coaching, provide feedback to candidates during the interview process, and handle any necessary negotiations between the executives and employers. 

Employers can experience a number of benefits by using one of these firms.  Recruiters meet with employers before beginning an executive search to determine their clients’ needs, and to also obtain an understanding of their organization.   When beginning to search for an experienced candidate, a four to eight week process is to be expected.  Executive firms have a constant flow of experienced professionals seeking a new career. Executive recruiting agencies offer a high amount of confidentiality, but they do require full disclosure of all organizational and employment aspects. 

These firms must maintain a schedule, and work with employers as any changes arise. They take on the burden of finding the right candidate for executive careers by investing time and dealing with the laws and regulations associated with the hiring process.  Recruiters strive to maintain a 33% fee of the executive’s first year salary.  For a $250,000 executive, employers should expect to pay $82,500 for the use of a recruitment firm.  While they are very thorough and exact, many employers choose to take on some of the work themselves in order to save their company from the extra expense.

For more information on executive recruiting firms, please visit the following sites:

• $125 a Day
• Small Biz Books
• Fetch Books
• Books, Tapes, & Training for Recruiters
• Career Tips Books

For an alternative to recruiting firms, visit iHireJobNetwork, a niche job board with available positions in multiple industries.