10 Reasons to Partner with a Search Firm

1. Build a Diverse Talent Pipeline

If you’re wading through a pile of resumes and the results are lackluster, search firms can help you mine for gold. Experienced firms nurture a deep network of relationships. They will identify and qualify passive candidates (especially at the senior level) who may not be active on career sites. According to LinkedIn, a whopping 70% of the global workforce are passive job seekers. That means there are millions of people who may be open to new work opportunities under the right conditions, but they’re unlikely to see job postings because they’re not actively conducting a job search. Search firms have the ability to present passive candidates who you can't find online.  

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2. Get Expertise & Alternative Perspectives

When you find the right search firm, you're forming a true, collaborative partnership. If you’re an employer, you can expect an experienced firm to ask a lot of questions to uncover your strategic talent needs today and in the future.  Experienced firms listen deeply and they’ll recommend progressive talent solutions you might not have considered. Search firms offer a unique perspective during the entire hiring process; from requirements gathering through negotiating an offer. 

Job seekers who work with an experienced search firm can expect expert guidance and other ancillary services including resume development, and interview coaching and support. Some search firms even offer web-based digital training and other professional development resources to assist job-seekers in refreshing their skills and developing new ones. 

3. Fill Challenging Roles

Search firms are built for challenges. When you're trying to hire an exceptional professional who has a unique, hybrid blend of technical and soft skills, it's a full-time job. Third-party recruiters are dedicated to finding 'all-in-one' candidates who are the whole package. 

4. Be Confidential

Search firms are your go-to partner whenever there's an opening that requires sensitivity and complete confidentiality. They help you recruit discreetly without disruption from employees, competitors, or the public. They can quickly find the best candidates for job openings that can't be advertised or publicized by your company. 

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5. Save Time and Money

When you partner with a search firm, you will reduce 'time-to-hire'; improve 'quality-of-hire'; and make better, more collaborative hiring decisions. New hire turnover is expensive, especially at the senior level, so it pays to find and hire the most qualified candidates who have what it takes to become fully integrated, highly valued team members. 

6. Jump into Interviewing Top Talent

There’s a lot that happens before interviews; and search firms can handle sourcing, pre-qualification, pre-screening, and even pre-assessments when it’s required. When you let search firms do the preliminary leg work for you, they'll present candidates who are set to progress to interviews at your company.  One advantage here, especially when it comes to critical roles, new roles, and executive positions, is that you’re free to really hone the interview process. For critical positions, you can craft an interview process that’s more tailored, specific, detailed, and targeted for the unique position you’re trying to fill.

7. Stay Focused on Strategy

When your in-house HR and Recruiting staff are stretched to capacity, third party search firms provide needed support so you can move forward with open job requisitions, and stay focused on your talent strategy —- even when plates are full. Third-party search firms are an extension of your team. Whether there’s a backlog of openings or a unique role that’s time-consuming, search firms can help you meet your recruiting KPIs and reach your talent goals.

8. Improve Candidate Experience

Search firms work hard to make a great impression because the experience throughout the hiring process really matters. It’s where employee experience begins; and the talent market is extremely competitive, with more remote opportunities and less geographic constraints than ever before. Candidates today are receiving multiple offers, and they’re making big career decisions based on the interview experience, compensation, and culture. 

During screening and hiring, search firms will coordinate interviews and schedules; communicate regularly with candidates, and provide closure and feedback on your behalf. It’s service with an impact. Companies who take the time to develop a positive candidate hiring experience reported a 70% improvement in the quality of hires. (Source: Glassdoor). And 87% say a positive interview experience can change someone’s mind about a previously doubted role or company. (Source: LinkedIn)



9. Succession Planning

Succession planning is an internal talent strategy. It promotes talent mobility within an organization which results in higher retention; and it helps organizations nurture internal knowledge transfer, leadership continuity, and deep relationship building. It’s a full-time strategic initiative. When there’s a critical opening without an internal successor, you can leverage the network of third party firms to find executive-level candidates of the highest quality.  

10. Hire Temps and Contractors

Search firms can present qualified independent subcontractors whenever you need temporary coverage.  Staffing with temporary coverage helps companies maintain service levels and reach performance targets during busy seasons (think open enrollment); during a leave of absence; and when additional staff is required on a temporary basis for project implementations. In many cases, the process is as seamless as possible, and payroll is processed by the recruiting firm; so there’s less administration for your team.