Choosing a Recruitment Partner?
ASK THESE 5 QUESTIONS FIRST
Question #1
DO THEY SPECIALIZE IN CXO & LEADERSHIP HIRING?
Generalist firm (mid-level hiring)
Many talent providers focus on junior & mid-level roles but lack executive search expertise
Executive search expert (leadership hiring)
Work with a specialized recruitment partner who has experience placing CXOs, Directors, & VPs
Question #2
WHAT’S THEIR SUCCESS RATE IN PLACING CANDIDATES WHO ACTUALLY JOIN?
Rejected
A high offer rejection rate signals an unreliable hiring
process
62.7%
Accepted
Check the track record of your recruitment consultant in offer acceptance & retention
37.3%
Question #3
HOW DO THEY SOURCE AND ASSESS CANDIDATES?
If they rely only on job portals, they’re pulling from the same talent pool as everyone else
The best hiring specialists use headhunting, market mapping, and competitor research
Question #4
WHAT’S THEIR AVERAGE TIMETO-FILL FOR SENIOR ROLES?
If hiring takes too long, top talent will move on
Ensure your executive search firm has a structured hiring process with a strong turnaround time
Question #5
CAN THEY PROVIDE TESTIMONIALS OR CASE STUDIES FROM SIMILAR INDUSTRIES?
No proven results? That’s a red flag
A credible talent search firm should have real success stories & industry-specific expertise