Finding and retaining Top-Tier talent for your team can be a challenge for any company. If adding to your team is affecting your business operations, consider partnering with a professional search firm.
The conversation surrounding partnering with a professional recruiting firm is often paired with, “How can we maximize time spent with recruiters for an effective hire?” Prior to conducting a search with a client, it is important to take time to prepare the hiring team by identifying your pain points throughout the hiring process. The result – an effective and retainable hire.
Be open to partnering with a search firm.
The first step is to acknowledge the challenge that the search presents. By openly articulating your goals and the reasons for engaging with a firm, you lay a strong foundation for your new partnership. Begin by making a list of what has happened during your search thus far: note any progress made, assess the quality of candidates encountered and identify any obstacles faced. This comprehensive overview serves as a valuable starting point, enabling both you and your search partner to align strategies effectively and navigate the search process with clarity and purpose.
Kick-offs are key.
When selecting a search partner, pay attention to the kick-off process. A dedicated search consultant should invest ample time in understanding your needs comprehensively. This goes beyond the job description to explore your company’s culture, organizational structure, existing employee dynamics, and more. By ensuring a thorough understanding on both sides, you set the stage for a successful collaboration, laying the foundation for mutual success.
Sense of urgency.
In today’s competitive job market, a sense of urgency is crucial. Prompt responsiveness to emails and phone inquiries fosters an efficient hiring process. By prioritizing timely communication, both employers and candidates can streamline the search process, ensuring a smoother and positive hiring experience for everyone involved.
Sharing feedback.
Regularly communicate your feedback on resumes received and interviews conducted with your search partner. Identify what experience and qualifications you value and ensure that the candidate’s salary expectations align with your budget. Take the opportunity to evaluate whether the relationship with the search firm is meeting your expectations. Providing detailed feedback is critical to ensuring the continued success of the search process.
Regroup and reset.
If little to no progress is made a couple of weeks into the search process, it’s essential to schedule a reset meeting. During this meeting, both the client and the search partner should openly discuss any challenges encountered and brainstorm potential solutions to ensure the successful execution of the search. This can involve evaluating the search criteria, refining the process, adjusting compensation packages, or exploring alternative approaches. These resets provide an opportunity to think creatively and adapt to overcome obstacles. Clients and their search partners often come out of these meetings feeling recharged and equipped with new ideas on how to move forward effectively.
Maintain the relationship.
It’s crucial to maintain open communication with your search partner even after the successful hiring process. Regularly sharing feedback on the new hire’s performance and discussing how it has positively impacted your business fosters a collaborative environment. By treating your chosen search firm as an extension of your company, you ensure that they remain equally invested in your business’s success. This collaborative approach not only strengthens your partnership but also leads to a more thorough understanding of your hiring needs over time. As a result, you can expect a higher caliber of candidates tailored to your organization, facilitating its growth and long-term success
If you’re interested in learning more or want to start a search for your company, contact us at (410) 372-3027.