Recruitment-43

Retained executive search firms are firms paid a retainer by companies who wish to recruit a specific person for a specific position. This type of arrangement is typically reserved for senior-level management, such as Presidents, Vice Presidents, Directors, or in larger organizations, persons at the Manager level. There are large, global firms who engage in this activity, as well as regional and more nimble "boutique" firms. Some firms specialise in specific industries (for example pharmaceutical, retail, IT) or functions (i.e. sales executives), while others are generalists.

Job seekers who qualify for senior-executive level searches often mistake executive recruiters for career transition, or "outplacement" specialists. Executive recruiters work for their client companies. They do not actively place out-of-work individuals. This would not only be a conflict of interest, it would also be financially unwise. A job seeker does not pay a recruiter when he lands a job. The client company pays the recruiting firm when it fills a position. This nuance is lost on many. It may be worthwhile to contact executive search firms if you qualify, but do not expect them to take time out of their schedule to talk with you or see you. They are driven by their specific assignments for their clients: they find people for roles, not roles for people. Executive search consultants can be "career makers" for some individuals, but for most, this will not be the way they will find their next role. Some executives believe that retained executive search is a secretive industry, in which a select few qualified individuals are contacted, while others are never made aware an opportunity exists.

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