Five Neglected Questions to Ask Executive Search Firms in Chicago

When hiring an executive search firm, everyone always focuses on the employer’s background and experience. Although these are important issues many people ignore some basic questions that may reveal potential problems. Here are five areas you should look for when deciding which executive search firm is right for your organization.

First, ask how the firm reaches potential applicants. Executive search agencies should be able to explain how they attract a diverse but highly qualified applicant pool. Look for companies that have made the most of the latest technological gains in the job search industry, both of which enable you to advertise your opening ads cheaply, and focus most of your advertising budget on specialized markets directly related to openings. 

Additionally, Top Executive Search Firms in Chicago should be actively identified and reach out to passive candidates. However, outreach to passive candidates should only be extended beyond their internal database mining. Ask potential executive search firms how to use online databases to reach applicants. However, you should be wary of executive search firms that focus only on the number of queries. Instead, look for responses that show that the focus is on finding strong high-quality candidates and not as much as applicants.

Second, how does the firm ask applicants about evaluation? Look for companies that only conduct resumes and conduct interviews. Executives are involved in the search process and include quantitative assessments and comprehensive reference checks.  Examine firms to transcend the hiring industry and translate search results into scientific and quantitative results. Companies that focus on the science of recruitment make better-short-listed candidates because such actions prevent hidden biases.

Third, ask how the firm has integrated technology into its search process. A red flag is a search process for which applicants send their materials via email to an employer who then prints the materials and reviews them on hand. Applicants from each reputable executive search firm need to apply online through their job portal, which captures and stores all of the applicant’s materials in their applicant management or tracking system. Without an integrated system, companies will not be able to manage the number of applicants that are typically found in successful searches. 

Quality applicants will be ignored or their materials will be lost incorrectly. Unlike the actual system that a firm may use, the presence of an integrated applicant management system informs the client that the firm is up-to-date on changes in the employment environment and is a good indicator to keep pace with technology changes. That firm has kept pace with other non-technological changes and advances.

Fourth, ask about previous clients. This may sound counterintuitive, but be careful if the executive search agencies provide you with a list of previous candidates. Either way, it’s a list of cherry-pick candidates who will give a brilliant review based on their relationship with the search agency or be ready to receive never-ending phone calls from potential future clients. Most companies are willing to be prudent about their relationship with an executive search firm because they do not want investors, donors, or other interested parties to know about the search for political or financial reasons. Ensure that executive search firms include a non-disclosure statement in their agreement and that they will not use your company name or trademark in their marketing to other potential applicants.

Lastly, make sure that the Top Executive Search Firms in Chicago you choose has a focus on your industry. For example, if you are a non-profit organization, it is best to hire a medium-sized firm that only works with non-profit clients. A good brand name over an international firm that works primarily with corporate clients. If you work with a firm with experience in your field, you will greatly increase your chances of finding a great candidate for your open position. There will be no more contact with the employer in your industry, he will be able to identify the personality traits that are important for success in your industry.

The above five questions if you are interviewing executive search firms But not only will you find the right firm for your organization but you will greatly increase the chances of finding the right candidate for your opening.