Bio Pointe is committed to assisting candidates in their “career search” process. Our objective is to place you with a company that meets your requirements and to contact you with opportunities that will be a positive career move for you. Our team of dedicated professionals has your best interest in mind when they engage in every search. We believe our candidates are our clients also, and your success strengthens our success.
Executive search firms are often referred to as the gatekeepers of the "hidden job market". Over the past twenty years executive search firms have successfully influenced Corporate America’s behind the scenes hiring decisions. The career seeker must leverage this resource. What follows are a few facts about executive search firms, and how they can help your career.
Key facts about Executive Search Firms
There are two types of executive search firms:
A. Retained
Retained search firms are hired by a client company for an assignment, and are paid regardless of the results of the search. Retained firms are typically used to fill higher-level positions.
B. Contingency
Contingency search firms receive payment only when their candidate is hired, and they are most often used for junior and mid-level executives.
Don't limit your search by geography - Search firms will look nationally or even internationally to fill open positions. It is in your best interest to gain exposure among search firms who fill positions in your industry, function and salary range, no matter where they are. A Miami search firm is as likely to have an assignment in San Francisco as they are in New York City.
Some search firms specialize, while others don't - To make your search as effective as possible, target most of your efforts towards search firms who specialize in your industry. Ask people you trust in your industry which search firms are reputable.
Search firms are highly rewarded for filling positions - Therefore, building relationships with qualified, reputable search firms can be key in your career transition efforts. When contacted by a search firm, be as sharp as possible. If you are excited about the opportunity being presented, your immediate goal is to sell yourself to the search firm so they present you to their client.
Don’t assess the recruiter, assess the opportunity - Though some executive search firms are not represented professionally they may have access to great opportunities. Be careful not to judge the opportunity by the search firms’ behavior. Get as many details as possible about the position and do your own research before you make a decision.
