Clark dives into the interview questions you should ask before you decide which executive search firm to hire for your new search...
- How many searches and how recently have you done one just like this one? (COUNTERINTUITIVE--recent searches in the same area may put too many candidates off limits)
- How many targets were approached? How many were in the database before the search began?
- How many candidates did the search firm interview either in person or via video conference (i.e., more than just a phone call)?
- How many did the search firm present as “qualified and endorsed for client interview”?
- How many candidates were interviewed by client?
- How many references were done? And WITH WHOM?
- How many average calendar days to accepted offer?
- How many calendar days before first candidate interviewed by client and 3 or more candidates interviewed?
- When does the search firm believe their process is complete?
- How does the search firm learn about who you the client are and—other than specific skills required to perform the role—how does the search firm measure fit & compatibility of the candidate profile to the company’s environment?