Guide to Executive Recruiting Services

Executive recruiters are people, not Web sites

If you need a steady flow of bodies to fill up a sales or production floor, gigantic job Web sites can be a help. But finding a top executive takes time, patience and, above all, a highly connected executive recruiter.

I recommend: Like with any professional service, you get what you pay for with an executive recruiter. If you need high-end, high-touch attention, consider one of the top executive recruiting and management search firms, such as Russell Reynolds, Heidrick & Struggles, Boyden, Edward W. Kelly & Partners, Korn/Ferry International, and Egon Zehnder International.

Effective executive recruiting requires effective companies

One of the big problems for management executive recruiters companies is the revolving door syndrome. Huge efforts to bring in talent yield results, but then executives walk within a year. Assuming a non-toxic corporate culture, the problem might be money, organization or both.

I recommend: If talent seems to be slipping out as fast as it comes in, time to bring in a human resources consultant to check your pay scale, benefits, and perks. To augment your executive recruiting effort, some well-known HR experts include Watson Wyatt Worldwide, Mercer Human Resource Consulting, Towers Perrin and Hewitt Associates.

Finding a specialized, local or industry specific executive search firm

Small business owners are more likely to rely on personal contacts than an expensive search firm. However, there are dozens of boutique executive search firms that can accommodate lower budgets.

I recommend: Try SearchAlert, a service of the Assocation of Executive Search Consultants. The National Association of Executive Recruiters has a database of its members sortable by industry and geography. You'll find more links and great detail in Susan Heathfield's About.com guide site on Human Resources.

Hiring an executive recruiter on a budget

Although key positions can be sensitive, finding loads of mid-level people can be equally challenging and too pricey for a high-end search firm. Instead, consider a cheaper contingency recruiter.

I recommend: Contingency, as opposed to retained, executive recruiting firms charge only if you decide to hire their candidate. Some contingency firms include Lucas Group, People Connect Staffing, and AccountPros.

Management executive recruiters come in all flavors

Much like job boards on the Web, executive recruiter boutique firms often focus on specific industries. The big-name firms, too, often have "practices" in banking, healthcare, technology and other specific industries.

I recommend: See the listings of specialized executive search firms at the Business.com directory on executive recruiting firms, executive search firms and employment agencies.