In this job market, many clients are utilizing search firms for the first time. I’m always asked what criteria should be utilized when selecting a recruiter, to represent your hiring needs.

Following are some guidelines that hopefully will guide your decision:
1. Find a recruiter who “specializes” in the type of position you have open.
Most recruiting firms have areas of specialization and that would be my first question.
2. Ask for referrals from satisfied clients.
3. Test the commitment of the individual who will represent your needs.
4. Realize there are several segments in the recruiting profession:
a. Retain Search - you will normally pay 1/3 up front, 1/3 after candidates are submitted and
the last third of the placement fee is paid upon the hire
b. Contingency Search - you are paid when a candidate submitted has accepted an offer with your
company and had started their new job with your company
c. Contract/Temp - this type of hiring gives you flexibility, and you can “try before you buy.”
The hourly rate however, is significantly higher because this person remains the employee of
the staffing firm who will pay their taxes, benefits etc. If you do decide to put the individual on
your payroll, there normally is a “conversion fee.”
5. LAST AND CERTAINLY NOT LEAST….
Ask your recruiter if they are “CERTIFIED”
When you hire a physician you look for an MD, when you go to the dentist you want a DDS,
you go to a CPA for your accounting needs - why would you work with a recruiter who is NOT certified.
There are various certifications widely recognized in the recruiting profession. The National Association of
Personnel Services actually publishes a list of individuals who are ceritifed and either hold their CPC - for
direct placements or CTS for individuals in the contract and temp business. The American Staffing
Association recently started their own certification program and several states also certify.
The certifications confirm knowledge of our profession, knowledge of employment law and adherence to a
code of ethics and standards.

If you go to the websites of the National Association of Personnel Services or the American Staffing Association you can obtain more details about these programs.

Barb Bruno, CPC

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