The Question Most Companies Forget to Ask Their Executive Search Firm
When selecting an executive search firm, companies often focus on brand names, presentations and methodologies. But one simple question reveals far more about a search consultant’s real experience. “How many placements have you personally delivered?”
Executive search is a relationship-driven business.
Senior executives rarely respond to cold outreach from unknown recruiters. They engage with consultants they trust — people who have been active in their industry for years and have successfully completed multiple searches. That is why a consultant’s personal track record matters.
When evaluating a search partner, companies should ask
- How many placements has the consultant personally delivered?
- In which industries?
- At what level?
In large global search firms, the partner who wins the assignment often does not execute the search themselves. Much of the work may be carried out by junior researchers or associates.
Boutique search firms operate differently.
The partner leading the assignment is usually the same person who conducts the search, approaches candidates and manages the process from start to finish.
For clients, this creates something that is often overlooked in executive search:
direct access to experience, relationships and judgement.
