Finding the right candidate in a highly competitive market is not easy and doing it yourself can take up a considerable amount of management time and may not result in the best outcome. Using an experienced executive search and selection consultancy with a good knowledge of your industry often proves to be a far more cost effective solution.

In addition to dealing with initial candidate selection and screening, first interviews and the preparation of a shortlist, a proactive consultancy can add a great deal more to the process. At one level this can include valuable input to discussions on structures and the most appropriate management configuration. At the detailed level it can encompass advice, for example, on market salary levels and benefits packages, relocation issues and how to deal with candidates whose current employer is making an offer to try and retain them. Internal candidates can also be benchmarked effectively within the recruitment process, adding external objectivity.

Your consultant should be an extension of the management team and act as an objective sounding board. The consultant will also be an ambassador for your business in the marketplace and therefore needs a clear understanding of your strategy, ambitions, culture and values in order to attract the best to want to join you.

If you are new to working with a consultancy you may find these comments to be useful:

• Find a proactive consultancy with a good knowledge of your industry and an understanding of the functional specialism in question.
• Prepare a detailed job description and spend time giving the consultant a thorough briefing, providing them with as much information as possible about the company and the role.
• Take time to really understand what process the consultant recommends and discuss any issues openly.
• Agree a timetable and treat the time committed to interviews as sacrosanct.
• Communicate with your consultant on a regular basis and agree how often and in what format progress reports will be provided.

Above all, treat your consultancy as a true business partner - and encourage them to visit your business and meet key people. The trust built up over time will increase the value of the relationship to your business.