Retaining a search firm helps insure that the details are attended to in a timely way and that candidates are treated courteously. Search consultants also help a search committee or hiring authority evaluate candidates. Consultants provide a careful reading of paper credentials, informed by their experience in similar searches. References are a critical tool for evaluating whether a candidate has the right combination of skills and temperament to succeed. The process of conducting thorough references is time-consuming.
Every hire involves a leap of faith.
Careful referencing and checking of credentials can minimize the length of that leap. In choosing among search firms, you will want to consider each firm's balance of breadth and depth. If a firm works too broadly, it might not have sufficient knowledge of your arena to respond to your needs with agility. On the other hand, a firm that specializes too narrowly might lack perspective and a full understanding of how a position in one field relates to other positions in your organization. Auerbach Associates offers an ideal blend of depth and breadth.