In today's fast-changing environment, you never know when you might need them. I go out of my way to be helpful to a search firm. They may call with a situation too good to pass up. Or, on the other hand, you could get into a situation in your current job where the politics turn sour. The call that comes from an executive search firm will typically be subtle on first approach.
Standard practice is for the consultant to ask for advice in filling a position.
Co. He and others offered tips for how best to handle the call. Don't hang up. A seasoned search consultant will try to find out what a candidate seeks in a job, regardless of whether he or she is interested. Rudeness makes an impression, particularly if displayed more than once. Get to know the quality search firms, and exercise judgment when speaking to them, said Gary Siegel, who has contracted with recruiters to fill positions and been courted himself during a 30-year career in human resources.