The Myth Of Executive Search

"Executive Search", or "Head-Hunting" as it's sometimes called, is now more common than it used to be and IT recruitment companies have been quick to claim expertise in this specialist area.

The reason that recruiters like to sell this service is that they can charge employers 30 - 40% placement fees with up to two thirds of that amount being payable upfront with no guarantee of success.

It makes sense that they will want you to use the service - even more so at IT Director level where salaries can often exceed £100,000.

What they don't tell you is that Executive Search
is the most risky form of recruitment.

Some large national recruitment firms only ever fill 30% of their retained assignments - but it doesn't matter, because they've been paid most of the fee upfront.

Executive Search takes at least twice as long to complete than any other recruitment method.

In the main, even though you are promised an executive search service, the reality can be far different.

Many vacancies are simply advertised on recruitment web sites, but anonymously - sometimes in the name of a different agency altogether.

Even when you do find an Executive Search firm, it's common for the actual candidate screening (or "search") to be subcontracted to another firm, or even to another country - so much for premium service!

Executive Search is not efficient for most IT positions.

Your choices are limited, the time scales are increased and the costs are disproportionate to the likely result.

©Hollywood Internet Ltd - Executive Search