Retained search firms are hired by the client company to conduct a dedicated search process on their behalf. They are paid, in part, in advance and generally either in additional installments throughout the process or at the conclusion of the search process. Clients engage retained search firms when it is critical that they hire the most qualified person available in the marketplace. They look to their search/recruitment partner to conduct in-depth industry research, identify, recruit and assess the highest potential candidates - taking into consideration not only the basic job requirements but also - the organization's culture and other critical issues related to the job vacancy.

A retained search consultant will thoroughly screen candidates through in-depth interviewing, evaluate internal candidates against an external shortlist and provide comprehensive candidate assessments. Retained search firms will never present the same candidate to more than one client at a time.

If the opportunity fielded by the consultant sounds interesting and you are still not interested in exploring it yourself, refer a friend or colleague that you think may be a good fit for the role. If you do not wish the consultant to mention that you were the source of the referral, tell them that this is the case - they will honor this request.

When pursuing a new career opportunity, search plays an important but limited role. As search consultants are working to serve their clients, they are restricted to focusing on the work that they are retained to do. On average, a search consultant will only handle 15 to 20 searches a year - yet their firms will receive thousands of unsolicited resumes annually. Your chances of landing an opportunity during your job search, through a search firm are relatively low. The best strategy in your search is to cast your net as widely as possible, contacting any and all of the search firms that work in your area.

DO send in a current resume along with a cover letter outlining your job objective(s), location preferences and financial expectations.
DON'T send multiple resumes to a search firm. Resumes are uploaded into the firm's database and accessible to all consultants and branches of the firm. Sending multiple resumes creates unnecessary work for the firm.

DO manage your expectations. Search consultants spend from 40 to 60 hours a week on developing business, on candidate assessment and selection and on travel. It is virtually impossible for them to get their work done and to meet with every candidate wishing an audience. Do call to follow-up on sending your resume and to introduce yourself personally. Do make periodic calls to remain top-of-mind and to keep the consultant aware of your status and your interest.
DON'T put the onus on the consultant to call you back every time that you call - you will likely be disappointed. Simply leave a message stating your continued interest in being considered for opportunities that the firm may be working on and any other pertinent information. Your call will be noted and any new information that you provide in your message will be entered into the firm's database.

DO disclose any interviews that you have recently undergone and any positions where you are currently under consideration - either through another search firm or with a client directly. This will avoid potential duplication and issues that can arise from duplication.
DON'T allow multiple search firms to present your resume for the same opportunity. If an additional search firm discusses the same position with you, inform them that you have already been presented. Multiple resume submissions to the same opportunity will only hamper your chances of being considered by the company.

DO regularly check the search firm's website for opportunities. If you feel that you qualify for a posted opportunity, call or e-mail the consultant to demonstrate your interest. Include a reference to the job posting in your message - either the posting code number or the position title.
DON'T apply for every position posted and don't apply for positions where your experience does not meet the minimum requirements stated in the posting.

DO trust that the consultant knows the client and the nuances of the organization and position sufficiently to determine whether you are a fit or not - that's what they are paid for.
DON'T apply directly to the client company for an opportunity that a search consultant has already discussed with you. The consultant has been hired by the company to pre-screen candidates and circumventing the process will only serve to alienate both the client company and the search consultant.

DO leave clear and concise messages - spelling your name, outlining the reason for your call and providing your telephone number(s). Consultants receive hundreds of these calls daily and will respond first to the ones that are clear, concise and easy to respond to.
DON'T direct a consultant (or perspective employer) to a URL to pick up your resume - the likelihood of them doing so is slim to none.

DO inform consultants if your status has changed and provide your new contact information. They will update your file and note your change for future considerations.