Frequently Asked Questions About Headhunters

Does your recruiting firm charge job hunters for any services?

Never. Client companies always pay our fee. There are firms who will “charge you”. They are not a recruiting firm, and you're better off using some other career adviser.

Does the firm treat my profile confidentially?

You don't want your resume "floated" to your current employer or resold to other job-posting services. We will never submit your resume to any company or share it with another MRI recruiter without your first being contacted and give your permission.

Does the firm search known candidates before starting searches by phone or posting positions on a Web site?

This is a good indicator that the firm is trying to identify quality candidates. We always search our database first and the Management Recruiters International database second.

What kind of promises are made?

Be wary of firms that "guarantee" job placement or interviews with employers. We work to match qualified candidates with client opportunities but timing is everything. There are no guarantees our client will be interested in you, that your background will interest our client or we will have a current opportunity that matches your career goals and interest. Again timing is everything but what doesn't exist today is a phone call away.

Are all recruiting firms are alike?

No. Differences in operating practices, specialties and individual style mean no two recruiting firms operate the same way.

Are recruiting firms only interested in closing deals?

The goal of most professional recruiters is to provide a valuable service that will lead to a successful placement of a candidate with a client company (and repeat business).

I've heard that all search-firm employees are has-beens who work on straight commission, which means they'll mass-mail your resume if it produces a fee.

The recruiting industry is a multi-billion dollar business composed of trained, ethical practitioners. Reputable search firms aren't in the business of marketing people, they are in the business of solving client staffing needs and helping candidates achieve their career goals.

If I accept a position through a recruiting firm, will my compensation will be lowered to pay the fee?

Companies hire search firms for their services and pay a fee that's calculated on a new hire's salary but paid completely separately. If you're recommended by a search firm, it should have no impact on your final salary negotiations. If anything, a recruiting firm can give you information on current pay levels, which might ensure that you'll receive a competitive offer. We often keep the salaries current with industry standards and competition.

What is a retained executive-search firm?

Firms that specialize in finding top-level candidates exclusively on a retained basis, which means they receive payments regardless of whether a candidate is hired. Firms usually receive one-third of the fee up front, one-third after 30 days and the balance at the end of the assignment.

What is a contingency recruiting firm?

Search firms that place candidates in mid- to senior-level positions. Fees are paid by client companies on a "contingency" basis, or contingent upon the firm finding a candidate who's hired for the position. If asked to find more senior candidates, such firms might charge retainers to conduct the search. Contingency firms tend to specialize in certain industries or functions.

What is an employment or personnel agency?

This term is less frequently used but refers to companies that place lower-level or staff employees in clerical, skilled or semi-skilled openings. These agencies usually don't specialize by function or industry, and are paid fees by employers on a contingency basis.

What is an outplacement firm?

These firms are paid by client companies to provide career guidance and job-search assistance to laid-off or fired employees. Their services usually include resume preparation, search skill training, counseling, secretarial assistance and office support.

What is an executive career-marketing firm?

Job seekers are charged hefty up-front fees by these companies, which promise various types of search assistance, from resume preparation to finding jobs. These firms often are criticized for aggressive sales tactics, inadequate service and exorbitant fees.