Management Consulting Firms Frequently called executive recruiters or "headhunter'' these are actually specialized private employment agencies. They specialize in middle- and top-level executive placement, as well as hard-to-fill positions such as actuaries, IT specialists, or managers with international experience. In addition to the level at which they recruit, the features that distinguish executive search agencies llom most private emplo).rynent agencies are their fees, their nationwide contacts, and the thoroughness of their investigations. In searching for an individual of vice-president caliber, whose compensation package may far exceed S250,000 a year, the potential employer may be willing to pay a high fee to locate exactly the right individual to fill the vacancy: up to 35 percent of the executive's first-year salary is not unusual as a charge for finding and recruiting the individual. Executive Search Firms Execrutive search firms canvass their contacts and do preliminary screening. They seek out highly effective executives who have the right skills, can adjust to the organization, and most important, are willing to consider new challenges and opportunities. Such individuals may be frustrated by their inability to move up quickly in their current organization, or they'gnay have been recently passed over for a major promotion. The executive search firm acts as a buffer for screening candidates and, at the same time, keeps the prospective employer anonynous. In the final stages, senior executives in the prospective firm can move into the negotiations and determine the degree of mutual interest.r3
Schools, Colleges, and Universities Educational institutions at all levels offer opportunities for recruiting recent graduates. Most educational institutions operate placement seryices where prospective employers can review credentials and interview graduates. Most also allow employers to see a prospective employee's performance through cooperative arrangements and internships. Whether the job requires a high school diploma, specific vocational training, or a bachelor's, masters, or doctoral degree, educational institutions are an excellent source ofpotential employees. High schools or vocational-technical schools can prove to be a good source of part-time and entry-level employees. Community colleges along with other two- and four-year colleges and graduate schools can provide professional and manageriallevel personnel. Although educational institutions are usually viewed as sources for inexperienced entrants to the workforce, it is not uncommon to find individuals with