Top 3 reasons to work with a Boutique Search firm

Companies are often faced with the challenging task of finding and hiring new talent in order to keep their businesses running smoothly and profitably, as well as to achieve growth targets. You may make the decision to work with an external search firm based on a myriad of reasons. However, there are countless search firms out there to choose from, so how do you know who to hire? Some are focused on particular industries, and that can make it easier to narrow down your choices. But how do you choose the size of firm you work with?

There are three compelling reasons to select a smaller boutique firm over a large firm, which are outlined below:

1. The person you meet with is the person conducting your search.

This is a key difference between large search firms and small ones. Large search firms often separate the functions of business development and recruiting. So the person that meets with you to establish a relationship, will then hand off your open role to a recruiter who doesn’t have the same intel into your business and culture as the person you met with. At a smaller firm the functions of business development and recruitment for the same client are almost always executed by the same consultant. You invest time building a rapport with someone, telling them about your business and its unique challenges, so wouldn’t that person be better equipped to find the right fit for your firm?

2. Build closer relationships.

Relationships are everything in business. Without solid relationships built on trust and mutual respect, businesses would crumble. Boutique firms often are able to have a more personal approach to relationship building. Over time, the recruitment consultant you work with will get to know your business very well as they work with you on each new open role. At a boutique firm you will likely stay in contact with your recruitment consultant directly, and can reach them anytime for updates.

3. Quality versus Quantity.

Smaller firms focus on building fewer, more valuable relationships by taking on a select number of clients. The objective of consultants at boutique firms is to be able to complete assignments as quickly as possible with the highest level of professionalism and quality. Larger firms have more costs to cover as they employ many more people, so they often focus on volume of work. The more work they have, the less time they are able to focus on each role.

Written by: Christine Juszczak, Partner and Recruitment Consultant