What resources do you offer to assist me in my job search?

As a retained firm, we may be working on a search that fits your skill set and we would welcome the opportunity to explore any such opportunities with you. If we are not, mutual introductions and the start of a networking relationship are best. We continually network and learn of news in the business community. We are able to offer input on potential opportunities of which you may not be aware and would share that information with you. Contact us and we will evaluate your situation.

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What is the difference between retained and contingency search?

Retained search involves an exclusive relationship with the client or hiring organization. We act on their behalf and become an extension of their priorities and objectives. We work on a limited number of searches at any given time and place our priority on client satisfaction. Simply put, clients place their trust in us to complete our objectives accurately and in a timely fashion. We build long-term relationships with our clients. In pursuing talent for them, we know that the quality of our work will determine whether or not that relationship continues to grow. You'll often get the impression that retained recruiters actually work for the hiring organizations, as they are so familiar with them and can speak strongly about their positions in the marketplace.

Contingency firms work with a large number of potential clients at any given time. They are not actually paid until they place someone within an organization. By maintaining a larger base of relatively shallow client relationships, they are able to act on a candidate's behalf and find them a position. Contingent recruiters tend to work on low to middle level positions. There may be multiple openings within a company, and they are used as an additional resource to fill them.

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As a client, why would I engage a retained search firm by paying part of the fee up front when contingency search firms would require no up front fee?

Well, first you need to understand that you may be asking the wrong question. The correct question to ask is this: In lieu of engaging a retained search firm with expertise in a particular area, why would any company consider merely hiring a contingency firm? As the consumer of search services, you must understand how the contingency firm may prioritize your search in light of multiple searches they've agreed to pursue. If the candidate you're seeking is a difficult profile to find, the contingency recruiter may choose to invest time elsewhere since no formal relationship with you exists. It's also possible that the manager of the contingency firm may pointedly tell the recruiter to proceed only with those searches that would require less effort and provide a quicker return. If speed to market is important to your organization, your only reasonable choice is to go with a retained firm.

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What level positions does William Richard Associates fill?

Our core competency is the Senior Manager/Director level up to the CXO level. Many of our clients work with us in a number of disciplines because of our focus on understanding the culture and intangibles of each firm.

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What are the geographical locations of the companies you represent?

William Richard Associates is a national firm. Our clients and opportunities are located primarily in North America. Some positions involve relocation and some do not. Issues such as this and travel are covered in our initial screen with candidates. We work hard to ensure that all components of the profile satisfy you and our client.

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What's the best way to get started with William Richard Associates?

Please contact us via e-mail. We will respond in a timely fashion based on our current priorities. You may wish to follow up with a phone call and may feel free to do that. We believe in treating all candidates with a high degree of respect and honesty. We will give you an honest evaluation of your credentials, their presentation, and what kind of competition you face in the job market.

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How would you contact me?

Our primary concern is confidentiality. If we contact you at work, we will be discreet and sensitive to your availability to speak. Letting us know the best method of contact is helpful.

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What is William Richard's policy for handling and distributing my credentials?

Very simple. We never take any action without your full knowledge and approval. Submitting a resume to a client when you may have contacted them in the recent past could create a situation that would cost you a great opportunity. Along the same line of thinking, you should consider contacting good recruiters first before you distribute your resume. Many times we will have direct access to decision makers once we have thoroughly interviewed you and determined that you are a fit.

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What is William Richard's advice regarding the writing of resumes?

There are few hard and fast rules, but one is to make your resume tell a compelling story! Let the length be determined by the depth of your career and accomplishments. We recommend working chronologically towards your current position. Focus on responsibilities and accomplishments. Use bullet points and convey the information in a concise fashion. Career objectives are useful, but not necessary as this is usually described in a targeted fashion in your cover letter.

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When does William Richard check references?

We generally check references in the latter stages of the process. It's always a good idea to keep your network prepared to speak on your behalf. We'll ask for your references at the appropriate time and we ask that you let them know we will be in touch so that there are no delays.

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I have colleagues who may be interested in talking to William Richard Associates. What's the best way to introduce these colleagues to William Richard?

We appreciate when their names and contact information are given to us. This allows us to make the connection without using any more of your valuable time. We verify that we can use your name in contacting the person. On occasion, someone may prefer that the referral be kept confidential.

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