1) How many employment searches does Smith James have active during the same time? How are they handled?
The average number of searches assigned per recruiter is four. Projects are distributed by bandwidth and expertise. It is Smith James corporate policy not to take on an excessive amount of projects where we cannot devote the appropriate and deserved time, energy and attention to each of our clients.
2) How much “say” does the client have in the search process? In Smith James’ efforts?
We hold a project review fifty hours into the project. During the project review, the Smith James consultant and project manager, and the client review the database, progress of initial calls/contacts, hours dedicated and budget. The client fully participates in the direction and progress of the search, as well as the selection of candidates to interview.
Your SmithJames project personnel will work diligently toward your goals and with your best interest in mind. If the client is not pleased with Smith James’ efforts, there is no cancellation fee.
3) Who pays your fee?
Smith James Group is compensated on an hourly basis by our client companies. We do not receive a commission in any form at any time, and we do not receive any form of payment from candidates at any time. This approach supports a completely unbiased approach to finding the best fit between our client companies, and our candidates. Salaries are irrelevant to us, outside of setting of expectations.
4) How did you get my name?
We use every available avenue to find the right people for our searches. We begin every search by completing an exhaustive list of companies to “target” for our clients. From this list, we begin the process of name gathering through online tools, friends in the industry, networking events, and personal networking, and begin making initial calls. From these calls, we begin to build a network of referrals. There is a high probability that someone in your industry thinks very highly of you, and felt you were deserving of a great opportunity.
5) How do you know so much about your client company?
We ask the right questions, and we listen to the answers. When we begin a new search, we spend about two hours learning everything we can about the position, the company, the challenges and opportunities, and the long and short term goals for the role, and the company. We continually ask of our clients, “What has changed since we last spoke?” We take the time to learn the company culture, the personalities of the people with whom you will be working, and the common traits of success of high achievers in the organization. Most of our clients have years of history with Smith James Group, so we often have the luxury of a historical perspective as well. Our greatest success is having these long term clients, who feel as close to our company as the people who work here, and who in turn make us feel a part of theirs.