More public sector businesses have realized the benefits associated with utilizing executive recruiters for assistance in filling open positions. In 2013, for example, 5.9% of company hires were handled by search firms. it’s important to note that this was nearly twice as much as the prior year. It was also the largest number of external hires sourced by search firms for over a decade.
Steady Growth Within the Executive Search Industry
The Association of Executive Search Consultants (AESC) issued a report on the growth within this field. Within recent years, the AESC reported that there has been a 11.3% increase in businesses utilizing executive search firms. The increased number of agency workers is another strong growth indicator. Since the 2009 recession, recruiting companies have been steadily employing staff. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ states that recruiting firms throughout the country had 41,400 employees as of last September. This is considerably more than in 2009, when these firms employed 26,100 individuals.
Methods for Locating Qualified Candidates
A survey of various types of businesses revealed that in 2014, 71% experienced a lack of available skilled candidates for their open positions. In 2013, however, 76% of the respondents indicated that they had a lack of skilled candidates. While this percentage was slightly lower in 2014, it was still a significant concern.
During 2013, there were three primary sources used to locate qualified candidates:
- Respondents’ applicant tracking systems
- Referrals
- Social media
On average, it took the following time periods to fill positions:
- Temporary placements: six days
- Contract positions: eight days
- Permanent positions: 32 days
When recruiting firms are used to locate and screen qualified applicants, this process can be more streamlined. While these firms may still use applicant tracking systems, referrals, and social media to locate qualified applicants, they also employ other methodologies.
Learn More About the Benefits of Working With a Recruiting Firm
Given the job turnover rate along with failed hires and other issues, businesses can benefit from the services provided by recruiting firms. Since these firms have experience with screening for the most qualified applicants, they can assist businesses with filling interim as well as full-time positions. It’s important to note that these firms have a variety of recruiters that specialize in the personnel needs of various industries.
If your business has available supply chain jobs, for example, then supply chain executive recruiters can assist you with filling these positions. In addition to supply chain executive recruiters, you may also have a vendor management or sales manager position available.
Once you consult with a firm that has supply chain executive recruiters or other types of recruiters on staff, you will have the opportunity to discuss the positions you have available and their respective requirements. At that time, you will also be able to learn more about the valuable services that recruiting companies can provide to your business. Since it’s important for your business to be fully-staffed with qualified personnel, partnering with a recruiting firm can assist you with attaining this goal.
