SearchFirm.com Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it matter if we're a contingency, retained, or other type of search firm? Does it matter if we're not based in the United States?
No. That's part of the value of SearchFirm.com. We accept all types—it doesn't matter whether you're a retained executive search firm, a contingency firm or if you handle interim staffing. Just give us enough information about you, and you're sure to be found by those whose needs match your firm type, specialty, geography, etc.
   
Your web site is great, but I've noticed that you're "powered by Cluen." What is Cluen?
Cluen is our alter ego, so to speak. When we're not working to improve SearchFirm.com, we make Encore Recruiting Software for executive search firms and corporate recruiting teams in HR departments (and we've been doing it for more than a decade). Check us out at www.cluen.com.
   
I can list my search firm for free. I can search your database for free. Okay, what's the catch?
No catch. We're able to provide these free services for three reasons:

1) As stated in the prior response, we're in the software business—we already have a team of developers and the technology at our disposal to run SearchFirm.com. We're not like your typical "dot-com" that's thrown all its eggs into the Internet basket.

2) We've made it easy for executive search firms to update their records at their convenience—no maintenance for us.

3) We want to help search firms grow.
   
I've added my search firm listing to your web site. Now what?
Keep coming back to SearchFirm.com. We highly recommend that search firms update their listings often and with as much information as possible. Nothing undermines one's evaluation of your firm like stale or insufficient data.

Additionally, we welcome suggestions at any time via email at support@searchfirm.com.
   
How does my search firm benefit by getting a Testimonial from one (or more) of our clients?
We've added a new Testimonial section to your search firm listing. It'll display the Testimonials of your clients, subject to our verification, highlighting how you've helped them. Think of it as written, positive "word-of-mouth".

Beyond this obvious benefit, a verified Testimonial will boost your ranking (i.e. DataRank) in our search results. We will also include a checkmark in the new Testimonial column on the search results page. We've found that the more checkmarks you have, the more likely it is that your listing will be viewed.

To send custom email requesting testimonials from your clients, update your listing. At the bottom of the second page in the editing process (labelled "Edit People"), you'll see a section on Testimonials that includes a link for launching the custom email.
   
What is DataRank, and why is it important to the executive search firms listed on SearchFirm.com?
DataRank is a system we've designed that automatically rewards those firms with the most complete and thorough data. The higher your DataRank, the higher you're listed among search results. We figure the more data you have, the more likely you are to match what an HR department is looking for—the principle's similar to rankings found on Yahoo! or Google.
   
What's the best way to use SearchFirm.com to find the executive search firm I want?
1) Choose a specialty. Most likely, you want to fill a specific position, so find a search firm that specializes in those types of candidates.

2) Leave the geographical criteria blank. Some executive search firms have multiple offices and aren't bound to a specific location. You don't want to eliminate a sizable portion of firms on geography alone.

3) Choose a firm type, if possible. On the Search page, we've supplied a link to a page describing retained, contingency, and so on. Take a moment or two to read this—it may save you time in the long run.


To refine your search further, consider using our text search feature or looking up by an individual's last name.
   
Are there any other tricks to getting found by an HR department in your executive recruiter directory?
DataRank's the big one. We've also added the ability to perform text searches on your company and personal biographies. You might want to include your specialties and office locations in these biographies to increase your chances of matching when a broad text search is run.
   
I have a specialty that's not on your list. How can I add it?
Email us at support@searchfirm.com. We'll review your suggestion, and if we like it, we'll add it to the list (and assign it to your record).
   
I want the president of our executive search firm listed first among our people. Is that possible?
Yes. Log into your edit page using your password (if you've forgotten it, look at the next question). Scroll down and click "Update" to edit your people. Select the appropriate person from the drop-down at the bottom and click the "Modify..." button. Next to the honorific, click the checkbox if you want the person listed at or near the top. Click "Update" to save your changes.
   
The problem is I've forgotten my password. Now what do I do?
Email us at support@searchfirm.com or call us at (212) 255-6659 x105. In the future, you might want to change your password to something that can be recalled easily.
   
Your Statistics feature looks great. How does it help me?
The Statistics page (you can find a link to it when you edit your company) gives you an idea of how your executive search firm relates to your counterparts. How often your firm meets search criteria, how often your detail is viewed, how often the link to your web site is clicked. We also give you a tip—specific to your firm—on how to improve your DataRank, which is the key determining factor to your success on SearchFirm.com.
   
I see some firms doing banner advertising on SearchFirm, how do I promote my services to SearchFirm readers using the Google powered advertising banners?
At the bottom of the advertisment, there is a link that says "Advertise on this site"; you can then create a new Google AdWords account (using a wizard) or add SearchFirm.com to your existing Google Adwords account (using the site-targeting feature).
   
I'm not a search firm or a corporate recruiter, but I do want to add a link to your "Resources" or "Association" page. How can do I do that?
Email us at support@searchfirm.com or call us at (212) 255-6659 x203. After qualifying your site's content, and in exchange for a link to our site, we will place a link to your site along with a brief site review.
   
I know your web site's tailored for search firms and corporate recruiters. So why have you posted some candidate-related materials on your site?
You can direct your candidates to these career resources before you work with them. Some of the links offer valuable tips on writing résumés or preparing for interviews. Anything that can make them better prepared will help the job search process.
   
Where do I find all the legal information?  
The "Conditions of Use" can be found here.

Home
| Search | Associations | Resources | Contact

SearchFirm.com (Conditions of Use)
Copyright © 1998-2009 The Cluen Corporation All Rights Reserved
Building the Largest Online Directory of
Executive Recruiters and Executive Search Firms
Cluen is the developer of Encore Executive Recruiting Software
Encore Recruiting Software

Other Sponsors
careersingovernment.com
iacpr.org
engcen.com
Recruiters Alliance