In my role as a search partner, I am an ambassador for my customers. As an official partner for these organizations, I represent their corporate interests & goals in the marketplace. I am an extension of the brand, a defender of the reputation, and an enthusiastic promoter of current and future plans.
Once an agreement is signed, the search partner and that organization become one. Agendas are fused and a relationship is forged based on the alignment of values, proper business practices, and basic human decency.
The role of an ambassador also means that there cannot be any lapses in integrity – character is vital. Your decisions are hinged on a core set of values, and any sign of compromising will undermine the very foundation of that partnership, even if that means forgoing a fee payout or the end of a relationship with a tenured customer.
The same level of service, protection, and advocacy applies to candidates. That search partner should symbolize a place of refuge for candidates who are seeking guidance in their career pilgrimage. Like an embassy, the role of a good search partner is to foster relations based on trust with candidates, facilitate communication between the candidate and hiring company, mediate negotiations, and offer whatever support is necessary, pre & post hire. They understand that a good candidate/company fit isn’t just about resume or technical alignment. It’s values and culture centric, and they know how to navigate these conversations on both sides.
A good search partner knows that they cannot work with every organization. Similarly, an embassy only represents the citizens of its home country. Neither one is a universal service for all people (or organizations).
The recruitment industry is not as saturated as we might think. There are only a few who operate from a place of excellence.