Many not-for-profit and public sector organisations use recruitment consultants on a regular basis while others use them occasionally for certain assignments. (And there are of course some organisations that do not use them at all.)

Whether or not a recruitment consultancy can add value depends on a number of factors that may be very specific to an individual organisation or a particular assignment.

Some of the questions an organisation may wish to consider before appointing a recruitment consultancy include:

• Does the consultant have any knowledge of and empathy with the requirements, culture and workings of the sector? Is the consultant abreast of developments in the area?
• Does the consultant have a knowledge or experience of working with your organisation or an organisation similar to yours?
• Does the consultant have good contacts and a well-tried network within the sector?
• Does the consultant have organisations, individuals and contacts that are 'off limits'? Which?
• Does the consultant have a record of success? Does the consultant have a high level of repeat business? Can the consultant supply recent recommendations and testimonials?
• Does the consultant have available a range of recruitment methodologies? Can the consultant respond creatively and flexibly to each assignment?
• Does the consultant have the credibility, integrity, authority and discretion to represent and act on behalf of your organisation?
• Does the consultant offer a value-for-money fee structure? Are fees proportionate? Can the consultant offer a guarantee of any kind?

The questions above all refer to 'the consultant' and this leads to another important question.

• Who are you actually going to be working with?

No matter what its size or reputation, a recruitment consultancy is only as good as the individual consultants who work on your assignment. Executive recruitment requires both professional skills and personal attributes. Your relationship with your consultants is key to the success of the assignment. Make sure you choose the right people to work with!