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Building a positive relationship with a search consultant should begin long before you have a personal need. Search consultants source qualified candidates by networking with other professionals in your industry and function. Chances are that during the course of your career you have been approached by search consultants from time to time. Take the time to listen to what the consultant has to say - even if you are not motivated to make a move yourself.

Speaking periodically with search consultants:

1. Can keep you well abreast of what is happening in the marketplace.
   You can find out what your peers/contemporaries are earning and what your marketability may be.
2. If the opportunity fielded by the consultant sounds interesting and you are still not interested in exploring it yourself, refer a friend or colleague that you think may be a good fit for the role. If you do not wish the consultant to mention that you were the source of the referral, tell them that this is the case – they will honor this request.
3. Remember, the consultant is also trying to develop a positive relationship with you. Individuals that are receptive and helpful in speaking with search consultants tend to be the ones called first for good career opportunities. As well the consultant will be much more receptive to your calls when you have a personal need.

When pursuing a new career opportunity, search plays an important but limited role. As search consultants are working to serve their clients, they are restricted to focusing on the work that they are retained to do. While they will generally try to help candidates, their priority remains sourcing the best candidates for the assignments that they are working on. On average, a search consultant will only handle 15 to 20 searches a year – yet their firms will receive thousands of unsolicited resumes every year. As a result, your chances, during your job search, of landing an opportunity through a search firm are relatively low. The best strategy in your search is to cast your net as widely as possible, contacting any and all of the search firms that work in your area.