One of the biggest challenges for those seeking a career change is in the determination of the resources to use.  If you are currently employed and seeking a job change, you likely don't have the time or skills to find a better opportunity. So, you could use the help from someone else.  If you are unemployed, you need to perform a massive search to get some options quickly.  Trying to do the search yourself is time-consuming because you must learn the current trends in resumes, networking, interviewing and so on.  Using a recruiter seems like a good option but they aren't necessarily motivated (or incentivized) to help YOU.  They are paid by companies to fill a slot and that's what they do. 

The dismal results job searchers get from trying to perform the search themselves or using a recruiter forces many to the question of using a retained job search company.  There are many such companies in business today.  Some good. Some bad.  So, you need to do some research before hiring a company.  This can simply be done by asking a few questions.  To help you find the best deal, ask the following questions to the company you are considering hiring.  Note their responses.  Then, decide what makes the best sense.

Questions to ask a retained job search company

1. Who actually performs the job search?  Most companies DON'T perform the job search. That is, they coach you. If a company doesn't do the search, how good do you think they are at finding jobs? Surely you don't want to do your own search while you are paying someone else to do it. 

2. Who creates all of the documents?  Most companies show YOU how to create your resume, cover letters, thank you letters, etc.  They may even critique it for you.  If they don't do the job searches but do resumes, are you sure they are up-to-date on current practices?  A company who performs job searches will know what the current practices and formats are since they'll see the responses from the employers. 

3. Do you have a database of company contacts or previous customers I can contact?  Most companies don't have a database of contacts (or employers) to share with you. Most just advise you on how to find your own contacts.  You know, like using LinkedIn or Facebook.   If they don't have a database of connections, is their advice on making them efficient and effective? Sounds like an academic exercise, doesn't it?

4. Who does the company research?  Most companies do provide interview coaching. This is important, especially if you feel you need it. BUT, most companies don't provide you significant info on the company itself or the individuals you will interview you. That's critical info for performing well in an interview.  Also, with the rapid pace of buyouts, mergers and acquisitions, you'll want to know if the company you are interviewing with is about to be sold or file Chapter 11.

5. Who sends out the resumes, intro letters, etc.?  Most companies make you send out your resumes, letters, etc.  While most of it is done on-line today, it's still time consuming.  If you are already out of work, sending out a lot resumes is what you want but will be  difficult.   And, of course, you don't want to just blanket email companies.  That mass marketing technique isn't very efficient.  Since most resumes are never seen by a real person (9 out of 10), you'll want someone with experience sending them for you.

6. Is there an opt-out period or refund available if I don't like the service?    Find out if you have to sign a contract at the start. If so, is there an opt-out or trial period to see if you like their service.  Some companies force you to sign a contract with no way out.  So, once you buy in, you're in and there's not much hope for getting out.   That means that if you don't like what they are doing, they still keep your money.  However, there are a few ways to approach this if you ever get in that situation. 

7. Do you help negotiate and evaluate the offers?  Many companies do very little to help you negotiate or evaluate a job offer. You'd think a company that helps people find jobs would be effective in getting a job. This is a skill that takes practice and must be done often to keep pace with current trends.  

8. Do you help develop a career strategy once I find a job?  Most companies don't help you build a career plan or strategy once you've found a new position. Once you get a job, they'll say "call me if you need anything." Many people want more than just a new job, they want a place where they can be more successful.  But how do you be more successful in a new company?  Is the new culture one you can be effective in?  Do they already have a lot of high performers?  How can you compete?


These questions are great for your first discussion with a retained company.  Don't let them spend a lot of your time with their marketing speeches.  They are entertaining but not real useful.  Before they dive off in their spill, ask these questions.  Take charge of the conversation.  You're the customer and deserve to know what you are buying.  If you get the right answers, then by all means proceed.  Otherwise, you could be wasting your time.  This is your career and your money.  Take charge of it.