At UAB, our goal is to recruit the most qualified and diverse applicant pool to select the best candidate to become a member of our community. This guide is designed to help departments when it is determined that a search firm's services will be required.
A department may consider using a search firm when:
- The search for qualified candidates is challenging due to unique job requirements, specialized experience or specific credentials.
- The position's level of seniority or uniqueness necessitates a nationwide search.
Please note: All decisions to engage a search firm must be coordinated through Central HR in Talent Acquisition (TA). See "Requesting a Search Firm" tab below.
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Role of a Search Firm
A search firm provides a comprehensive range of recruitment activities, including...
- Identifying core responsibilities and qualifications for a role
- Writing job descriptions
- Developing a diverse candidate pool
- Assessing candidates' skills, experience and fit
- Conducting reference checks
- Advising on the negotiation process between UAB and the final candidate
Functions of a Search Firm
Identifying Qualified Candidates:
Developing an outreach strategy to identify candidates outside of UAB’s existing networks, including advertising, direct outreach, and sourcing passive candidates.Coordinating Interviews and Notifying Unsuccessful Applicants:
Handling logistics and communications to streamline the interview process.Specialized Expertise:
Leveraging specialized knowledge in areas such as higher education, healthcare, and executive recruitment.Acting as an Objective Participant:
Maintaining impartiality and providing objective feedback throughout the search process.Freeing Up Time for the Search Committee:
Offering tools for resume screening and interviews to save time and improve outcomes.Maintaining Confidentiality:
Ensuring confidentiality in sensitive searches and protecting the identities of both the organization and potential candidates. -
Choosing a Search Firm
Central HR in Talent Acquisition will guide you through the process of selecting a search firm that meets UAB’s needs, taking into consideration factors such as the firm’s area of expertise, track record in specific fields (e.g., higher education, healthcare), and overall fit for the search requirements.
Checklists & Resources
To ensure the effectiveness of using a search firm, departments must adhere to the checklists provided and resources from Central HR in TA, including criteria for search firm selection, steps for engaging a search firm and compliance guidelines and necessary approvals.
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Requesting a Search Firm
To ensure consistency, compliance and the highest standard of recruitment, all engagements with search firms must be managed through Central HR in Talent Acquisition. This centralization helps to...
- Ensure adherence to UAB’s hiring policies and practices.
- Monitor compliance with all regulatory requirements.
- Provide a unified and strategic approach to recruitment across UAB.
For more information, contact the Talent Acquisition team at uabjobs@uab.edu.