With the stock market down and unemployment rates up, it's more important than ever to make sure that your company has assembled the best team possible - especially when it comes to integral senior-level positions. If you're about to begin the recruitment process, you may be wondering whether or  not you need the services of a professional recruiter to guide you through the journey. There are many retained search firms that can help you find the most talented candidates in your industry, saving you time, effort and a great deal of frustration. Finding the right person to hire is instrumental to ensuring your company's continued success in the current economy.

How can retained search firms help you during the recruitment process? They'll begin by building on their existing knowledge of your particular industry by taking the time to understand your company and its specific employment needs. The best retained search executives will pay attention to how your company operates, what the position in question entails, and where the company plans to go in the future. This will help them determine who the ideal candidate is, in terms of education, experience, personality and values. Next, they'll review the contacts they already have in their network. Professional recruiters make it their business to stay connected to a number of different individuals in the industry, and may submit your position for their consideration even if they're not currently on the job market. Retained search firms are able to contact people who may currently work for a competitor with a great deal of tact and discretion.

But the work of  a retained search expert doesn't stop there! They will also review resumes, conduct background checks, and even hold interviews and personal meetings with people. In the end, they present you with a shortlist of suitable candidates for you to choose from, making them a true "one-stop shop" when it comes to great employment prospects. And in a faltering economy, the right employee can make all the difference between success and failure.