Frequently, when an executive search consultant contacts you about an assignment, you will be asked, “do you know someone who might be interested in this assignment?”. Sometimes that’s the real question, but more often than not the real question is “are you interested in this assignment?”. If you are interested in the assignment, just say so; don’t be coy about it. If you are not interested, it is in your best interest to try to suggest others who may be interested. Search consultants remember who helps them.

If you are interested, you should confirm very early on whether this is a retained or contingency search. You also need to establish the legitimacy of the search firm. And do not react negatively if you have never heard of the search firm. Some of the very best executive search work is done by small- to medium-sized firms who do targeted work for a small number of companies.