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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1 - Why use specialist recruitment consultants? Why shouldn't we do the recruiting ourselves?

A1 - Although recruiting the best qualified staff for key positions is a primary responsibility of senior management, it usually requires a significant investment of time and expertise that is often not available in busy head offices. In addition, it can be better for these early contacts to be made by a suitably qualified third party.

Also, confidentiality can be an issue with very senior posts. If you use a Search Consultant, all the paperwork is in our offices, not yours.

Q2 - Is it expensive?

A2 - No, not when you consider that we carry out the candidate contact necessary to develop a short-list of people, all of whom meet the job requirements and come recommended by their peers. Unless you need to supplement our search by media advertising for particular reasons, you will often save these costs too.

Q3 - What qualifies Oxford HR to provide this service?

A3 - All our consultants are international development professionals themselves with many years experience of working with leading agencies operating across the developing world. We have decades of experience recruiting staff for a wide range of international posts as directors, senior managers and consultants, and can advise on a number of selection techniques as well as the traditional interview. Moreover, we are well "plugged into" development networks across the world, facilitating the search and ensuring completion in a timely fashion.

Q4 - How do we know Oxford HR will get the right candidate?

A4 - While it is always the client who makes the final selections, Oxford HR has a long track record of finding short-lists of suitably qualified candidates, leading to successful appointments. What is more, we will have spoken to them, and their peers, before you meet them.

Because we search thoroughly, we also find candidates who are not actively looking for a change of job, but who closely match your requirements.

Q5 - How long is the recruiting process?

A5 - Some positions take longer to recruit for than others, but on average it takes three months from the start of the search to making an appointment.

Q6 - How often will you report to us during the recruiting process?

A6 - As often as is required - it varies at different stages of the process, but on average at least once a week.

Q7 - We have used recruitment consultants before - why Oxford HR?

A7 - Recruitment agencies usually simply search databases for candidates who match the criteria. Oxford HR actively seeks out candidates from their own contacts and networks.

Oxford HR are established specialists in global recruiting for international agencies and have a long track record of successfully finding quality candidates for senior and/or specialist positions around the world.

Q8 - Where do you look for potential candidates?

A8 - That depends on the post for which we are recruiting, but our capacity to conduct specialist searches is worldwide and covers all development sectors. See also A13 below.

Q9 - What recruitment methods do you offer clients?

A9 - International Executive Search and Selection is Oxford HR's specialty, but we can also arrange supplementary recruitment advertising when required as well as offer advice on selection methods and additional services, such as psychometric measurements.

Q10 - Are you able to conduct discreet recruitment searches?

A10 - Yes, but in the vast majority of cases we work openly as consultants to the specific client.

Q11 - What is your track record?

A11 - We have a very high level of success for placements, especially where we have been able to work closely with a key decision-maker to explore what they want in a candidate.

To see a client list, please go to the page titled "Client list". You will also find comments from our clients on these pages.

For detailed information on the wide range of successful recruitments undertaken with international development clients in Europe, North America, Asia and Australia please contact us at:
+44 (0)1865 510980.

Q12 - How can a small organisation like Oxford HR handle demanding international recruitments?

A12 - It is not a matter of size, but of a proven and constantly updated professional capacity to locate and bring to the table senior and specialist development professionals from all over the world. After years of working in the field, we know a wide range of the "movers and shakers" in the field and regularly approach them personally for the names of suitable people during the course of a search.

We use state of the art software to manage our databases and the search, selection & recruitment process.

Q13 - Does Oxford HR specialise in any particular professional sectors?

A13 - We work right across the international development sector from emergency relief to long-term sustainable development to healthcare to environmental conservation to fairtrade. For examples, please contact us at:
+44 (0)1865 510980.

Q14 - For what levels of job seniority does Oxford HR recruit?

A14 - This is mainly up to the client, but we normally search for roles from head of function to senior manager to chief executive or for jobs that require specialist international expertise.

Q15 - Why not advertise?

A15 - Under certain circumstances advertising can be an effective means of reaching a particular audience. However, relying on advertising alone is always a lottery. It can also lead to a flood of responses, imposing a huge administrative task, which may - or may not - identify a few promising candidates.

Q16 - How much will Oxford HR's service cost?

A16 - Our standard inclusive fee for international Executive Search and Selection is based on a percentage of annual salary. It is payable in three stages - the first installment at commencement, the second upon agreement of a short-list with the client, and the balance upon appointment. This is payment-by-results and at a rate tailored to meet development agency budgets.