1. is it a specialized firm or a generalist firm ? Does the assignment require a specific understanding of the job or the client sector ? Is the recruitment a one-off operation or permanent ?
2. Is it a search firm or a selection firm ? Is it necessary to select the best candidate from an advertisement, or to search for a profile with specific skills ?
3. Is it a French or international firm ? Would the international image of the firm produce better candidate sourcing ? Can the partnership with the consultancy firm develop at an international level ?
4. Small firm or big firm ? Should the assignment be conducted as a standard service and by a large firm ? Or should it be a custom-sized service, delivered by a small firm ?

will the consultant fully understand the position to fill and the recruitment background ; i.e. skills, sectors, clients, organizations, challenges. Will he/she take the time to fully handle the background of the recruitment ?

Meet the consultant in the firm's offices. Understand the methodology, the available tools. Meet the firm's staff. Take the time to evaluate the documents that he/she usually produces. Ask for his/her client references and contact them.
During the different assignment steps, stay active, be supportive, keep a team spirit : the success of the assignment depends on it …