How do I train a recruiter to take over my executive search clients?

Start by choosing who. Look for someone clients already respect and who handles confidential work well. Then write a brief for each client: what they hire for, who decides, how they like to communicate, past searches and any sensitivities. This is the knowledge that usually lives only in your head.

Next, hand over in steps. Have the recruiter join your calls and listen, then lead a call while you watch, then run one alone and report back. Let them take a small search from start to finish. Review how they handled difficult moments, such as a candidate dropping out or a client changing the brief.

Finally, handle the clients with care. Tell each one yourself, early, and explain why. Invite their feedback and be ready for some to hesitate. Consider keeping a presence for a transition period. Ask your lawyer about any agreement you want in place with the recruiter, and your accountant about how to structure it. Agree how success will be judged, such as client feedback and completed searches, so both of you know when the handover is complete.

Key takeaways

• Pick someone the clients already trust and write a brief on each client.
• Hand over in steps: listen, lead while you watch, then run searches alone.
• Tell each client yourself and early, and invite their feedback.
• Agree how you will both judge when the handover is complete.