FAQs

How long does it take you to fill a position?

Our experience tells us that in today’s market a typical job search takes 2 – 4 months from the time the search is given to the time a candidate accepts and confirms a start date.  There are many variables that impact this timeline including:

  • Amount of exclusivity the search firm has to fill the position (i.e. retained vs. contingency)
  • Clarity on the exact position description and requirements to fill the search
  • Availability of candidates with the required skill set
  • Desirability of location
  • The companies timely response to the resume submittal
  • Availability of managers to interview the candidate
  • Number of candidates in the interview process prior to a decision being made

Why choose a retained search over contingency?

The key factor in filling any position quickly through a recruiting firm is largely dependant on the time the recruiter has available to commit to that specific search.  If a company is using multiple contingency recruiters to fill the position, each recruiter can only afford to spend a relatively short amount of time to discover candidates for that position before they move on to their next contingency search.  Consequently, using multiple contingency recruiters frequently will not prove effective if candidates are in short supply or the position is particularly difficult to fill as each contingency recruiter will only be able to skim the surface of the easily available candidate pool before needing to move on.  A retained or exclusive commitment to a recruiter enables that recruiter to spend all the time required to find the best match for the company’s position. 

How do you find candidates?

Whitaker’s roots in true search methodology are long and deep.  We believe in searching until we find the best candidate for your position and not just the first available candidate; this frequently means talking to people who are not actively looking for another position.  With over 20 years of experience in the same marketplace specialization, we have built a network of contacts and a database of information that would be hard to duplicate. In addition to the tried and true “smiling and dialing”, we also use the most sophisticated internet tools available.  The information we gather using the internet is just an additional means of networking and researching for a position rather than as a source for readily available candidates.

What are the advantages of working with a Certified Recruiter?

Certified Recruiters have taken the extra step to provide their candidates and clients with "leading edge" expertise, making their services even more valuable in an ever-changing market. The Certified Personnel Consultant (CPC) and a Certified Temporary Staffing Specialist (CTS) designation that follows an individuals name is the industry's badge of professionalism and seal of excellence. It is recognized as the staffing industry's highest standard, and it is the public's assurance of quality service. Certification assures the following:

  • Knowledge of current employment laws and procedures, as well as business operations and ethics
  • Experience of at least two years in the staffing or employment profession
  • Service of the highest quality to meet the needs of both candidate and company
  • Ethics, by adhering, to NAPS Standards of Ethical Practices
  • Commitment, credibility and dedication to the staffing industry

Do you specialize?

Yes. Our staffing solutions focus on the engineering and technical needs of a variety of companies involved in manufacturing, marketing, supply and distribution for the refining and chemical process industries nationwide.

We offer positions for experienced professionals in the following areas:

Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical)
Instrumentation and Controls
Project Engineering/Management
Environmental Health and Safety
Economics and Planning
Supply and Distribution
Transportation and Marketing
Pipeline Operations

What types of positions do you fill?

We fill positions on a permanent, contract or project basis. Typical job titles include:

Refinery Manager
Process Engineer
Instrumentation Engineer
Maintenance Engineer
Process Control Engineer

In addition, many of our professionals are in demand for upper-level economics, planning, product supply and marketing positions.

Who are your clients?

We serve a diverse range of clients, from smaller companies to multi-nationals involved in manufacturing, marketing, supply and distribution for the refining and chemical process industries nationwide.