Question 1

How is USL Partners different from other recruitment firms?

Accepted Answer

Most recruitment firms operate on volume — they send large shortlists of candidates sourced from job boards and hope something sticks. We operate differently. Every candidate we present has been proactively identified, directly approached, and rigorously assessed against your specific brief. You receive three to five genuinely qualified professionals, not twenty names that make our activity look impressive.

Question 2

What sectors and roles do you specialise in?

Accepted Answer

We work across five specialisations: Legal, Healthcare, AI & Technology, Life Sciences, and Executive leadership. Within each, we focus on mid-to-senior level appointments where the quality of the hire has a material impact on the organisation — from General Counsel and Chief Medical Officers to VP Engineering and C-suite executives.

Question 3

How long does a typical search take?

Accepted Answer

For most retained searches, we present an initial shortlist within three to four weeks of brief confirmation. The full process — from brief to accepted offer — typically runs six to ten weeks, depending on the seniority of the role, the complexity of the brief, and the speed of your internal decision-making. We will give you a realistic timeline at the outset and keep you updated throughout.

Question 4

Do you work on a retained or contingency basis?

Accepted Answer

We work on a retained basis for the majority of our mandates. Retained search allows us to commit the full depth of our research capability to your brief, approach candidates who are not actively looking, and maintain the exclusivity and discretion that senior appointments require. We are happy to discuss the structure that best fits your situation during an initial conversation.

Question 5

What happens if a placed candidate leaves shortly after joining?

Accepted Answer

Every placement we make is backed by a defined warranty period. If a placed candidate leaves within that period for reasons within our control, we conduct a replacement search at no additional fee. We stand behind our work — and our warranty reflects that commitment.

Question 6

How do you ensure confidentiality during a search?

Accepted Answer

Discretion is fundamental to how we operate. We never disclose your organisation's identity to candidates without your explicit approval. All candidate conversations are conducted under strict confidentiality, and we are experienced in managing sensitive searches — including succession planning, leadership transitions, and situations where the incumbent is unaware of the search.

Question 7

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

The first step is a conversation. There is no obligation and no cost to an initial discussion. We will listen to your requirement, ask the right questions, and tell you honestly whether we are the right firm to deliver it. If we are, we will outline a clear approach and timeline. You can reach us through our contact page or by requesting a call directly.

Question 8

How does USL Partners approach candidate representation?

Accepted Answer

We represent a small number of candidates at any one time — by design. When we engage with you, it is because we believe there is a genuine fit between your profile and the mandates we are working on, or because we want to understand your situation for future opportunities. We do not collect CVs speculatively. Every conversation we have with you is purposeful.

Question 9

Do I need to be actively looking for a new role?

Accepted Answer

No. Many of the professionals we work with are not actively looking — they are performing well in their current roles but open to the right conversation. If you are at a senior level in Legal, Healthcare, AI & Technology, Life Sciences, or Executive leadership, we welcome an introductory conversation regardless of your current situation.

Question 10

Will my current employer find out I am speaking with you?

Accepted Answer

Never without your explicit consent. We treat every candidate conversation with complete confidentiality. We will not approach your current employer, disclose your identity to a client, or share your details with any third party without your knowledge and approval. Discretion is not a policy for us — it is a professional standard.

Question 11

What does the process look like once I engage with you?

Accepted Answer

We begin with a detailed conversation to understand your background, motivations, and what the right next move looks like for you. If there is a relevant mandate, we will brief you fully on the opportunity and the client before making any introduction. We prepare you thoroughly for every stage of the process and remain in contact through offer, acceptance, and your first months in the role.

Question 12

Do you charge candidates a fee?

Accepted Answer

No. Our fees are paid entirely by the hiring organisation. There is no cost to you at any stage of the process.

Question 13

What if there is no suitable role right now?

Accepted Answer

If we speak and there is no immediate fit, we will tell you honestly. We keep a small, curated network of senior professionals and will reach out when a relevant opportunity arises. We do not make promises we cannot keep — but when the right mandate comes in, we will be in touch.

Questions, Answered.

Hiring with USL Partners

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