Kaye Bassman International Corp (KBIC) is a recruitment agency that specializes in executive placement. Founded in 1987 and headquartered in New York City, KBIC claims to offer a global reach and unparalleled networking connections to find the perfect job candidates for high-level positions.
However, some job seekers and clients have expressed concerns about KBIC’s practices. In this comprehensive review, we will examine Kaye Bassman International Corp more closely, including an analysis of both positive and negative reviews, to help readers make an informed decision about working with this recruitment agency.
Company Background and Services
KBIC operates as an executive search firm, recruiting candidates for C-suite, director, and VP-level roles. Some of the industries they focus on include financial services, technology, consumer products, and professional services.
The company works on both retained search projects (hired directly by a client company) and contingency projects (paid a commission if they place a candidate).
According to its website, KBIC has regional offices in New York, Toronto, London, Hong Kong, and Mumbai, allowing it to source talent globally.
Kaye Bassman, the founder and CEO, has over 30 years of experience in executive placement. She prides the company on having “an unrivaled network of relationships with senior-level influencers.”
Aside from traditional recruitment functions like sourcing resumes, interviewing, and reference checks, KBIC also offers customized assessment and onboarding services.
This includes leadership profiling, competency mapping, skills testing, and cultural fit analysis to vet candidates. For placed hires, KBIC says it provides assimilation support during the first 90 days.
Positive Reviews and Testimonials
KBIC markets itself as an elite executive search firm that can deliver top talent. On its website and marketing materials, the company shares numerous positive testimonials and reviews from satisfied clients and candidates. Here are a few highlights:
- An SVP at a private equity firm stated that KBIC identified “phenomenally qualified candidates we may not have found on our own.” The hire they placed “has exceeded expectations.”
- The CEO of a Fortune 500 company praised KBIC’s fast and efficient process, noting they received “multiple qualified candidates within weeks.”
- A CFO hired through KBIC commented on the firm’s personal touch and cultural understanding, saying they were a “perfect match.”
- A tech startup founder said KBIC went “above and beyond” to understand their needs and source top tech talent quickly.
- Several clients have referred to Kaye Bassman individually as a “legend in the industry” with unrivaled access to high-level professional networks.
So in the favorable reviews shared publicly, KBIC appears to deliver on recruiting top executive talent efficiently while also displaying a personalized approach. However, it’s important to also examine reviews from other perspectives.
Criticisms and Complaints
While KBIC highlights only positive feedback on its main website, digging deeper uncovers some dissatisfied reviews as well. On third party sites like Glassdoor and Indeed, current and former job seekers have levied criticisms against KBIC. Some common complaints include:
- Lack of communication – Several candidates complained of not hearing back from KBIC recruiters for long periods, or being kept unaware of job status changes.
- Misrepresented opportunities – A few reviews allege KBIC pitched roles and companies that didn’t match reality or had already been filled without disclosure.
- Poor cultural fit analysis – Some placed hires felt KBIC failed to properly vet cultural match or set appropriate expectations for company culture.
- High candidate to placement ratio – Glassdoor reports only around a 5% placement rate based on KBIC’s own estimates shared with candidates.
- Misleading statistics – Allegations the success metrics and client testimonials on KBIC’s website are selectively presented in their favor.
- Lack of follow through – Dissatisfaction expressed over KBIC not providing the claimed onboarding and assimilation assistance.
- Difficult to reach – Complaints the recruitment agency is often non-responsive by phone or email even to placed candidates.
So while KBIC presents an image of elite, white-glove service, these outside reviews paint a less rosy picture of potentially poor communication, inflated promises, and low follow-through. It’s important for both candidates and clients to consider this critique.
Evaluating the Full Picture
To get a well-rounded view of KBIC, it’s necessary to thoughtfully evaluate both the positive feedback shared by the company alongside outside criticism. No recruitment agency will have a perfect track record pleasing every single client or candidate. However, commonly recurring themes in dissatisfied reviews warrant deeper consideration.
At the same time, KBIC has also placed many highly qualified individuals into lucrative executive roles over three decades in business. Some clients and candidates clearly feel KBIC delivered exceptional service and results.
So in summary, some key takeaways for objectively assessing Kaye Bassman International Corp include:
- Carefully vet any specific opportunity or role presented before making commitments
- Have realistic expectations for placement rates and follow-through given mixed reviews
- Thoroughly research companies KBIC refers to ensure accuracy and fit
- Get details in writing on onboarding/assistance process to understand what is promised
- Consider needs and risk tolerance – KBIC may be a good fit for some, less so for others
- Outside reviews provide balance to KBIC’s own curated positive testimonials
With due diligence, KBIC could potentially provide value given their industry experience and network. However, job seekers and clients may want to keep criticisms in mind and proceed carefully to avoid potential pitfalls raised by dissatisfied parties. An informed decision requires taking a holistic view of all available feedback.
Controversy and Notable Departures
KBIC made headlines in 2019 when it was alleged two former top executives left to form a competing firm called Legends International. Kaye Bassman and KBIC sued the departing leaders for breach of contract, among other claims.
The two former KBIC leaders, Gary Goldstein and Tammy Kling, denied wrongdoing and counter-sued. They stated KBIC failed to pay commissions owed and voted to dissolve the partnership agreement securing their ownership stakes.
After over a year of legal battles, the dispute was privately settled in late 2020 with terms undisclosed. While the founding partners remain, this high-level controversy suggests some instability and demonstrates the need for prudence even with long-established recruiters.
Making an Informed Choice
Considering the experience KBIC offers alongside outside reviews painting a mixed picture raises questions any prudent organization or individual would need answers to before proceeding.
Some key steps to make an informed choice about KBIC or other recruitment partners include:
- Carefully screen online reviews from multiple sources, not just the company site
- Ask detailed questions on process, statistics and satisfaction rates
- Request references from recent, similar clients and placements
- Thoroughly check company stability and leadership team
- Get commitments in writing on services, timelines and follow through
- Consider any controversies or red flags in company history
With care taken to understand both potential upsides and downsides uncovered elsewhere, job seekers and clients can make choices best aligning with their unique needs, risk tolerance and budgets.
Overall, KBIC seems suited for some high-level roles but may not be the ideal fit in all cases based on available information. As with any recruitment agency, prudence is advised.
Conclusion
In summary, this blog post aimed to provide readers with a comprehensive and balanced review of Kaye Bassman International Corp drawing from multiple perspectives. While KBIC highlights an elite profile and satisfied customers, outside criticism also exists which warrant consideration.
Candidates and clients would be wise to carry out thorough due diligence, get commitments in writing, and manage expectations based on the full range of feedback available.
With care taken, KBIC may potentially deliver value to some. However, not all reviews have been favorable, so individuals must make the decision best suiting their unique circumstances. An informed choice requires evaluating all information to make the choice most likely to achieve the desired outcome.
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