When a client requests a recruiter to find the "perfect candidate" for their open position, most of the time they have no idea about what makes that "perfect candidate" so…perfect.  To increase your chances of delivering high quality candidates that are appropriate for your client's needs, help them define what a quality employee means to them.  Basically, you need to help the client identify the skills, competencies and characteristics of what they would consider a "top" performer in that particular position.  You may also want to look at what characteristics would make a candidate inappropriate for the position.

As you and your client begin to construct the "perfect candidate's" profile, you may want to start with things that both "good" and "bad" candidates may have, such as:

•    Years of experience
•    Education level
•    Awards and accolades received

These things can be common in all candidates regardless of their appropriateness for the job.  That's not to say a candidate's years of work experience is of no consequence, it is; but it is also just a beginning and may tell you very little about the quality of someone's work.  After identifying these base characteristics, help the client identify other characteristics such as personality, outlook and work ethic that they value in a candidate.

For example, is a client looking for someone who can and will work on multiple projects at the same time or do they want someone who can focus on one thing for an extended period of time without getting bored?  Are they looking for a born leader, or someone who doesn't mind being a part of a team while someone else takes the lead? And while you're at it, have your client consider what types of measurable outputs are involved in the position.  Do they expect a candidate to complete a certain number of cases per month/quarter?  If so, they may look for a candidate who works quickly.

In the long-run, working with your client to create a realistic and specific "perfect candidate" profile will make your job as a recruiter easier and will result in a more satisfied client.