Executive Search Process
Search Project Plan
Our search project plan is designed to obtain a full understanding of
our client's requirement followed by a disciplined and thorough effort to
identify, evaluate and recruit qualified candidates whose personality,
experience and qualifications are a match with our client's requirement.
Definition of Requirements
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We start each assignment by obtaining a full understanding of the client’s business situation in terms of company goals, problems/opportunities, strengths/weaknesses and current priorities. |
We next seek to obtain a full understanding of the position requirement(s) in terms of education, experience and job competencies that are required to accomplish the desired business objectives.
We prepare and submit a detailed proposal letter and position description that forms the basis of understanding between all parties concerning the requirements of the position, qualifications sought, professional fees and other details of the search.
Project Planning
After approval of the search proposal, we develop a specific search strategy including target industries, potential candidate position titles and geographic scope of the search effort.
We document the search strategy which includes timing of major steps in the process, confidentiality level, target industries, potential candidate position titles, research processes, target dates for major events and project status reporting requirements.
Research
We develop a comprehensive list of target companies and identify potential candidates that we will contact during the candidate contact and development phase.
Extensive research is conducted to develop as much information as possible on related companies, competitors, the industry, related functions, spheres of influence, industry leaders, and other potential resources to ensure we are current on events in our client company and industry.
A wide range of research processes are utilized including our historical databases, personal networking contacts, printed business directories, the Internet, online databases, association directories, proprietary CD databases and strategic research partners.
We review the initial target company list with our client to ensure we do not interfere with sensitive business relationships between our client and any of the potential target companies.
Candidate Contact and Development
Our objective is to contact and evaluate the identified universe of potential candidates in the target companies. The focus is on identification of the subset of candidates who are both interested and appear to be qualified.
We utilize a combination of personal letters, email and personal phone calls to make contact with potential candidates in the identified target companies.
During the candidate development process, we exchange and obtain as much information as possible in a pre-interview situation while still maintaining the confidentiality of our client.
This ensures that the best qualified candidates are targeted and developed as part of the qualified candidate pool that will be interviewed during the field interviewing phase.
Interviewing and Evaluation
We schedule and conduct personal interviews with interested and qualified candidates to assess their job competencies in terms of knowledge, experience, qualifications, personality, Emotional Intelligence, management style, leadership style and motivation relative to the position requirements.
We utilize competency interviewing methods that include both behavioral and situational interviewing techniques. Where appropriate, we utilize psychometric instruments such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and DiSC Personal Profile (DiSC) to better understand personality and motivation.
We perform background verifications as appropriate for candidates judged to be well-qualified.
Final Candidate Presentations to Client
Our objective is to present three-to-five candidates that we believe are fully capable of handling the leadership assignment. Each will be different in personality and style but all will share the common attributes of experience, capability, intelligence and motivation that are required for success in the assignment.
We may present qualified candidates as they are interviewed or present a small group at the same time, depending upon client preferences.
We prepare comprehensive written candidate reports including our interview impressions, candidate resumes, personality profiles and a summary of candidate strengths and weaknesses relative to the position requirements.
Final candidate reports are presented to the client during a personal meeting, if possible, so that we can answer any questions regarding the candidate’s suitability for the assignment.
Client Interviews with Final Candidates
We assist our clients in scheduling of candidate interviews and ensure that both parties are fully briefed in advance of each meeting.
After the interviews, we obtain reactions from each party and seek to assist our client in additional evaluation of the preferred and final candidate(s).
We help, where appropriate, to rate candidates against each element of the specifications and use these ratings to assist the client in forming his or her final conclusions.
Negotiations and Wrapup
We assist in contract and compensation negotiations, review prospects for career progression, and obtain any additional formal background or reference information that is needed.
During typical negotiations, our client wants to keep cost under control and the candidate wants to maximize income and opportunity. Our role is to serve as a trusted and impartial third party to balance the interests of both client and candidate, while ensuring that the process stays on track.
Our objective is to ensure that the final result effectively meets the needs and expectations of both parties. This benefits both parties and leads to a successful negotiation.
Project Status Reporting
During the conduct of the search project, we review project status with the client on a weekly or more frequent basis in accordance with our client’s wishes.
The content of the weekly status reviews will include any and all information that is currently available relative to overall status of the project.
Reports are customized as necessary to meet specific client needs.
Quarterly Follow-Up
After an offer has been extended and accepted, our involvement continues.
We stay “in the loop” with our client until the new executive is successfully situated in the new position.
We remain in touch with the new executive throughout the first year in the new assignment to help ensure a successful transition.