7 Step Search Process.
Every Business is unique and each position, although similar in detail, requires a specific individual that will fit that Company’s culture and image. The introductory consultation we conduct prior to accepting an Assignment will assist in defining both the specific requirements desired and the personality of the Candidate that will best meet the needs of your Company. The following 7 steps are a brief outline of the typical Search Process.
1. Courtesy Consultation
The initial conversation will usually take less than 30 minutes. During this time we will not only define our types of Services, we will also be asking critical questions regarding the background and specific needs (depending on your type of business – Retail, Wholesale, Manufacturer) i.e.: Company History, Products, Customers, Number of SKU’s, Sales Volume, Number of Employees, Responsibilities and Duties, Target Compensation, Package, Relocation, etc. This is fundamental to the Search Process as we cannot work effectively with you if we do not have a clear understanding of the expectations and requirements your Company has for prospective Candidates. These are questions anticipated and expected of qualified and sincere Candidates and each time we are unable to respond we lose their confidence and diminish the difference between placing a highly knowledgeable Executive vs the average Job Seeker.
2. Agreement
After we have defined our Services and it is determined our Industry Specialization applies to your Search needs, we will required a signed Agreement by an authorized party before we can proceed. This agreement, depending on your choice of Retained or Contingent Search (see #1 above, will outline in detail the Fee, Payment, Guarantee, etc and must be in our possession before the process begins. This will ensure your understanding of the Agreement and responsibilities between both parties. We are “Client Motivated” and you, the “Client”, are responsible for our Fee for any Candidate you employ as defined in our Fee Policy as well as costs incurred by Candidates throughout the interview process i.e. Travel, Lodging, Meals, Misc, etc.
3. Final Clarification
To ensure our accurate interpretation, we will then submit 1-3 resumes from our database of Candidates for discussion. This will allow you to verify our perception of the Assignment, make adjustments, add/delete, etc and eliminate the downtime in Client’s reviewing mediocre Candidates and us wasting Recruiting efforts.
4. We Begin…
Once adjustments are made, at this point in the process we will implement the following: a. Purge our database of Candidates matching agreed specifications. b. Begin networking process with all our Industry contacts. c. Direct recruiting from “like businesses” or “similar channels/markets” (excluding “hands-off” corporations)
5. Interview Process
You will then receive additional resumes (or profiles as recruited Candidates often do not have a prepared current resume) on qualified individuals recruited and exhibiting a sincere interest in the opportunity presented. Timing at this stage is crucial. Momentum is created and Candidates need to be advised if you are interested and interruptions are often misread negatively resulting in lost interest, uncertainty, hesitation etc by the best Candidates. Many Clients fall into the misconception that “if we can surface exceptional Candidates this quickly, let’s wait and see how much better they get.” Wrong, wrong, wrong. It is a proven fact in the Search Industry “the longer the Search Process, the greater possibility of hiring the lesser Candidate”. A telephone interview is imperative within 72 hours of selected Candidates. Prestige will coordinate the appropriate initial introduction.
6. Personal Interviews
Based on the results of the telephone interviews, although the decision may be difficult, we strongly urge the personal interviews be limited to no more than (3) three Candidates. Prestige will assist as needed in making the arrangements.
7. Closing
Throughout the interview process, Prestige will attempt to keep all parties apprised of the status of the Search so communication is always essential. Once the desired Candidate has been identified and your Company is prepared to extend an offer, Prestige will assist in composing an Agreement and negotiating the compensation package and other significant details.