Six Steps to a Successful Executive Search Conducting a successful search is a team effort, requiring input and assistance from the client as well as the search consultant. In our experience, there are six key steps in the search process: Step 1: Define Scope of Responsibility and Required Personal Specifications Step 2: Conduct Research to Identify Qualified Candidates Step 3: Assess Potential Candidates Step 4: Recommend Finalist Candidates Step 5: Extend the Offer Step 6: Review the Process Step 1 – Define Scope of Responsibility and Required Personal Characteristics. Kanzer Associates conducts in-depth, face-to-face discussions with appropriate members of your management team to gain insight into the organization and the business strategy. Step 2 – Conduct Research to Identify Qualified Candidates. We conduct comprehensive and thorough research, applying the full resources and personal contacts of our firm, to identify qualified and interested candidates. We make full use of our extensive network, developed in previous searches. Step 3 – Assess Potential Candidates. Kanzer Associates conducts a preliminary telephone screening of potential candidates to determine qualifications and to assess level of interest. We then conduct personal, in-depth interviews of select candidates. The determinations we make in the interviews include: Technical profile, if required by the position. Employment experience and educational background. Management style and the ability to motivate and develop staff. Personal characteristics, specifically, the individual attributes and personality traits pertinent to the position in the client's environment. Step 4 – Recommend Finalist Candidates. Following the research and assessment phase, we discuss with you, in a face-to-face meeting, candidates we propose for your further consideration. This meeting occurs no later than 30 days from the start of our search. We present you with written candidate profiles in a standard format for the purpose of comparison. Further, we provide verbal commentary on each individual proposed, including our interview impressions, an assessment of each candidate's long-term potential with your organization, and the rationale leading to our conclusions. After you complete your interview process, and you select a finalist candidate, we can conduct a detailed background check on the candidate. The background check includes education and employment verification. We also contact business references and solicit commentary on work performance and personal characteristics upon request. Step 5 – Extend the Offer. As you proceed to the offer stage, Kanzer Associates functions as an intermediary between you and the candidate. We assist in any necessary discussion, and provide counsel on the employment offer, including the compensation package, timing, and relocation considerations. Step 6 – Review the Process. In every aspect of our work, we are committed to continuous quality improvement. After the completion of each search, we meet with our clients to discuss ways in which all parties can improve the search process. This is the most important step we can take with you to ensure the continued delivery of a quality product, and to add value to your business strategy.
©1998 Kanzer Associates, Inc.