Executive search is a mature industry. As such there are well developed industry best practices comprising a range of methodologies. Here is a brief overview of the process we follow at Excalibur:

Scope: Primarily, this involves situation analysis. We have detailed discussions with our client’s hiring manager to establish exact requirements for the position. In reaching this mutual understanding we typically share information on industry dynamics and the current situation in the market in relation to the position.

Deliverable: A written position specification, describing the full picture – company overview, position specification and related requirements. In addition a template of these position requirements will be made which will later be used for screening. These documents need to be reviewed and approved by the Client.

Scope: This constitutes establishing a task plan regarding the timeframes for the search, setting industry priorities, agreeing on the potential source companies in which to look for suitably qualified candidates.

Deliverable: An alphabetic target list with the names of companies and potential candidates that we are going to source.

Scope: Interviewing potential candidates on the phone and obtaining the necessary information to decide whether they remain on the list. This process involves assessing the suitability of the candidate in reference to the template of requirements (created in step one). The objective is to have the prospective candidates explain how they feel their background fits the position specifications. Throughout, it is critical to manage sensitivities in approaching competitors. It is our code of conduct to provide confidentiality in dealing with clients and candidates in the same line of business.

Deliverable: Notes on these discussions will become part of the profile, together with their resume, for all successfully screened candidates who make it through to the next stages.

Scope: Conduct face-to-face interviews with candidates to review the facts already provided via telephone interviews, and to better assess their suitability to be moved on to the short-list. A preliminary reference check is conducted for each individual prior to moving to the next stage.

Deliverable: A short-list of the best suited candidates is prepared for the Client together with a profile for each of these candidates describing their personal traits, work history, and personal observations made by the interviewer.

Scope: The short-list of candidates is presented to the Client. We work with the Client to fine-tune which of the short-listed candidates will be selected for face-to-face interviews with the Client. We then coordinate between the Client and candidates to set up these interviews.

Deliverable: Interview schedules for all candidates selected for interview.

Step 6: Selection and presentation of an offer

Scope: The Client selects their preferred candidate, negotiates terms and then they issue an offer letter. During this process we provide input wherever requested e.g. advice on structuring the offer in line with a candidates specific areas of focus. Where appropriate, and when asked, we mediate between both parties if any issues or matters of concern arise. Where requested, we provide Reference Reports from previous line managers of the candidate.

Deliverable: Feedback and input as indicated above. As a final step, if desired by the Client, we conduct formal reference checks on the selected candidate.

Scope: We interface between the Client and the candidate to bring the negotiations to a successful closure. In the subsequent few months we follow up with the Client and the candidate to ensure that there has been a successful induction into the Client’s environment. In parallel we advise all other candidates on the short-list of the outcome and closure of the opportunity.

Deliverable: An employment contract signed by the successful candidate. We send an acknowledgement letter to the rest of the short-listed candidates, stating appreciation of their time and interest for the position on behalf of The Client and Excalibur Associates.