Executive Search – What is it?

Welcome to my new series about the industry that I am passionate about – Executive Search. I often get asked what is Executive Search and how does it differ from “standard recruitment“.

Why am I so passionate about this industry and sourcing from this industry?

Executive Search is a methodology of identifying passive candidates, approaching them (headhunting) about a position and advising them of the benefits of the role and the current market. It differs from “standard recruitment” in that in Executive Search – we do not purely rely on ad response. We do not rely purely on network or referrals. We do not purely rely on a database.

We talk to people within our network who could potentially refer us to others who would know of or who are interested in the role (or are high achievers), we “map” the market (this will be discussed in further detail in my blog series) and we interrogate the public domain in providing us with the information we require.

A database is a collection of profiles who have at one point been looking for work. A map is passive candidates in real time who are happy in their current organsiations. This is a massive point of difference. We converse with these candidates and discuss career alignment or advancement.

It is that one step above – or the word I truly love- it involves RESEARCH. Whilst working for one of the organisations, a General Manager I worked for stated, it is started with a blank piece of paper and filling it with names and titles of people who would love to know about the role. This is what I will be talking about in my blog series – the what, who, when and how of Executive Search.

For more information about Executive Search please do not hesitate in contacting me on 0419320341 or emailing me to pennyl@4igroup.com.au