Executive Search and Selection

Our Methodology

In the highly competitive and fast changing business environment of today, people hold the key to success. There is a high cost to bear for any organisation which fails to select executives of the highest calibre

Our firm is particularly well known for working on the ‘more difficult’ appointments, in both the private and public sectors, and we consistently deliver value for money and sound advice. We believe that our private sector work enhances our ability to provide professional services to public sector and state organisations; we say this in the context of increasing demands on all state sponsored bodies to develop and provide efficient, innovative and responsive services.

All assignments involve:

Developing a strong client relationship and a comprehensive understanding of:

the organisation's mission and culture;
all aspects of the role and its responsibilities;
the background, experience and personal assets the successful candidate will require

Preparing a detailed Briefing Document for candidates based on our:

knowledge of the client organisation and the job requirements
experience of senior level recruitment.

Carrying out the recruitment process efficiently, and confidentially, by utilising:

Selection/evaluation criteria based on key competencies and personal attributes;
personal, discreet, contact with candidates;
weekly updates with clients.

Maintaining objectivity and adding distinct value to the process through the use of:

criterion referenced interviews;
psychometric tests and other assessment tools, when deemed appropriate.

Treating candidates with courtesy and respect by:

corresponding within defined time periods;
making appointments by telephone, then confirming these in writing;
dealing in an open and forthright manner;
providing feedback, as appropriate

Recruitment Approaches

We can assist clients in identifying prospective candidates for senior positions in one of four ways:

File searches of both previous recruitment assignments and our Register of executives.
We charge 15% of first year’s remuneration of an appointee for a file search, with these fees conditional on appointment.
Advertising in appropriate media to attract candidates who may not be actively on the market but might consider a challenging opportunity.
In our advertising we can either make specific reference to an organisation (using client logos) or advertise without mentioning either the name or the precise business of the client. Our fees in relation to advertising are 20%.
Combining advertising with a ‘selective search’ – targeting prospective candidates in Ireland with specific skills and experience.
This dual approach accounts for nearly half of all the recruitment work we undertake and is generally the most effective as we would be actively canvassing the market and yet would supplement this work with research/search activity. Our fees for this ‘dual’ approach are 25%.
Conducting an Executive Search (“Head-hunt”).
This approach, involving extensive research, is appropriate in circumstances where great confidentiality is required, seniority of the appointment justifies the higher fee rate and where, of course, we can develop with the client a precise specification and candidate profile. Fees for this work are 33%.