This is the most essential phase of the search engagement. It is critical that we understand your company’s culture so that we ensure that our candidates represent the right “cultural fit.” Furthermore, we want to establish a comprehensive understanding so that we conduct the search efficiently and effectively. It is important that the search firm be perceived by candidates as being well informed and professional since this indirectly reflects on the company as well.
Based on the Client’s needs and requirements a comprehensive Position Profile is created so that we achieve the following key objectives: accurately reflect the client’s requirements, ensure that the candidate compares his/her background and experience to the responsibilities and requirements described by the client, and provide compelling information to prospective candidates regarding the uniqueness of the position as well as the company’s “sizzle”.
We will assist you in benchmarking the role with current industry market data. We have access to comprehensive compensation data for the food & beverage, dietary & OTC supplement and nutritional ingredient industry segments.
Our office’s search team conducts a planning meeting based on your specific search. It is important that the entire team understand the position requirements, company culture, etc. so that it can develop an effective “game plan.” The mechanics for identifying candidates, as well as databases or information sources to be utilized are critical elements of this plan.
Our office utilizes its own proprietary databases, as well as the Internet and other state of the art tools and technologies, during this initial phase. However, most often the best candidates come from the extensive network of contacts we have established within the Consumer Health and Nutrition sectors. Referrals from colleagues within consumer packaged goods, dietary supplement and food companies are the best source of qualified candidates. These are usually employees who are highly regarded and are doing a good job – - and usually are not actively searching Internet job websites nor are they constantly looking externally for their next job. Depending on the specific job, we may contact literally hundreds of candidates before identifying a suitable quantity of applicants for pre-qualification.
Resignation can be a very stressful and harrowing experience for candidates. It is important that an executive coach work with the candidate during this delicate period, especially since current employer counter-offers are commonplace in this “candidate driven” environment.
Prior to the candidate’s start date, during the early phase of employment, and for months after the candidate’s date of hire, it is prudent to follow-up with both the Client and the placed candidate to ensure that things are progressing satisfactorily. It is important that an effective on-boarding program be established with the client and that if any “issues” surface, that they be dealt with swiftly.
