Part 1: Executive Search, what is it and what are the challenges?

Article Written by David Grundy - CEO & co-founder of Invenias

Part 1: Executive Search, what is it and what are the challenges?

It is important to define what is meant by the term executive search and how it differs from operational and volume recruitment. Executive search is the highly specialist sourcing of candidates for senior, executive or other highly specialist positions in organisations. These tend to be positions which historically are more difficult to fill, requiring significant time and devoted attention as the person appointed will have a profound impact on the organisation.

Executive search, even for just one candidate, is an intense activity that involves significant preparation and attention to detail. Typically, an executive search consultant will be searching for a very particular set of skills and industry knowledge from an individual that will have a strategic impact on the future of their organisation. The specifics of their skillset alone will be rare and in order to achieve this level of detail in the hiring process, extensive knowledge of the market and talent pool is vital.

With an increasing number of organisations bringing executive search in-house to complement the use of external search firms, the process goes further than just identifying the best talent. Executive search is an in-depth assessment of internal and external candidates and a benchmarking exercise. It is about the capturing of insight and industry knowledge and using this to build a comprehensive picture of the best talent available, both internally and in competitive organisations. 

This weekly insight series will focus on 4 key issues facing the profession and how these challenges can be met by in-house executive talent teams.

• Ensuring diversity of hires
• Improving brand awareness and candidate fit
• Ensuring buy in from key stakeholders
• Overcoming a lack of suitable technology

If you would like to learn more about building a sustainable in-house executive search model, Invenias are hosting a free roundtable breakfast seminar on 1st February 2017. Click here for more information or to register your place.

About Invenias

Organisations such as Expedia, General Atlantic, Royal Bank of Canada, Samsung, Standard & Poor’s, Tesco and Tesla Motors rely on Invenias software to help them identify and recruit the best talent for executive and strategically important positions, to learn more, please request a free, no obligation demo with one of our experienced team.