Search Explained

Executive Search

Executive search is the most comprehensive type of search and is best used for specialist roles in defined markets to find specific skill sets. This approach is meticulous and identifies every relevant organisation and then examines contacts and investigates potential candidates. The core skill is finding the top performers and successful employees using the most up to date information and selecting only people of the highest quality, therefore offering the choice of the best people available in the specified industry and related markets at that point in time.Most executive search specialists work on a retained basis usually requiring payment of 1/3 on accepting the assignment, 1/3 on supplying a qualified shortlist and the final 1/3 on completion. On a contingency basis payment is made on the successful completion of an assignment and therefore clients pay for engagement of applicants and not recruitment services. The thoroughness of the search and reports requires a lot of additional work than database searches and therefore commitment from clients is required so in most cases working on a contingency basis will require exclusivity on the assignment.

Database Search

Database search is a register driven CV service and is best used for generalist roles within a limited area. This agency approach predominately responds to applications via recruitment advertising and therefore supplies a list of candidates that are either unemployed or actively seeking a role. As they tend not to see roles as specialist agencies will forward as many inferior CV’s as possible and hope that one will fit. Although all recruitment business have database search facilities the key fact is that agencies will rely on their database and therefore for specialist roles will be unable to find the better suited quality candidates in the industry.

Advertising Assignment

Advertising assignment is best used when a branded recruitment presence is beneficial and usually for senior roles or volume recruitment. Although the advert will be paid for by the client the recruitment business will help produce copy and the booking of the advert. The response is handled by the recruitment business, as well as the time and cost savings it enables people working for competitors to register their interest whilst maintaining their confidentiality in the initial stages. Depending on the type of recruitment business the reliance on the advertisement will vary, but is useful to ensure all areas of a search are covered if the budget and time frame allows it.