Executive Search Research
"The best talent in the market is generally passive – you have to identify them, engage with them, and secure their interest."
Kerryn Wilson
Learn how my executive search research service can help you
Wilson Research provides an independent (freelance) executive search research service to business.
I partner with executive search firms and recruitment firms to support the delivery of their retained mandates. And I partner directly with internal talent acquisition teams.
My executive search research model is highly flexible: I can support either specific elements of your search or provide full-cycle support from briefing to qualified longlist/shortlist, as outlined below.
My research approach typically comprises these stages:
Briefing
Working with you, I develop a full understanding of the unique aspects of your search mandate. This covers the organisation, role and person specification, and employee value proposition (EVP). Next, I devise the research strategy – my plan of attack for where and how I will find relevant talent.
Target organisation list
Following initial research, I develop a target organisation list. I investigate targeted and adjunct sectors, business types, industries, competitors, product, service and relevant geographies. This list becomes my research blueprint.
Talent identification
Also called talent sourcing or name generation, I use traditional and innovative techniques to identify talent. And I speak to sources, the people most likely to know and refer suitable talent. I identify the candidates who most closely match your brief.
Approaching and engagement
I prepare and present a compelling narrative to attract and woo potential candidates. Client identity can remain confidential at this stage. Where individuals are not interested, feedback is reported.
Interviewing and qualifying
Through an in-depth phone interview with the potential candidate, I build rapport swiftly, explore the ‘fit to brief’, and gauge their level of interest. With the individual’s consent, I send you a comprehensive written profile summarising our dialogue.
Market intelligence and insights
The information I gather during the research process will likely provide you with market insight into industry perceptions, employer branding, talent structures, and remuneration.
Deliverables
I provide regular progress reports at the assignment’s critical stages. On conclusion, I provide a longlist/shortlist of interested, qualified candidates, including their interview profile and CV. You’ll also receive a comprehensive final report compiled from my market intelligence findings and analysis. Above all, this information ensures you can make well-informed decisions about the talent presented.
This is a flexible, efficient and cost-effective approach to identifying, qualifying and delivering executive talent – designed to take the pressure off your busy internal talent acquisition, recruitment, or executive search team.
My aim is to be a strategic alliance partner and valuable resource to your business by supporting your own teams in their daily quest for success.
If you’d like to know more about my executive search research service, or have any questions, please contact me.