Executive Search Services Singapore

Executive search (also called headhunting) is a recruitment service that organizations are willing to pay for in order to fill in their upper-level positions. Have you ever been approached for a job you never knew existed by a firm you never knew existed either? Well, that’s how most executive search firms work. They use their connections and networks to find the most suitable candidate for an executive-level job. Many businesses use executive search services in order to recruit managers that are harder to locate in an ever-increasing job market. Moreover, it essentially helps them avoid the cost of a bad hire.

There are a lot of firms that specialize in providing executive search services. Naming all of them would be hard since there are so many out there. But most of them have one thing common- that is they help businesses recruit senior-level staff.

How does an executive search firm find top-level talent?

Most firms will agree that finding the senior-level staff can be very difficult and time-consuming. A company that is willing to employ a new or replacement CEO or other executive-level positions cannot rely on a typical recruitment agency to fill in the position for them. Where recruitment agencies can be perfect for hiring lower-level staff but are not as effective when it comes to recruiting upper management and director positions. Companies who are seeking to employ upper-management positions have to be extra careful before choosing the right executive search firm. It is because top management is responsible for the development and direction of the company. They are leaders who would inspire their employees and motivate them. In short, top-management can have a great impact on the future of the company. Companies can choose to search in-house but finding all the right skills can be a tall order for internal human resources staff. That is why more companies find it more suitable to go for an executive search firm instead. They provide a cost-effective solution.

The basic functions of an executive search

An executive search agency specializes in helping a firm hire upper management and executive-level positions. Most executive recruiters are experts in their relevant fields, have in-depth knowledge and have a range of personal contact and networks in the industry. This is why an executive search agency can be extremely useful in making the right hire. They listen to their clients clearly and understand their exact demands in terms of applicant skill-set and experience. It is obvious that hiring a senior-level position requires a candidate with the various skillset and relevant experience. Once the executive recruiters know what their client wants, they will search their internal database or use external methods to shortlist the candidates that are most suitable for the job.

Most executive search firms will have conducted candidate interviews at the application or registry stage. These detailed interviews allow the consultants to develop a better understanding of their applicants and their area of expertise. Executive search firms will also help their clients in making appealing job descriptions to attract a pool of potential candidates. They will work with internal teams to make sure that all the paperwork, administration and invoicing are done properly.

To continue growing, executive search firms have to continuously search for businesses that can make potential partnering clients. They are always actively looking for new candidates to update their database with fresh talent and to widen their network of connections within their relevant industries.

Common Executive Search Services

Executive Recruiters are primarily focused on overseeing the recruitment and vetting process for new candidates. An executive recruiter specializes in hiring upper-level staff for a company. They look out for candidates in online marketplaces, screen out the ones that are not qualified and conduct interviews and background checks on the ones that are approved. The following are some additional executive recruiter duties and responsibilities.

Locate Candidates

Executive recruiters will use appropriate online channels to identify applicants with the right skillsets necessary for the vacant position. There are many online channels such as LinkedIn and other similar sites that can be useful to gather a pool of potential candidates. The recruiters will contact these candidates and pitch them to their firm.

Interview Candidates

Once shortlisted, these candidates will be interviewed either on-site or virtually. These recruiters will use their expertise to ask a series of questions to determine whether the individual is the right fit for the position and the company culture. Executive recruiters can help candidates by informing them about their clients and helping them prepare for the interview that will land them a senior-post job.

Perform Background Checks

Executive researchers are responsible for ensuring they select a candidate with the right caliber. Performing a background check is necessary to ensure that the candidate matches what he claims to be. Meaning that the candidate does not have any criminal history. The provided references should also be double-checked.

Make candidate Recommendations

Once the executive researcher has shortlisted the candidate, he will recommend that candidate to the upper management of the company. The final decision whether to hire the candidate or not rests on the top-management however, the executive recruiter must come in with firm recommendations.

Network with Clients and Candidates

Another important part of an executive recruiter is to build a good reputation for their company. Assisting candidates throughout the recruitment process can leave a good impression and hence spread a good word for the company. This will help direct a flow of candidates towards the firm.

Other Services

• Contingent staffing
• Direct Placement
• Contract to Direct
• Payrolling
• Executive Search
• Employer Branding

Executive Recruiter skills

A consultant from an executive search firm will be in contact with the company to manage affairs. They will listen to what an employer wants, carry out the search and give recommendations and candidates’ suggestions. The role is heavily analytic and requires good time and project management skills. The candidates must also be good at communication and negotiation skills as they will be carrying words on behalf of both the employer and the applicant.

Executive search agencies ensure that they find the candidates with the right skillsets to fill in vacancies. For that, they will have a thorough discussion with their clients and formulate effective job descriptions. Having the right knowledge and network of connections makes these executive search services extremely effective and the right choice when it comes to hiring senior-level positions.