Choose us for the difficult tasks, and we will be up to the challenge.

Cannot be found, if not understood well what is being sought.
Therein lies our strength.

We take the time and ability to understand clearly what the need is, why it arises, what is expected and what features the applicant must meet to be inserted successfully in the culture of an organization.

Understanding your needs

The search process begins with a personal meeting (if possible) to fully understand the nature and scope of your search assignment. We are engaged in a personal service business; therefore, we must see your needs through your eyes. From this meeting, we will provide written position requirements, which reflect our understanding of the position, reporting relationships, compensation range, educational requirements, years of experience and other professional qualifications required of the successful candidate.

We create a search strategy

Working together with our clients, we evaluate the situation and determine a search strategy for finding the best candidate. Important to this process is a clear understanding of the client’s culture, the position responsibilities and necessary qualifications. Once we’ve developed a position profile, we define our search strategy, including target sectors and companies, which results in finding the best person for the job.

We identify candidates

We identify potential candidates through a substantial research process including databases, research library, Internet sources, alumni contacts and a network of contacts we have carefully developed over many years. Additionally, original research is generated to identify new sources that might not have been previously known to us.

We asses and present candidates

Suitability of prospective candidates

Once we have completed the initial screening process and potential candidates have been identified, we qualify and ascertain the suitability of each through in-depth interviews. If the candidate is local, a personal interview will be conducted. Only those best qualified and most suitable are personally interviewed.

Narrowing the field of candidates

Once we have formally presented candidates that meet your requirements, we will be in contact with you on a regular basis, either by telephone or in person. This provides you with an up-to-date review of any potential candidates being considered for the position. After you indicate those potential candidates whose backgrounds are most attractive to you, we will then proceed to the next step in the recruiting process. Those candidates are clearly informed, when appropriate the identity of our client.

Validation of candidates

For each candidate presented, we verify academic credentials and substantiate professional achievements through in depth reference checks. Accomplishments and compensation is verified with former employers and peers with their current employer. We recommend that offers are contingent upon a satisfactory reference from the candidates’ current employer.

Interview scheduling

Throughout the process, including subsequent meetings with the client, we assist with the logistics. This includes scheduling and confirmation of candidate meetings, coordination of flight and travel arrangements and debriefing of each candidate about their reactions to the interviews.

Offer and acceptence

As consultants, we will provide advice about all aspects of the total compensation package necessary to attract the successful candidate. Information supplied will reveal what salary the marketplace is dictating for a similar position. We will provide the candidate’s current compensation package and their financial expectations in making a career move. We will also assist and act as liaison to facilitate the negotiation process with the successful candidate. Although we assist in the process, our primary allegiance is to the client.

Follow-Up

Our involvement and commitment to our client continues after the successful candidate had accepted the position. We assist in the smooth transition of the new hire into the client’s company. Additionally, we maintain contact with the client, as well as the new hire, to monitor progress of the relationship and performance. The above process is used for all recruiting assignments. This process may vary based on a client’s requirements or their policies and procedures for working with executive recruiting firms.

We offer guarantees

Ahead Executive Search provides an unconditional guarantee on all of our placements during the first year. We will replace in a timely manner any of our placements that resign or are terminated prior to the guarantee date at no additional professional fee.
We take particular pride in our "hands-off" policy of not recruiting our successful placements from our clients.