Executive search differs from the traditional types of recruitment where junior to mid-level employees are placed in appropriate job roles. This type of head-hunting is focused on the senior executives for top-level management roles. And executive search software is the key recruiting tool utilised by head-hunters and search firms.
How does head-hunting usually take place?
Executive search firms are approached by a business organization that needs a senior executive for a strategic position in their company. The client company has a set of criteria regarding the potential executive candidate. After some thorough discussions, the search firm helps them flesh out the candidate and job criteria.
Then head-hunters begin preparing a long list of executives. The list is usually immense and can contain any individual who seems suitable. After clients shortlist candidates, head-hunters go back to talent sourcing again. They will begin a new round of candidate sourcing while also looking at the shortlisted executives in detail.
Potential candidates are approached for informal meetings. Then after more shortlisting, interviews with clients finally begin. There are several rounds of interviews before the final decision is made. All this work takes place over several months. In between there are client reports, networking as well as candidate engagement and experience to be mindful of.
How does executive search software factor in this recruiting process?
For head-hunters, their executive search software is a recruiting partner that supports all their work. Head-hunters and their team need robust recruitment software that streamlines their work, boosts their efficiency and helps them amplify their work.
1. Easy and fast talent sourcing
Social media is naturally the starting point for head-hunters and their talent acquisition team. Talent sourcing is easier through the various social media platforms as there’s no dearth of professionals there. However, it must be noted that not every executive will be using LinkedIn or Bloomberg regularly.
Executives are busy people. They might not have the time or inclination to update their profiles regularly. So the information head-hunters collect from these platforms might be incomplete and disjointed. Communication can also be tricky. If the search team sends out messages via these platforms, there’s a chance the messages will be unanswered.
Head-hunters need a powerful executive search software that optimises their candidate sourcing beyond LinkedIn and social media. Passive candidates, as well as those actively seeking, are found via recruitment CRM software. Easy, fast and comprehensive talent search saves time while also enabling the search team to build their talent pool for future use.
2. Reduces the burden of admin work
Recruitment involves substantial admin work which can take up quite a considerable amount of time. All the monotonous work can cut into productivity and efficiency. Head-hunters need executive recruitment software and its automation features that help speed up the work.
Data entry and repetitive work are slashed once head-hunters start using executive search software. Admin work becomes easier and more manageable. Activities like CV parsing and branding or report generation is transformed. These are time-consuming tasks. But automating these activities eliminates a lot of the laborious steps while producing quick and quality work.
3. Enhances candidate engagement
Time is of the essence to executive candidates. This is because they are senior and top-level executives who have more responsibilities than the average professional. Consequently, it is crucial to maintain consistent and clear communication. This drives better candidate engagement which is a requisite if head-hunters do not want to lose the talent to competitors.
Ensuring good candidate engagement is fundamental for a successful executive search project. It is not only essential for guaranteeing that the best executives are not lured away by others but also considering future talent sourcing and brand image. As mentioned above, executive search is a long process. Head-hunters can leverage their executive search software’s communication system to keep executives interested throughout the recruiting process.
