Once prepared, a draft of the position description is submitted in writing to the client team for approval. It is imperative that the job description reflect a clear understanding and agreement between the client and search consultant before proceeding. When the job description is finalized, the intensive research phase of the search commences. If the client wishes, an internal search of the client company can be performed to identify company employees suitable for possible promotion. Based on research well underway, the search firm contacts prospective candidates by telephone and begins screening interested and promising candidates.
Personal interviews ensue in parallel with thorough reference checking activities.
Good recruiters regularly report their progress and, at some agreed-upon point, present a strong candidate pool to the client. Client interviews are arranged with the best two or three prospects. The search firm prepares the client to meet the candidates and may or may not attend the interviews. The firm will replace such an executive should he or she leave the client company for any reason. Often these replacement searches are free or at a greatly reduced price.