When it comes to sourcing talent, organisations often turn to executive search firms or recruitment agencies. However, it's crucial to understand the distinctions between the requirements for the services related to Executive Search vs. Recruitment.
In this article, we will explore the fundamental differences between executive search and recruitment to assist organisations to determine the method best suited for their needs and objectives.
Executive Search
Executive search is a method of attracting highly skilled and experienced senior managers and executives to fill strategically important roles within an organisation. Typically, this refers to roles that are dedicated to providing strategic oversight at top level management level (i.e. entire business) or middle-level management (division or department).
Partnering with an executive search firm goes beyond merely filling immediate positions. They become strategic partners, invested in your long-term success by providing industry expertise, strategic advice, and professional representation. By fully understanding your business, culture, and goals, they identify and secure highly skilled senior management talent that can move the needle of your business.
Finding the right executive talent
Filling an executive role requires extensive market research and review of top talent who are either employed or not seeking a role change, analysis of the executive recruiters existing talent pool and network, supported by a review of active job seekers in the market.
Prior to commencing the research process, executive recruitment firms undergo a thorough discovery process with the client to determine the critical staffing issue that needs to be resolved.
An executive search firm provides
Market Mapping:
Recruitment market mapping involves deep research into the passive and active talent pool within an industry landscape to determine prospects to resolve critical staffing issues.
The market mapping process produces a large talent pool for analysis, and is comprised of active and passive job seekers.
By implementing market mapping techniques, executive search firms such as EPC Consulting help organisations close the gap between their immediate needs and long-term strategic objectives. This proactive strategy enhances the effectiveness of the search process, concurrently fostering candidate retention.
Tailored Solutions:
An executive search firm customises the talent search, matching individuals with the specific needs and goals of your organisation. They seek out candidates possessing the ideal mix of knowledge, skills, and abilities required to achieve your strategic objectives.
Outside-the-Box Thinking:
Executive search firms encourage innovative thinking by helping you diversify your top team. By considering candidates with unique perspectives and diverse backgrounds, these firms enable fresh solutions and ideas to propel your business forward.
Professional Representation:
Acting as an extension of your company, executive search firms approach suitable candidates on your behalf, maintaining professionalism and confidentiality. They become trusted advisors, understanding your organisation's dynamics and effectively promoting the role.
Recruitment
Recruitment is a broader and more generalised approach to sourcing candidates for various positions across an organisation. Recruitment agencies focus on filling roles at all levels, from entry-level to lower and middle management.
Recruiters traditionally target active job seekers - i.e. candidates who are either unemployed or are actively searching for a new role. This is often conducted through reviewing job boards, online ads and social media, and supported by reaching out to non-active job seekers through reaching out to candidates on their database and LinkedIn network.
Understanding the differences between executive search and recruitment enables organisations to make an informed decision about which method best aligns with your company's talent acquisition goals.
At EPC Consulting we specialise in executive search within the Property, Construction and Engineering sectors across Australia as well as international markets. Our industry knowledge and industry networks have been built over more than two decades and have enabled the recruitment of the best talent into critical roles for top-tier organisations.
We are proud to have long-term associations with clients who see us as a valuable and trusted extension of their business, effectively communicating their company culture, values, mission and vision to ensure that their organisation is best placed to achieve outstanding growth and success.
EPC Consulting is dedicated to long-term partnerships and collaboration. To learn how we can assist you meet your strategic goals, contact Kelly Stubbs by email at: kelly@epcconsult.com.au or telephone: 0402 084 862.