Our Search Process
EFL Associates employs a formal executive search process that leverages sound methodology, industry-specific knowledge and personal contacts. That combination enables us to conduct each search in a comprehensive and swift manner. Historically, EFL Associates has completed our searches 10 to 20 percent faster than the industry average that is tracked by the Executive Recruiter News. Listed below is a detailed description of the formal steps within a typical search project.
EFL Associates’ Search Process
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Gain an Understanding of Client and Position. Our consultants meet with each client to gain a thorough understanding of the culture, philosophy, and objectives of the organization. Based on this, we create a formalized “description” of the personal traits and experience that the client would likely find in an ideal candidate.
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Develop a Search Strategy. Our research department thoroughly analyzes organizations within client-targeted industries (e.g., finance, healthcare, retail, etc.) and leverages our comprehensive, in-house database to ensure that the best potential candidates are identified.
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Interview Qualified Candidates. Our consultants conduct personal interviews with qualified candidates to evaluate their motivation, qualifications, level of interest in the position and personal compatibility with the client organization.
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Present Candidates to Client. We prepare a comprehensive report on each finalist for the client. This report includes a detailed personal and business history of the individual, as well as our assessment of their suitability for the position. At this stage, EFL Associates arranges personal meetings between the client and the candidates that are selected.
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Conduct Reference and Background Checks. Although information concerning finalist candidates is developed from personal interviews, we also perform in-depth reference and background checks prior to an offer of employment. These references are fully documented and presented to the client.
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Facilitate Negotiations. We provide recommendations and facilitate the negotiation of compensation packages and any other issues necessary to gain a final agreement. Our third-person role and knowledge of the candidate and client can often provide assistance at this critical juncture of the search.
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Follow-Up with Client and Successful Candidate. Once the successful candidate has accepted employment, we maintain communications during the transition period. After employment begins, we continue to follow up with both client and candidate to help ensure a positive, long-term relationship.
Over our years of conducting searches, EFL Associates has built a proprietary database that keeps track of the leading executives in most industries. A well-staffed and experienced research department, which makes use of the most advanced technological resources, supports the work of each consultant.
These dynamics allow us to present to our clients a slate of qualified candidates for each position. The real value in working with EFL Associates though, originates from the insightful and honest evaluation of candidates by our consultants. This sound guidance increases, many times over, the probability of a successful hire and a long-term solution in filling a leadership role.
