This guide answers the questions hiring managers ask most: how a search runs, what it costs, how long it takes and how to choose a firm. It is written by Periscope Search Group, a boutique executive search firm placing technology and marketing leaders across North America since 2006.
How does an executive search work?
Most searches follow the same six stages:
- Discovery. The firm and the hiring company agree what the role must achieve, the profile, the compensation and the terms.
- Market mapping. The firm identifies the companies and people who fit, including the many who are not on the job market.
- Outreach. A consultant approaches candidates directly and confidentially.
- Assessment. Candidates are interviewed and measured against the brief before anyone is presented.
- Shortlist and interviews. The hiring company meets a short list of assessed, interested candidates.
- Offer and follow-up. The firm helps close the offer and checks in after the new leader starts.
How is executive search different from a recruiting agency?
A recruiting or staffing agency mostly works from applicants and existing databases, often on many roles at once. An executive search firm works on fewer, senior roles and goes out to find candidates who are not applying. Read the full comparison: executive search vs. a recruiting agency.
How much does executive search cost?
Executive search fees are usually a percentage of the hired leader's first-year base salary. Firms differ on when they charge: some take part of the fee before any candidate is presented, while contingency firms are paid only when a hire is made. Periscope Search Group works on contingency: no retainer, no upfront fee, and the fee and terms are agreed in writing before the search starts.
How long does an executive search take?
Three to six months from kickoff to signed offer is typical across the industry. Our recent leadership searches have closed in under three months.
Why choose a boutique executive search firm?
A boutique firm runs fewer searches at a time, so the senior person who wins your search is the one who does the work. Large firms bring global reach and a recognized brand, but the day-to-day search is often delegated. For specialist roles such as a CTO or CMO, a boutique that focuses on that function usually knows the candidate pool better.
What does senior consultant-led recruitment mean?
It means one experienced consultant runs the search personally from the first call to the signed offer: they speak to the candidates, make the judgment calls and are the person you deal with throughout. Every Periscope Search Group search works this way.
Is executive search worth it for a startup?
Often, for the first CTO, VP of Engineering or CMO. A first leadership hire shapes the team that follows, and the best candidates are usually employed and not looking. See executive search for startups.
How do I choose an executive search firm?
Ask each firm the same six questions:
- Do you specialize in this function, and what comparable roles have you filled recently?
- Who will actually run the search day to day?
- How is the fee structured, and when do we pay?
- What happens if the hire leaves early? Is there a replacement guarantee?
- Which markets can you recruit from, and can you include relocating or remote candidates?
- How often will we hear from you, and what will you report?
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