Understanding the executive search process is fundamental in choosing an executive search firm to find your company’s next successful CEO, board director, C-suite or strategic position. Executive search firms follow this robust, step-by-step process in a strategic and confidential manner, leveraging the executive search consultant’s exclusive industry and functional knowledge, networks and connections and years of experience in qualifying prospects and placing senior executives.  A Key Difference Executive search consultants operate on an exclusive, client-centered basis and work on a limited number of assignments at one time. They are hired directly by the client for each assignment. Executive search firms often find candidates with diverse backgrounds and have access to candidates who are not actively seeking a new position. They are engaged in all aspects of the process, from defining the search to candidate integration. They charge a consulting fee (retainer) for the assignment, consistent with their in-depth advisory work. Executive search consultants deliver high-quality service, a slate of highly qualified candidates, and develop long-term relationships built on trust.  The relationship between an organization and a search firm is more than just the delivery of a specific assignment. The best consultants are trusted talent and leadership advisors, providing guidance on a broad range of solutions [...]

In the ever-evolving landscape of the executive search profession, the ability to find and select the right leaders is crucial for driving organizational success. Traditional interviews, although widely used, often prove insufficient in accurately assessing a candidate's suitability for a leadership role. This is where using behavioral interviewing to differentiate yourself from the competition can give you a distinct competitive edge. Behavioral interviewing offers a comprehensive approach that goes beyond surface-level assessments. It enables executive search professionals to gain a deeper understanding of a candidate's past behaviors and, in turn, predict their future performance. By exploring a candidate's behavioral patterns, this interviewing technique provides valuable insights to determine their fit for a leadership position.  What is Behavioral Interviewing?  Behavioral interviewing is a technique that takes you beyond the surface when assessing qualifications and skills. It dives deep into a candidate's behavioral patterns by exploring their past experiences and actions in professional settings.   Forget about hypothetical questions - behavioral interviews invite candidates to share real-life instances where they encountered challenges, made critical decisions, or showcased their unique behaviors. It's like peeling back the layers to gain a genuine understanding of their competencies, problem-solving abilities, and how they can add to an [...]

The notion of a talent shortage is nothing new. We’ve seen the headlines pop up across our news apps over the last few years. Research from AESC and The Conference Board even revealed one of the top five external issues impacting business is the labor shortage.  In addition, our research has consistently identified attracting and retaining talent as the leading internal business issue globally. The factors driving a need for executive hiring include:  The need for new skills and capabilities and even new leadership roles  Leaders that can adapt to changing business models  Leaders with expertise in expanding into new lines of business  Leaders to replace an aging leadership team  Recognition of diversity and inclusion   The challenge is not just a typical labor shortage, but a shortage of top leadership talent with specialized skills and competencies, such as adaptability, agility, resilience and an overarching, demonstrated ability to lead change. There is also demand for new and emerging roles, such as those focused on sustainability, climate risk, cyber risk, and competencies such as a track record of digital transformation success, the ability to identify new business opportunities through artificial intelligence while managing risks, leadership in diversity, equity and inclusion, a focus on [...]

An Executive Researcher, also commonly known as an Associate, Analyst or Search Coordinator, plays a vital role in the executive search process for both executive search firms and in-house talent acquisition teams. They lay the groundwork for a successful search by collaborating to develop a search strategy, finding and connecting with referral sources, generating a list of candidate names, qualifying candidates, managing gatekeepers and pitching the executive-level position. Additionally, they’re often the first in an organization to contact potential candidates, meaning they make the first impression for the executive search firm or company.   To excel in executive research, we’ve identified four core characteristics one needs to stand out and contribute to a successful strategy:   1. Proactive  Executive researchers are accountable for the search, meaning that the initiative they take in the early stages of a project can dramatically impact the outcome. Holding off on a search, waiting long periods of time between calling prospects, and not implementing a plan can lead to a project pileup and failed assignments.   To avoid such a negative outcome, an executive researcher should be a self-starter and proactively drive the search strategy forward. They should be ready to dive into a search as [...]

When it comes to personal development and furthering your skills as a leader, peer-to-peer learning is a powerful tool that is often underestimated. Being open to sharing with and learning from people from different backgrounds and experiences allows you to view the world with a new perspective, increasing your confidence in your own abilities as a leader.  Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting out, AESC's peer-to-peer learning programs provide a stimulating environment of support where you can develop new skills, expand your network, and advance your career.  Below, find 3 benefits of peer-to-peer learning that can make a significant difference in your personal and professional growth.   1. Access to Different Perspectives  Because AESC offers global online and in-person programs, you will learn alongside a diverse group of people from across the world. For example, our AESC | Cornell program features participants from Australia to Western Canada or South America. With this global reach, you can gain insight from individuals who possess different backgrounds and perspectives on the everyday practices within the profession. As one researcher from Steinbach & Partner in Germany put it, “Great opportunity to learn from experts about their personal best-practice experiences and sharing them [...]