OUR METHODOLOGY:

We offer our clients a structured, proven methodology. Each mandate is carried out systematically. This allows us to control the inevitable imponderables that are inherent to each executive search and manage the time frame effectively.

Our methodology allows ample opportunity for our clients to intervene at strategic points along the way as the mandate progresses. We see the executive search process as a team effort and are well aware that the active participation of our client greatly increases our chances of success. For us, success is measured by the candidate’s impact or contribution to a company in the long term.

 Here is an overview of our search methodology, which features seven separate phases:

1. In-depth analysis of your needs

A thorough analysis of the needs, culture and structure of our client company is essential. Ideally, we like to meet with the key members of your organization at the outset. This enables us to conduct a thorough examination, filter the information and gain a clearer understanding of our client’s needs.

This meeting also gives us a better grasp of your business vision, organizational structure, objectives and major corporate issues. Finally, this initial stage lets us gauge what type of challenge will face the successful candidate.

With this analysis, we can lay the foundations for our search strategy.

2. Position Guide

A Position Guide is then produced. This contains the company’s profile, a detailed description of the position to be filled, the profile of the ideal candidate, and a statement of what our client company expects from the successful candidate, setting out precise objectives.

Before launching a search, we ask you to approve the Position Guide, which is literally a composite sketch of the position and the ideal candidate.

3. Preparation of our search strategy

At LACOSTE EXECUTIVE SEARCH, we regard each mandate as unique. We therefore develop a specific strategy for each project allowing us to identify, evaluate and attract enough qualified candidates to enable you to make your choice.

We now know exactly what type of candidate we are looking for. But where can this individual be found? At this point, we determine which industries our search will target. We specify what types of companies we will be looking at and what size they will be, as well as the geographical parameters. Among the factors we examine is transferability of knowledge.

We then present our clients with a sample list of targeted companies, together with the actual titles of the positions we plan to focus on.

4. Market study

A structured market study is conducted for each mandate.

We systematically compile the list of companies where we believe suitable candidates are to be found.

Each of these organizations is then dissected. Essentially, we try to reproduce the organizational structure of the targeted company and identify who holds each position relevant to our mandate.

Before contacting these individuals directly, we get in touch with key resource people. The goal is to put together as much information as possible about the individuals listed in our market study and identify the leading figures. In this way, we can identify the candidates whom it is essential to contact. You could describe this as a preliminary background check.

5. Directly approaching candidates and interviewing them by phone

Proceeding systematically and observing the strictest confidentiality, without revealing the identity of our client, we contact key resources. They provide us with further knowledge of the market to be covered and point us in the right direction for potential candidates.

We then contact potential candidates directly. We conduct what is really a phone interview in order to qualify the candidate. By the end of this stage, we have usually obtained the resumes of the best candidates and know what salaries they earn.

6. Production of the list of qualified candidates

We meet with the qualified candidates and prepare you a written evaluation of each one.

7. Interview, background check and negotiation of job offer

We are present as observers at your first meeting with each candidate. This facilitates the post-mortem process after each meeting and allows for tighter control of the imponderables that every mandate involves.

If you wish, we prepare you an interview grid and evaluation grid. We conduct systematic reference checks and assist you in negotiating the final agreement with the selected candidate.

After the candidate is hired, we follow up on a quarterly basis with both the client and the candidate. In this way, we can evaluate how successful the process has been and help the candidate to integrate successfully into his or her new environment.