Confidential Executive Searches:
Why is it Better to be Discreet
When Searching for a Candidate?

https://www.youtube.com/embed/426s1_Nq-28

Today I’ll be talking about confidential searches: what are they, why are they done and how.

A confidential search is typically an executive-level search needing to be done without both the company’s internal employees (except for the select few who are in the know) and the general public (namely, competitors and industry partners) knowing the search is being conducted.

Why? There are many reasons:

POOR PERFORMANCE

Most commonly the company say isn’t happy with their CFO’s performance and want to replace him but need to find a suitable candidate prior to breaking the news. Posting ads on job boards and having employees work their referral networks is a sure way for word to get back immediately.

KEY DEPARTURE

Alternatively, a key executive such as the company’s Chief Revenue Officer just resigned, thereby negatively impacting the business until a new sales leader is identified to again steer the ship. During this vulnerable period, the last thing a company wants is for their competitors to get wind of this.

STRESS ON THE WORKFORCE

Also in both of the above instances, keeping middle and lower rank employees out of the know avoids unnecessary feelings of stress and uncertainty of what will happen now that a key leader has left. This strategy has proven effective in preventing unnecessary turnover.

I can share firsthand, having asked many candidates why they are open to leaving their current role, that many say it is because of recent turnover in leadership leading to a lack of confidence in their job security and the company’s future. Too many what if questions come about in their mind on if they’ll like the new leader and his/her direction for the company and what that will mean for their job and career path.

So if you are an employer needing to hire a key role and fall in one of the above categories, a good retained search partner is what you need. At DSC, we do not post ads or otherwise blast your opportunity for everyone to see but rather take a targeted approach, identifying based on your requirements who in the market is most qualified to speak with and getting a non-disclosure agreement in place prior to any discussion that would reveal the name of our client. This is the highest probability approach of recruiting a top talent while maintaining the most discretion.

I hope you found this useful. If there are any other topics you’d like me to discuss please reach out. Until next time.

What do we specialize in?

Dynamic Search Consulting (DSC) is a boutique executive search firm operating nationally from its offices in the Silicon Valley, in San Jose, CA. We specialize in headhunting executives using the retained search model. Our processes and methods enable us to find top talent in less time than it typically takes an executive search firm to accomplish these missions.

We offer a complimentary initial consultation during which we analyze your needs, and clarify the profile you are looking to hire.