How a Search Works
Research the Market – Once we have drawn up our candidate specification we then begin researching the market. In a market as small as the Financial Services sector we may only be looking to identify a very small group of senior people. In conjunction with our client we may highlight specific people or companies whose staff are highly rated.

Our team of specialist researchers define the market size and then begin the process of contacting potential candidates. Our researchers then identify all those people who are suitable for closer contact. The top half of this group would then be approached and views sought on the new role and their interest.

“We leave no stone unturned”  Paul Harper

Convincing Candidates – The people we identify will be the best in their market place and many will not have been considering changing roles or are happy with their role. Our job is to highlight the challenges and benefits of considering a new role; this may be a salary increase but for the senior staff we approach the prospect of new challenges and roles may be the deciding factor.

Interviewing Candidates – We would normally eliminate down to 8 potential candidates who would be interviewed by one of our consultants in their own area. This process would lead to further shortlisting down to approx. 6 candidates who would be introduced to the client for interview and assessment. In some niche roles there may only be 2-3 people suitable for interview.

So from a potential market of the whole sector, Paul Harper Search would research and identify the top 6 people who meet the person specification for the role and are willing to move.