FAQs (CLIENTS)
In this section, we hope to address some of the typical questions that have been fielded to us by our clients and candidates (both existing and potential). If there are additional queries, please feel free to contact us at
- What are the strongest arguments for an executive search as opposed to an advertised selection?
- What is retained search vs contingency search?
- Are all search companies good at what they are doing?
- What if I already know the perfect candidate?
- How do you find candidates?
- Can I use executive search for time-limited jobs?
- How do I know that the consultant with whom I have spoken will be the same consultant handling my requirements?
- How do we know the CV sent to us, accurately reflects the skills of the individual?
- How long will the search take?
- What does the search cost?
- Of what should I be wary when deciding on a search company?
- What should I expect from a search company?
Potential Clients
What are the strongest arguments for an executive search as opposed to an advertised selection?
The top caliber candidates are rarely looking for a new job - new jobs come looking for them! A well carried out search assignment will often lead to the discovery of ‘hidden talent’ – i.e. good candidates that are not actively on the lookout but nonetheless interested in new opportunities if their interest can be suitably aroused.
What is retained search vs contingency search?
In contingency search (no cure, no pay), companies get paid only if they succeed in delivering candidates. Clients would say they want this because they don't trust the companies to deliver, and sometimes, would even require two or more companies to work in parallel. While such an arrangement may work, it may not be in the best interests of the client as not every supplier would be able to represent the company and opportunity in the best light. Good search companies do good work, deliver as agreed and ideally, want to be paid on a consultancy basis (retained search).
Are all search companies good at what they are doing?
Few companies are good at everything they do. Measured by results, an often overlooked factor is critical to success: Search companies limit themselves ethically by not taking personnel from their own customers. In particular, companies who combine search and selection are usually ethically hindered from searching in companies they have as clients. Companies who do both search and selection often abandon the most difficult product - search - because of this. This is why Magenta has chosen not to compete in the selection market. But we are of course willing to add an advertisement to a search assignment.
What if I already know the perfect candidate?
Oftentimes, companies know the ‘perfect candidate’ that they want to hire but due to various reasons, are not able to approach the person directly. Magenta will be able to discretely approach the candidate to assess his interest in the role and client organization. In addition, our independent opinion is often sought so as to add greater credibility to the hiring decision.
How do you find candidates?
We cannot find candidates for a position if we don't know who you really are. We profile your company and the position, looking for sales arguments before starting our search for suitable candidates. Research is about knowing ways to find candidates. Anybody can solve a few search assignments, but it takes a lot more organisation and methodology to make it a business! Successful executive search organisations are experts at understanding their clients' needs and experts at locating and attracting potential candidates.
Can I use executive search for time-limited jobs?
It depends on the depth of the search company's research methods and the depth of the consultants' networks. A good quality search company has such general methods that we can find just about anybody as long as the requirements are realistic.
How do I know that the consultant with whom I have spoken will be the same consultant handling my requirements?
Magenta Consulting ensures that the consultant specialising in the area of the search has the necessary domain knowledge and understands the business space. In other words, the consultant assigned will be highly qualified to deliver client requirements to the expected professional standards. Some of our senior consultants could possibly be filling the very positions awarded by the client sometimes. The priming consultant will probably be the consultant who will be working on the assignment. The awarded consultant will have a more profound understanding of the position, the candidate market, the client and the client's needs than any other individual in our company. Client visits are often led by a Managing Partner to ensure that client needs are executed accurately and expediently.
How do we know the CV sent to us, accurately reflects the skills of the individual?
The CV of the candidate is initially transposed into our format without alteration. Every candidate is interviewed by our consultants prior to the CV being sent. During this process we endeavor to verify all the matters detailed on the CV. During the course of the interview amendments could be made to the CV whenever we feel that relevant skills or material fact have been excluded or can be open to ambiguity or misinterpretation. If this is the case, a copy of the CV, if requested, may be sent to the candidate prior to being forwarded to our client(s). This ensures that the candidate is satisfied with his/her amended CV and that the client can be satisfied that the details have been verified.
On client request, Magenta Consulting will also conduct reference checks prior to second interview or thereafter.
How long will the search take?
Finding the right candidate, however strong our database is, can be a long process. We guarantee that however long it takes, we will execute our commitments to the full. We guarantee that every candidate's CV that you see has been interviewed by us first, that all details on that CV have been verified (executive reference checks) and that the candidate has a full understanding of the nature of the position for which he/she is applying. We will not guarantee that we will find you the exact candidate of your dream within a week, or a month or even two. The candidate you need will be in the market and we will find him or her. Generally we advise between 3-5 weeks from the start of the search to the offer being signed.
What does the search cost?
Magenta Consulting has several methods of search and pricings. The different methods have been designed to allow the client a flexibility of choice.
Please email us your enquiry () or call our dedicated team of consultants.
Of what should I be wary when deciding on a search company?
In short, anyone who cannot give you a satisfactory answers to all of the above questions. Generally you should not consider using any search company that is unable to identify its success in its chosen markets and prove to you in their first meeting the depth of their market knowledge regarding market participants and personnel.
What should I expect from a search company?
Above everything else, it's about integrity and understanding. Your search company should be willing to work to your timetable, your criteria and your administrative requirements. Your search company should supply you efficiently and expeditiously with any information pertinent to the assignment they are undertaking on your behalf. Your search company should have a comprehensive understanding of your corporation and within that the divisions, desks, teams and staff they placing within. The company should also be able to demonstrate that they will be representing the client accurately to the market and have an equally accurate understanding of the position.