Every Lochlin Partners client is treated like our only client. We invest the time to learn and understand your culture, your current strategy and future vision, and the unique requirements of your executive capital needs. Each engagement is a true partnership where both we and the client contribute key ingredients to the successful outcome.
For our part, we commit the full resources of the firm to each step in our executive search process.
Click on the Steps Below to Learn the Details of Our Process:
- Commit the Partner Most Experienced in the Client’s Industry Segment
We select the partner best suited to execute the search engagement in the specific functional area. With our deep industry experience in the areas we serve, we can provide the inside operational knowledge and extensive personal networks to efficiently pinpoint the most qualified candidates.
- Develop an Understanding of the Organization and the Position
We meet with the client and other appropriate executives and Board members to immerse ourselves in the nature of the organization, the context and nuances of position, and any plans relevant to the conduct of the search. The information we assemble and absorb enables us to be knowledgeable and persuasive in representing you to candidates and in screening qualified prospects.
- Create a Detailed Position Specification
We carefully prepare a description of the position’s responsibilities, as well as a concise, accurate list of “ideal qualifications,” which we review with the client, so that we have a meticulously thorough, mutually agreed upon blueprint of the position and a profile of the ideal candidate. The document is then used to guide our work and to provide pertinent information to prospective candidates.
- Define a Search Strategy and Targeted Search Plan
We first identify for discussion the companies, universities, and government entities that could form the broad target universe. After discussing and revising the list with you, we map out our plan to “search and sift” within the universe of organizations.
- Identify and Review Candidate Prospects
This step covers our intensive screening and networking effort. We begin by meeting with the client and appropriate Board members to identify key industry leaders for contact. We also contact resources from our extensive networks of industry leaders. But, because we recognize that each search is unique, we also conduct extensive original research to pinpoint and qualify individuals in the target list that we feel are potentially well suited to the position. We then review these profiles with the client in order to distill a select group for further assessment.
- Screen and Evaluate Candidate Prospects
In-depth interviews and preliminary reference checks (where possible) are conducted to validate the past performance and qualities of the candidates. Credentials and education degrees are verified, and an assessment is made of the individual’s strengths and weaknesses with respect to the requirements of the position. Should any candidates surface through the client’s own networking efforts, we would screen and evaluate them in the same manner and against the same standards as all other candidates.
- Present the Most Outstanding Candidates
Working closely with our client, we define the candidates who we agree are best qualified. Although each of the candidates we present will be well matched to the requirements, there will be individual differences that need to be taken into account. We will assist the client in comparing and contrasting candidates’ styles and skill sets and will provide an overview of each candidate’s background, along with our own assessment of his/her fit with the position criteria.
- Schedule and Prepare Candidates for Client Interviews
Throughout the period of candidate interviews and meetings, we are actively involved in coordinating, scheduling and communicating with all parties. We believe in managing this part of the process closely in order to maintain search momentum and assure the most timely and satisfactory resolution of the engagement. In preparation for the interviews, we thoroughly brief each candidate on the company and the backgrounds of the people with whom he/she will be meeting. This briefing helps the candidate to understand the environment and culture of the organization, and promotes a more informed dialogue during the time spent in client meetings.
- Select and Qualify Final Candidate
We conduct comprehensive reference checks on the candidate the client selects as the finalist. These checks are tailored to address areas of particular interest that have been identified during the interview process. We speak directly with individuals who are, or have been, in positions where they had first-hand knowledge of the candidate and can accurately evaluate his/her performance on the job. For reasons of confidentiality, detailed reference checks are generally performed only after you have expressed a strong interest in the finalist candidate.
- Assist in the Negotiation of Final Offer and Terms
In this critical stage of the process, we work with the client and the final candidate to negotiate a compensation package and other terms that are mutually acceptable. We wish to minimize any degree of surprise at this stage, and to provide both parties with the best opportunity to continue building on the established rapport.
- Facilitate a Smooth Transition
As a trusted advisor to both the client and the newly hired executive, we can support an effective transition out of the previous organization and into the new position.