Challenges and Trends for Executive Search Consultants in 2022
Remote working has distorted the rules of
recruitment. The task to find and retain the right candidate has become
challenging. When it comes to the C-suite executives, the task is even more
daunting. Executive search consultants struggle with the mission of identifying
the key differentiators who can help the organisation achieve its objectives.
Since the C-suite employees take up roles
in top leadership positions, executive search consultants will have to look for
traits like technical skills, market knowledge, people skills and emotional
intelligence. Let’s explore the key challenges that executive search
consultants will face for 2022.
- Remote hiring process
For the past two
years, executive search consultants have been struggling with the various processes
of remote hiring. Gone are the blissful days of live discussions and
face-to-face interview sessions where recruiters could personally assess the
competencies of candidates. Most executive
search consultants have migrated to digital platforms to conduct the
process. Arguably, executive search consultants require strong recruitment
skills to onboard the right talent.
- Digitalization
As previously
said, recruitment and onboarding occur through virtual mediums these days.
Therefore, it has become quite imperative for executive recruitment consultants
to learn the latest trends in technology. The entire virtual recruitment
process can be quite overwhelming for top ladder leadership positions. However,
executive search consultants can rely on newer trends in recruitment like
LinkedIn, AI, analytics etc. to find the candidate.
- Hiring the right candidate
This is the most
daunting aspect of C-suite recruitment for executive recruitment consultants. Imagine
wasting your time, money and other resources for a candidate who quit in the
first month itself? Another worst nightmare for executive recruitment
consultants is the hiring of the wrong candidate for the most prolific position
in the organisation. Moreover, it has become quite difficult to fill leadership
positions due to the limited number of applicants.
- Remuneration
The high figures
that some candidates quote during the preliminary rounds can drive any executive
search management consulting insane. Well, C-suite employees do get paid more
than others but it does not offer the licensure to quote unrealistic figures.
Often in executive search services, salary negotiations can become the
deal-breaker or deal-maker. Nevertheless, executive
search consultants do come across candidates who value work culture over remuneration.
- Changing employee behaviour
Employee
behaviour has seen a tremendous change during the past years. Candidates are no
longer bombarded with the cliche question, “Why should we hire you?”. Instead,
firms go out of their way to lure potential talents who can make a great
addition to their team. Employees also do a thorough check on social media
handles to evaluate the future scope of working with a firm.
How executive recruitment consultants can improve
prospects?
The future is challenging but not bleak for
executive recruitment consultants. Executive search consultants should seek
ways of adapting to the changing needs of C-suite recruitment.
●
Create a talent pipeline and mould it
Consider this as
the success mantra of successful recruitment for executive search consultants.
You cannot find the right candidate at the last moment. Try to build a talent
pipeline that can consist of both external and internal candidates.
●
Conduct candidate search at the right place
Are you
struggling to find the right candidate? Despite the numerous virtual interview
stints, have not zeroed down to any potential candidate? Well, then it is time
that you switch the sources. CXO level hires can only come from a specific
talent pool.
●
Research the market
Executive search
consultants should be well updated to assess the expectations of C-suite
candidates. Some candidates might indeed have unrealistic expectations.
However, you should be knowing the trends to offer the best remuneration for
the role.
●
Assess the professional requirements of the candidate
Try to conduct a
reverse appraisal after reviewing the candidate profile. Will this candidate
suit the specific requirements of the company? Can the company afford to fulfil
the expectations of this candidate? This simple process can save you lots of
costs associated with CXO turnover and rehiring.
Conclusion
The trends of hiring are changing
tremendously for C-suite employees. It has become quite imperative for
businesses to reconsider the process of hiring CXO-level candidates. Executive
search consultants are looking for ways to mitigate the recruitment crisis that
has cropped up during the past two years.
Comments
Post a Comment