312-584-7291

Search methodology

A disciplined path from mandate to offer

Clients see the same six-phase framework on every engagement. Timelines flex with urgency, but the quality gates do not.

  1. Discovery & success profile

    Partner-led interviews with the CEO, board chair, and incumbent leaders. We document must-haves, derailers, and the first-year narrative.

  2. Market map & target list

    We build a sector map of 120–200 names, then narrow to a prioritized outreach list with diversity of background and company scale.

  3. Outreach & assessment

    Structured competency interviews, written summaries, and scorecards. Internal candidates receive the same rigor as external prospects.

  4. Client presentations

    Weekly progress calls plus formal readouts at shortlist and finalist stages. Profiles exclude identifying details until authorization.

  5. References & verification

    Minimum six independent references, including board or CEO-level conversations when permitted. Background checks coordinated with client counsel.

  6. Offer & integration

    Partners advise on compensation structure and stay available through start date for candidate questions and stakeholder alignment.

Partner annotating a search roadmap on paper beside a laptop

Timeline expectations

Standard CHRO searches complete in 90–120 days from kickoff to signed offer. Accelerated timelines are possible when calibration is settled early and interview panels are pre-scheduled.

Ready to begin? Call 312-584-7291 or visit our contact page.