The most common executive search frustration isn't the fee or the process. It's the uncertainty. Companies want to know: how long will this take? What happens when? When will I see candidates? A well-structured search has a predictable cadence, and understanding it removes most of the anxiety.
Week 1–2: Discovery and Position Brief
The search begins with a deep-dive discovery session. We learn your business, the role, the team, the culture, and what success looks like at 6 and 12 months. We build a position brief that serves as the sourcing and screening filter for the entire search. This stage is often rushed by both firms and clients, it's also where most search failures are seeded.
Week 2–5: Active Sourcing and Outreach
With the position brief locked, we go to market. This means building a target list, direct outreach to passive candidates, and initial screening conversations. The goal is to identify 30–50 qualified candidates and move the most promising 10–15 into a structured screening process.
Week 4–7: Structured Screening and Assessment
Each candidate goes through a structured interview covering competencies, motivations, and fit. We conduct reference checks on finalists before presenting, not after you've decided you want to hire someone. We typically present 3–5 candidates to the client for first-round interviews.
Week 7–10: Client Interviews and Selection
Client interview processes vary, but we typically see 2–3 rounds. We facilitate debrief conversations after each round and help ensure the evaluation is structured and consistent. This is also where we begin preparing the finalist for offer discussions.
Week 9–12: Offer, Negotiation, and Close
We manage the offer process, helping both sides get to yes without leaving value on the table or creating resentment. Counter-offer management is a real consideration at this stage, and we prepare candidates for it proactively. Most searches close within 10–14 weeks from kickoff.
Where Delays Most Commonly Occur
- Slow client interview scheduling, the number one cause of extended timelines
- Unclear or shifting requirements discovered mid-search
- Multiple decision-makers with different criteria who haven't aligned
- Counter-offers from current employer at the close stage
- Reference checks that reveal new information late in the process
Our average search completes in 45–90 days from kickoff. We'll give you a realistic timeline estimate at the start of every engagement.
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