When it comes to identifying and hiring highly qualified, successful managers or specialists, who are scarcity on the market, direct search seems to be the most effective means of selection. This allows the client to broaden the pool of candidates applied for the advertisement with additional qualified prospects available on the market.

The procedure

Upon receiving a detailed job description, we commence the research work with the aim of locating those companies, where the most relevant candidates may be present. This compiled target list includes all of the companies of similar or quite the same profile, thus employing professionals with the most relevant background and tasks covering the needs for the vacant position. This information is presented in a written form of a so called „long-list” to the client.

Once we have identified the appropriate candidates, we approach them to raise their interest in the given position and to assess their skills for the job in line with the demand set by the client.

Following the initial assessment of the applicants’ resume, we invite professionals, who fit the requirements the best for a personal interview. This structured interview session lasts between 60 and 90 minutes.

During the personal interview, we give information about the client (provided this is not confidential), inform the candidate of the tasks and expectations, examine the candidate’s ability thoroughly in compliance with the client’s requirements. This involves mapping the candidate’s professional background, proven track records, working and leadership style, his/her motivation to change and personality traits. The shortlist candidates are presented to the client in detailed reports summarizing the gist of the personal interviews and the observations of the consultant. Our clients may select any of the following three reports varying from one another in length and style:

1. One page report, including the important facts and details in bullet points.
2. Detailed, narrative report (approximately 3 pages).
3. Combined report including the applicant’s resume transported into our own standardized resume structure and completed with detailed descriptions in bullet points.

In case our client prefers a pre-candidate presentation meeting (a so-called progress meeting), we may organize a personal meeting to give verbal summary on the search and selection procedures along with our findings and observations regarding feedbacks and our general view on the pool of applicants. Only after this, do we schedule the candidates presentations at our client’s convenience.

Following the completion of the candidates presentations, we take active role in closing the project successfully via conducting reference checks, psychological testing upon request and previous consent by the candidates and the client. The average duration of the direct search protocol is 4 weeks. Horváth Recruitment Ltd. assumes 6-12 months guarantee for the hired candidate depending on the level of position.