Approach
We are committed to making our clients better through their people. We know that no matter if its hiring, growing, or developing leaders… People are the biggest factor in every organization’s success. Our consulting and executive search processes are driven by science and research. Because of what we do, our clients outperform in the market.
Mackenzie Eason and Associates utilizes a unique methodology that allows us to tailor our engagements to directly meet the needs of each client; and has led us to exceed the industry average for both time-to-completion and rate of successful placements. Our partners collaborate with each client from the initial needs assessment to our exceptional follow through program.
We employ an active outreach model that is based on reaching out to every candidate we research, via phone and meetings, that we identify through our customized research process. The key components we utilize to identify proficient leaders and to qualify candidates include a series of rigorous interviews, background screening and assessments to determine if they are a fit for the organization’s Culture, Core Values and Vision.
Culture, Core Values and Vision is the foundation for all our searches. We understand the importance of each in finding the right candidate for a long-term fit. Science says that “Person-environment fit” is a very well-established concept; it creates Increased commitment, which means higher individual performance, and Higher satisfaction, which means turnover is less likely. Research shows that great “fit” establishes over a 125% productivity gain for clients.
We understand that the best talent in the wrong environment or culture will fail. Talent Acquisition is no longer just about finding talent but finding the Best Talent that fits within a organization’s unique Culture, Core Values and Vision.
1. Due Diligence
To begin each engagement, MEA develops a comprehensive executive assessment for the client that leads to a highly customized strategy of search execution. In addition to examining specific client needs, our partners also thoroughly analyze market and compensation trends and create an industry-specific candidate profile. We are also committed to providing our clients with a diverse range of qualified candidates, incorporating each client’s diversity and inclusion initiatives directly into our strategic plan.
- Conduct Interviews of the Search Committee, Executives & Key Leaders, and Board to determine parameters, culture, internal & external politics, and overall direction for search.
- To begin each engagement, we develop a comprehensive executive assessment for the client that leads to a highly customized strategy for search execution. In addition to examining specific client needs, our Partners also thoroughly analyze market and compensation trends and create an industry-specific candidate profile. We are also committed to providing our clients with a diverse range of qualified candidates, incorporating each client’s diversity and inclusion initiatives directly into our strategic plan.
- We utilize the strategy in the due diligence step to develop with the client the character traits and skill sets needed to help us develop a profile of the perfect candidate. We use this profile to target industries and candidates in our research phase.
- Provide Consultant Feedback on differences of opinion garnered from interviews and suggest final parameters for the most successful search process. Address any potential roadblocks, politics, and expectations for search firm and Search committee.
- Set Timelines, establish clear communication channels, and finalize profile of candidate
2. Targeted Approach
Once the executive assessment stage has been completed, we move into the research phase, where we conduct exhaustive research, with each search typically spending 25 to 30 hours per engagement. Our firm has access to leading proprietary databases and services that allow us to extend our search well beyond even the largest personal network and provide clients with a more global reach, as well as a highly diverse talent pool.
Beyond our targeted research and active outreach out to individual candidates we also utilize our own Applicant Tracking System to promote the job nationally via every major job board such as Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and LinkedIn, posted on over 25 local and national job boards, as well any industry specific boards.
3. Search Execution
Our partners conduct an in-depth assessment of each candidate and pre-reference screening. We utilize a variety of interview techniques including psychological, topgrading, and in-depth behavioral methods to see if a candidate is a fit for the role In addition we use our Leadership Model to gauge all candidates on to gauge their overall fit.
- Contact each candidate individually, set up time to pitch position, and gauge interest level.
- Our partners conduct an in-depth assessment of each candidate and pre-reference screening. Based on client feedback on this first round of candidates, the selection process can then be further refined.
- Thoroughly interview and vet each candidate using In-depth behavioral, psychological and Topgrading interview techniques. Conduct both formal and backdoor background checks, and provide written notes and summary of candidates for committee updates.
- Exclusive to our Executive Search, clients will have access to our proprietary database to follow along with your search 24/7.
- Mackenzie Eason Clients will be delivered extremely qualified, vetted, and referenced candidates based on the profile and strategy developed by MEA.
- Provide final list of top candidates to Search Committee and present strengths and weaknesses of each candidate along with commitment level of each candidate.
4. Candidate Selection
Our Executive Search clients see an average time to candidate placement of 90 days, compared to an industry average of 150+ days, with 98% of our searches resulting in successful candidate placement.
- Final Candidate Selection is based on our rigorous interviewing, assessment testing, and background reference checking.
- Consult with Search Committee/Board to narrow down candidates to finalists.
- Prepare initial interviews with candidates and Search Committee; typically conducted via conference call/video interview. Provide direction, if needed, to search committee on interview techniques, questions, and strategy. (Week 8-12)
- Prepare Itineraries for Finalists, book travel arrangements, and prepare Search Committee for final interviews. Schedule itinerary to include a community tour, meet with Key Leaders in the community, dinners, and interviews.
- Mackenzie Eason helps to design a comprehensive interview process built around the needs of the client and using best practices to find the candidate that is the best fit for the organization. A partner can be made available to assist in final client interviews to provide feedback on each finalist.
- Once an ideal candidate is selected, our partners work closely with the client throughout the referencing and negotiation process to help ensure a smooth transition from prospective candidate to employee.
Follow Up
The partners at MEA know that our responsibility to our clients does not stop with placement of a candidate – it extends to the impact of the selected candidate on the overall organization. Not only does our due diligence upfront help to ensure placement of a candidate that will succeed within the organizational culture and structure, but we also continue our consultative services post-placement to ensure successful integration of the candidate and a positive impact on the organization.