How To Make the Most of Hiring Executive Recruiters

Introduction

Excellent leadership sets up your company for long-term success. The right executive will shape your culture and position your business for sustained growth. In fact, a study by McKinsey & Company found that high-performing executives can increase company profits by 20-30%.

However, finding that kind of leader requires a strategic approach to hiring. For this reason, many businesses turn to seasoned executive recruiters in the Philippines. These recruiters leverage their extensive networks and industry insights to bring the best talent to the table.

Keep reading as Q2 HR Solutions shares handy tips to get the most out of working with executive recruiters.

 

What Does an Executive Recruiter Do?

Also known as headhunters, executive recruiters specialize in finding top-tier talent for businesses that need the right leader. Unlike traditional recruiters, who often rely on active job seekers, they tap on both active and passive candidates who make up 70% of the global workforce.

Once your company partners with a headhunting firm in the Philippines, they will dive deep into your needs, company culture, and vision to understand what kind of leader is the best fit.

Next is the search. Instead of waiting for applications to roll in, executive recruiters proactively seek out qualified candidates. They usually look for professionals who are already succeeding in other organizations. These candidates aren’t necessarily looking for a new job, but with the right opportunity (and a little persuasion), they might be open to a conversation.

Finally, executive recruiters discreetly engage with potential candidates, gauging interest and assessing whether they would be a strong fit. If there is alignment, they facilitate introductions, help manage expectations, and sometimes assist with contract negotiations.

 

Tips To Make the Most of Hiring Executive Recruiters in the Philippines

The right executive recruiters in the Philippines can help you find the best leader for your organization. To maximize the partnership, however, you need to be just as intentional in your search for your recruiter as you are looking for a candidate. Here are some helpful tips:

Narrow Your Choices Based on Industry Expertise

Whether you are in BPO, finance, technology, or manufacturing, the recruiter should be able to tap into their specialized network and find candidates who not only meet your technical needs but also understand the market dynamics.

For example, if you are looking for a CFO for a fintech company, you will want a recruiter who understands the complexities of financial regulation, digital payments, and technological advancements in the field.

That said, executive search firms in the Philippines for industry-specific success stories. They should be able to provide examples of similar positions they have successfully filled and the strategies they used.

Communicate Your Leadership Needs Clearly

Outline the key responsibilities of the C-suite role, the required skills and experience, and more importantly, the leadership style that blends well with your organization’s culture. Define the challenges the executive will face, whether scaling operations or leading through a transformation period.

You may also use the “First 90 Days” framework. This will help the recruiter understand your expectations and help the candidates visualize how they would approach the role during their first few months.

Provide a Detailed Description of the Role

Besides duties and responsibilities, describe the outcomes you expect from the role. What strategic goals should the executive be aligned with? What key performance indicators (KPIs) will measure their success? Providing a complete picture of the role helps the recruiter narrow down the candidates who fit the technical and leadership requirements.

Ask the Recruiter About Their Recruitment Method

Understanding the recruiter’s process can help you gauge their thoroughness and efficiency. Find out how they source their candidates and screen them for leadership potential. You may ask for a breakdown of their process, from candidate sourcing to final selection.

A top headhunter in the Philippines often has a more tailored approach that goes beyond traditional recruitment methods. This ensures you get candidates who tick the technical boxes and can drive your company forward.

Choose Firms That Prioritize Soft Skills and Culture Fit

A senior leader needs to inspire trust, foster collaboration, and be adaptable to challenges. That said, your recruiter must take the time to assess these qualities to bring in an executive who fits with your company’s values and vision.

Ask the headhunter how they evaluate soft skills and culture fit during the interview process. They must have tools like behavioral assessments to ensure alignment beyond technical qualifications.

Consider Global Executive Search

A global executive search can help you find the right fit for your business’s expansion or innovation needs. Many executive recruiters in the Philippines have international reach, bringing in candidates with diverse experiences and perspectives. Whether you need a CEO who has run multinational corporations or a CFO with a background in global finance, they can help you identify top leaders not only locally but also across Asia and beyond.

When speaking with recruiters, ask if they have experience sourcing candidates from international markets or placing Filipino executives in global leadership roles.

Prioritize Clear Communication and Transparency

Be clear about timelines, hiring priorities, and how you want to be involved in decision-making. Likewise, expect the recruiter to provide regular updates, share market insights, and be candid about any challenges they face in finding candidates.

Evaluate the Recruitment Costs Involved

Hiring an executive recruiter may come with a steep price tag, but it’s an investment that can pay off in the long run. Retained executive search fees usually range from 20 to 35% of the candidate’s first-year salary, depending on the industry and seniority of the role.

Understanding these costs upfront ensures you are financially ready and helps you evaluate the return on investment (ROI) your chosen recruiter offers.

 

Conclusion

Hiring the right executive is a pivotal decision that can shape the direction of your business for years to come. Follow these tips and work closely with a reputable executive recruiter to find a leader who can drive results and contribute to your company’s growth.

As one of the leading executive search firms in the Philippines, Q2 HR Solutions is committed to delivering outstanding value to the businesses that partner with us. Our dedicated HR experts use scientific methods and proprietary tools to find the ideal candidate from our extensive network of professionals, executives, and industry leaders.

Schedule a call today and set your business up for success!