We begin by working face-to-face with clients to ensure that we understand and can accommodate your unique organizational requirements and search needs. Each search is different. We are committed to developing with you a process that will be highly effective while efficient and cost effective.

Our Search Strategy: A Five Phase process

Phase 1: Planning & Scoping
Phase 2: Candidate Identification & Development
Phase 3: Profiling & Assessment
Phase 4: Client Satisfaction
Phase 5: Transition

Phase 1: Planning & Scoping

Correspondence
Through initial consultation with the client, Ken Haycock & Associates establishes the groundwork and the preliminary work plan. This begins with gathering all relevant information through briefings, letters, interviews, consultation meetings and all written documents prior to signing a contract.

Needs Assessment
Working as a team with the client, we analyze the city/location and the institution’s needs to determine the features of the community, to articulate the required set of skills and specifications, to understand organizational relationships, define the required experience, and identify the other characteristics necessary for the successful candidate. Specific client information is vital in providing an efficient means of communication between the firm and the client. Ken Haycock & Associates assigns both a primary and secondary consultant to each search.

Phase 2: Candidate Identification & Development

Specifications and Posting
After carefully assessing the client’s needs, we typically prepare a written position specification that outlines the responsibilities of the position, qualifications required of the ideal candidate, and criteria for success. This specification guides our search efforts. The client provides all useful materials related to the institution we then analyze for the posting description. Our experience indicates that extensive knowledge of the community is necessary to promote it as a desirable location to those outside the immediate area.

Research
The candidate specification is shared with our consultants to pinpoint sources and prospects. Our research team accesses our databases of individuals and institutions to identify possible candidates and leads. Our extensive network, rich database and exceptional research skills are critical assets.

Candidate Specification
Professional staff members make selective calls to sources and prospects to identify and interest qualified individuals. Candidates are informed of their status at each stage on behalf of the client. During this period, the consultant reports progress to the client.

Phase 3: Profiling & Assessment

Interviews
A thorough evaluation of potential candidates and their applications ensues, including in-depth personal interviews by the search consultants, verification of credentials, reference checks and assessment of the individual strengths and possible limitations with respect to the position.

Preparation of Profiles
Written reports and evaluations of short-listed candidates are prepared prior to the interviews with the client. Once the consultants select the final candidates, they obtain necessary authorizations and contact individuals who can provide additional insights about the candidate’s experiences. The collective comments made by these references are then reviewed with the client during the final on-site meeting. Confidential written profiles are prepared on individuals who most closely fit the position specification.

Phase 4: Client Satisfaction

Presentation of Candidates
Final candidates, each screened for suitability for the position, are interviewed by the consultant and the client who evaluate each on the basis of experience, leadership capabilities and potential fit with the client organization. The final interviews with each of the candidates, the consultants and the client for the posted position take place on-site. Opportunities are also provided for public presentations, social interaction and staff involvement, with a synthesis prepared for the client.

Phase 5: Transition

Completion of the Search
After the successful candidate has been chosen, the search comes to a close. We contact successful and unsuccessful candidates, providing feedback and thanking them for their participation. The search consultant maintains contact with both the client and the selected candidate, helping to ensure the candidate's successful integration into the organization.

Each search is fully guaranteed.