What is Executive Search Research?
The systematic process of identifying, qualifying, verifying and assessing passive executive talent—from market map, to target list, to vetted shortlist. It is the intelligence backbone of executive search.
What is Semi-Search?
ESR completes the research-intensive first part of executive search. We identify, approach, qualify and present the right passive candidates. The client then conducts the final interviews, negotiations and hire.
How is ESR different from a traditional executive search firm?
Traditional full-search firms manage the process from start to finish and often charge a percentage of annual compensation. ESR concentrates on the search and shortlist, giving the client greater control at a low fixed cost.
Why does ESR focus on passive talent?
The best performers are usually succeeding where they are and are not applying for jobs. They must be identified, approached and given a reason to consider the opportunity.
Why not simply advertise
or search LinkedIn?
Advertising reaches people who are looking. LinkedIn provides visible profiles, not a verified market. ESR maps the full target market, approaches candidates directly, and qualifies their experience, results, reputation, motivation, and interest. The target group is high-achievers who are not acively looking for a new job.
THE ESR DIFFERENCE
How does ESR identify candidates?
We define the target profile, map relevant companies and parallel industries, identify potential candidates and sources, approach them directly and cross-reference the strongest prospects.
What information is needed to begin?
We create and agree a detailed search profile covering the role, required experience, target companies, culture, location, reporting line, compensation and target market.
How long does a search take?
The qualified shortlist is, on average, presented within three weeks of the search profile's approval.
How many candidates are normally shortlisted?
The number reflects the qualified market and the difficulty of the search. ESR presents the best candidates who meet the agreed profile and want to meet the client.
Does ESR recruit board and advisory-board members?
Yes. ESR has completed more than 400 board appointments across Scandinavia and the United States and recruits for both formal boards and advisory boards.
Which industries and position levels does ESR cover?
ESR recruits experienced specialists, senior managers, executives, board directors and advisors. Every search is led by partners with relevant experience and supported by specialist researchers selected for their industry knowledge.
THE SEARCH
Can we add candidates or target companies?
Yes. Client names and target companies can be included, researched, approached and benchmarked within the agreed search.
CANDIDATE QUALITY
How are candidates qualified and assessed?
Candidates are interviewed against the approved role profile. ESR examines relevant experience, measurable results, professional reputation, motivation, recurring behavioral patterns and alignment with the role and organization.
Are all shortlisted candidates interested?
Yes. Only qualified candidates who have received information about the opportunity and expressed an interest in meeting the client are presented.
How does ESR assess cultural alignment?
We clarify the environment in which the person must succeed, then examine behavior, motivation, working patterns, and past performance—not skills and titles alone.
What does the client receive?
A ranked shortlist, candidate briefs, original résumés, compensation information, evidence against the requirements, the agreed target-company list and relevant market intelligence.
Does ESR conduct references and background checks?
ESR uses cross-referencing as part of its preliminary qualification. Formal references and background checks are completed by the client unless separately agreed.
FEES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Why is the fee lower than traditional executive search?
ESR charges a low fixed fee because the client takes over the final interviews, negotiations and hiring process after receiving the shortlist.
What does the client take over?
The client conducts final interviews, chooses the preferred candidate, completes formal checks, agrees the offer and closes the hire.
What does ESR handle?
ESR defines the profile, maps the market, identifies and approaches passive candidates, qualifies and assesses them, and presents the shortlist and supporting search intelligence.
What if we require full-search support?
ESR can discuss additional support or introduce an appropriate full-search partner from its network.
Does ESR offer a replacement guarantee?
Semi-Search covers the research and shortlist stage. There is no replacement guarantee unless the project is a full search, because the client controls the final selection, offer, and closing process.
CONFIDENTIALITY
How does ESR protect confidential searches?
Search information is shared only with relevant prospects through a controlled direct-approach process.
How is candidate information protected?
Candidate information is handled confidentially according to GDPR and is only presented to a client with the candidate’s interest and permission.
Does ESR recruit from existing clients?
No. ESR does not recruit employees from an active client organization.
info@esr.global
