Research: The Front Line of Executive Search

By Johannah Kendrick, Senior Associate and Florrie Wallace, Director of Research

How much do you know about the “behind the scenes” work that goes on at an executive search firm? After you have hired the search firm and conveyed your expectations, how does the recruiting team go about finding leads for the leader you need? A group critical to the name generation and qualification process is often unknown by the client: the research team. We are the front line of the executive search process.

At Kincannon & Reed, we are proud to have on board a particularly strong group of researchers. On average, our researchers have 12 years of executive search experience, spanning different industries and focusing on executive level placements. The team has a profound knowledge of the industry sectors Kincannon & Reed serves. Most are multilingual and hold master’s degrees in business or a related field. Click here to meet the team.

The research team focuses on “turning over all the rocks” to find interesting candidates for each search. One of our clients commented: “We ended up with the ideal candidate combination, and one we would not have envisioned ourselves.  Your firm’s knowledge of the sector was invaluable as it led to opportunities beyond the search.” This testimonial would not be possible without the efforts of our dedicated researchers.

At the initiation of each new search, the designated search team of principals and research team members collaborate about the culture of our client organization and the core requirements of the search to formulate a research strategy. Research team members then take a methodical and holistic approach to identifying targeted sources and potential candidates to contact about the opportunity.

Particular strengths of the process are internet research and the exploitation of Kincannon & Reed’s extensive proprietary database, which often allows us to find the needle in the haystack individuals who best fit your requirements. We also create lists of target companies relevant to the search, and then work to identify and contact appropriate executives at those organizations.

Once a pool of sources and potential candidates has been developed, we work alongside our principals to ensure that your search and company is optimally represented in outreach to the people who have been identified. Well-networked experts in the industry are asked for their referrals, and potential candidates are approached about their interest in the opportunity. Our research team members are adept at developing rapport with sources and potential candidates and learning more about their work experience and career aspirations.

Throughout the executive search process, Kincannon & Reed’s principals and research team members work together to ensure a successful outcome for our client’s searches. During the outreach phase of a search, research team members make notes about market feedback concerning observations and possible objections that can be shared with our clients on review calls. In addition, we assist with the preparation of deliverables and the coordination of interviews.

Kincannon & Reed’s research team meets regularly as a group to brainstorm about new and existing searches, and to discuss new research resources and innovative research techniques. Our goal is to add value and make our clients more successful by identifying and developing candidates whose leadership style and accomplishments most closely match your needs. We strive to use our knowledge and resources to create the best possible results for your search.

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