Landing a job through a headhunter can be an exciting milestone in a candidate’s career. But closing a role through a headhunter with an expert understanding of both the candidate and client can often lead to unprecedented results and future efficiencies for all; far beyond an isolated placement.
Good headhunters are highly skilled at matching top talent with companies where they can truly make an impact. However, whilst it’s clearly a significant one, securing a candidate for the job is but the first step towards success. The art of building long-term working relationships with the right headhunter can deliver demonstrable results.
Through my years of industry experience, I’ve been lucky enough to work with many best-in-class clients and candidates whilst developing my KMN Consult business. I’m confident to say that the vast majority of the candidates I’ve been privileged to have supported into new roles have gone on to deliver to the brief; as pitched through the screening and selection process.
When in place, for a candidate to make the most of their new opportunity in their new company, though, requires concerted strategic effort and intentionality. Some candidates may remain in role for a period of time (which is fine), some move from business to business (also absolutely fine) and others, well…they thrive!
Similarly, clients often work with a portfolio of recruitment suppliers and/or have an in-house talent team of their own (again, all entirely fine, makes perfect sense). However, my observation would be that those clients who invest in working with a recruitment partner over a sustained, long-term basis often experience results and efficiencies that far outweigh cost savings by individual placement. And this is where the client often thrives.
Every candidate successfully placed and each client satisfied with the results achieved is what makes me tick as a business owner and what gets me up in the morning to do what I do best. Securing a new role (as an individual) or recruiting a new person (as a hiring manager) are significant steps for people and businesses. And I get to help make this happen.
However, there are several placements that stand out (for all of the right reasons). Let me explain a few…
Earlier this year, I placed a Commercial Director into a leading international aggregates and recycling business. As he settled in so quickly and seamlessly, I’m already working with the same individual to help build and grow his team; with the ambition to become commercially excellent and fit for the future, fast. This excites me as I whilst got to know the Commercial Director during the recruitment process; I got to understand his leadership style, how he operates and gained a clear picture as to the personality profiles that would complement his working approach and vision.
Another example would be that of a high-profile Managing Director I was pleased to place into a global building materials business earlier this year. This particular business generally manages its own recruitment (as they have a particularly strong internal talent team), but having made such a significant and successful leadership placement, my relationship with the business has evolved and elevated and, given the strength of my industry network, they are now trusting in KMN to recruit further senior Director-level assignments.
I’ve also been working in long-term partnership with a leading manufacturer of heavy building materials (for over 9 years). They have 17 operations and a significant talent pool across the business. During my time working closely in collaboration, I’ve successfully placed a large proportion of their leadership team. The trust and teamwork we have found by working together over such a period has helped expedite each process as I’ve grown to really understand the drivers of the decision makers and their preferences when it comes to the desired attributes of potential candidates, such as personal values and culture fit, for example.
Pleasingly, at the same business, two of the management team I originally placed into position have since moved on to secure promotions into even more senior roles within the company. The efficiencies and value that such moves deliver are often overlooked, but this client understands the benefits of long-term recruitment collaboration with KMN.
Based on my unique and longstanding relationship I hold with this business, as a further example, they have also invited me in the past to be part of an interview panel for a short list of candidates I presented for a key hire. Again, such trust has been extended due to the understanding we have and excellent results we’ve delivered by working together in this way.
Summary
Understanding a candidate and/or a client’s business to a very different, elevated level requires a concerted level of time and energy input; often unseen, and also difficult to articulate at times.
However, from such a deliberate resource investment, I’ve seen repeatedly that this approach over a sustained timeframe will open the door to a far greater chance of success for both the candidate and client to, ultimately, thrive.
KMN Consult specialise in ensuring you have the right people delivering the right results for your business; supporting leaders within the construction industry to build the right teams for the future.
If you’d like to learn more about my approach, or share your views on this topic, please reach out on 07835 123105 or kelly@kmnconsult.co.uk