We work with our customers in different ways depending on the circumstances. For easy to fill, every day hires we provide a contingency recruitment service  - you’ll be familiar with this, it’s a no-win no fee service - what we refer to as our Standard model. It often works relatively well for straightforward or low level positions. 

However, when things start to get more challenging, whether it’s a difficult location, niche skillset, hard to fill or for senior, confidential, and indeed multiple hires, we instead apply a more robust Search Methodology. This robust search methodology is our retained service which we refer to as our Premium and Signature models. Syme Drummond is accredited by Retrained Search so you know by partnering with us, you are working with a company that has been professionally trained in the latest executive search methodologies. 

What does our Retained model involve?

This is best practice head hunting. We start with a full briefing session involving all stakeholders to define and agree on the parameters of the search and the process, including the full role profile. We agree to the functional and behavioural competencies to get that balance right, of technical and cultural fit. We define the geography, the target companies, any off limits, the timeline, the process, and, importantly, your employee value proposition, the message that we will be taking to the market for you. 

Once we are clear on the scope of the search, we will  cast a net over the talent pool and identify every applicant across the geographical location that we have identified who look to have the right skill set to meet the criteria.

We will then systematically and professionally approach every single applicant using multiple methods including direct, but professional, headhunting, to gain as much interest in the opportunity as possible. The whole process is transparent. We will share with you every week our progress, a spreadsheet showing every applicant, who we have approached, what they've said, if they're interested, if they're not interested, why they're not interested. At the same time, we can collect whatever data you'd like, salaries, benefits, bonuses, even the perception of you in the market. 

If at any point we're faced with a challenge, we'll work with you to re-steer a search accordingly.

Ultimately, a long list of applicants  emerges, who have been assessed against the brief both functionally and behaviourally, and they're interested in the opportunity. 

From this long list, we're going to jointly agree on a short list of three to five for you to interview. At the end  of the process, you'll be confident you're making your hire from the best of the talent available to you at this time.

In addition to these services we also offer Market Insights where we can offer services such as employment law updates, salary guidance and market trend reports. 

To book in some time to hear more about how SD Executive Edge works please click this link https://calendly.com/syme-drummond/sd-executive-edge