Hiring the right leader or high-impact contributor has never been harder. In a market where top performers are rarely active job seekers and bad hires are costly at every level, organizations can’t afford a reactive or transactional approach to recruiting.
At Russ Hadick & Associates, our 10-step Search & Selection Process is designed to reduce hiring risk, increase long-term fit, and deliver results that last.
1. Needs Analysis & Requirements Gathering
Every successful search starts with clarity. Before contacting a single candidate, we work closely with the hiring authority to define the true need. This includes responsibilities, performance expectations, cultural dynamics, leadership style, and personality traits that align with your organization.
Equally important, we determine how to position and “sell” the opportunity. Top candidates evaluate companies just as carefully as companies evaluate them. How your story is told matters.
2. Researching Companies and Candidates
The best candidates are usually already employed and performing well. Our research-driven approach identifies top performers in the market and where they are succeeding today. We then make targeted recruiting calls to engage these individuals and introduce the opportunity in a compelling, professional way.
This proactive strategy consistently uncovers talent that job postings never reach.
3. In-Depth Candidate Interviews
Every candidate goes through a comprehensive interview—either face-to-face or via an in-depth phone conversation. These interviews go far beyond resume review. We assess performance history, decision-making patterns, leadership approach, communication style, and motivation for change.
Only candidates who meet both the technical and behavioral criteria move forward.
4. Market Accountability
Transparency is built into our process. Throughout the search, we provide ongoing market feedback to the hiring authority. This includes candidate response rates, reasons candidates are open—or not open—to change, compensation insights, and how the opportunity is being perceived in the market.
This real-time intelligence allows for informed decisions and adjustments when necessary.
5. Presentation of Qualified Candidates
When candidates are presented, they are fully vetted. You receive an up-to-date resume along with detailed interviewing notes that provide context, insights, and honest assessments. No surprises. No wasted interviews.
6. Interview Preparation
Preparation is where many searches succeed or fail. We coach candidates on your company’s objectives, culture, and expectations so interviews are focused and productive. At the same time, we prepare the hiring authority by outlining the candidate’s motivations, strengths, potential concerns, and career drivers.
This alignment dramatically improves interview quality on both sides.
7. Interview Debrief
After each interview, we gather feedback from both the candidate and the hiring authority. Interest levels, concerns, and questions are addressed quickly and transparently. We then share a clear debrief to keep momentum moving and ensure no critical issues are overlooked.
8. In-Depth Checks
Before an offer is made, we conduct thorough reference checks that include input from superiors, peers, and subordinates. These conversations provide valuable insight into leadership style, interpersonal effectiveness, strengths, and areas for development. We also coordinate background checks, degree verification, and drug testing as required.
9. Offer Management and Acceptance
Allowing Russ Hadick & Associates to manage the offer process significantly increases acceptance rates. Our structured pre-close checklist addresses counteroffer risks, expectations, and potential concerns before they become obstacles. We secure a written commitment from the candidate to accept the offer, reducing last-minute surprises.
10. A 5-Year Guarantee
Our commitment doesn’t end with placement. The 5-year guarantee allows us to stay engaged and help address issues before they escalate into problems. This long-term partnership mindset reflects our confidence in both our process and our placements.
The Bottom Line
Great hires don’t happen by accident. They happen through discipline, market knowledge, and a proven process that prioritizes fit, performance, and longevity.
Russ Hadick & Associates’ 10-step Search & Selection Process is designed to deliver leaders who make an impact—and stay. If you’re ready to move beyond transactional recruiting and invest in long-term success, we’re ready to partner with you.
