Pivotal Search utilizes a structured five-step process to efficiently match candidates with client needs, focusing on upfront client assessment, candidate mapping, and tailored marketing. The firm's approach emphasizes frequent communication, mid-point reviews, and a commitment to diversity to ensure both client satisfaction and successful placements. With a near-perfect placement success rate, Pivotal Search pledges ongoing support and feedback throughout the hiring and onboarding process.

1. Our Proven Search Process
Search performance and success is directly
correlated to a strategically driven search
process….. Do you have one?

2. CLIENT SEARCH
ASSESSMENT NEEDS
Search Consultation –
intake meeting
Organizational
assessment
Establish key stakeholder
expectations (pain-points
defined)
Role alignment, process
definition & approach
Timeline development
Terms of agreement –
(signed search contract
statement of work)
LAUNCH SEARCH
WEEK 1-3
Meet key
contributors
(interview team-
define candidate
assessment
strategy)
Finalize position
requirements and
targeted talent profile
Kick-off Research &
Knowledge
Management
GO-TO-MARKET
WEEK 4-8
Talent Mapping and
Client Calibration
Establish weekly Status
Calls
Present Candidate Slate
CANDIDATE
SELECTION
WEEK 6-12
Client talent selection
1st Round Interviews
Post Interview
Candidate
Assessment
Final Round Interview
Interview debriefing &
candidate selection
OFFER PROCESS
SEARCH COMPLETION
WEEK 12+
Candidate References &
Final Reporting
Offer Negotiation
Set Onboarding timeline
(start-date)
Search Completion &
Client Recap
The First 90-Days (Client-
Candidate Follow-Up)
Five-Step process that will take you from zero to progress to placement …..
In 90 days or less

3. Our Search Process
Our performance driven search process includes the exact
rigor you will find at any larger fully-retained search firm,
without many of the common pain points and mis-steps.
PSI moves efficiently and knowledgeably through our
process, ensuring client satisfaction and the exact placement
for your unique business needs.

4. Search Consultation &
Client Assessment Needs
To ensure a successful outcome, Pivotal Search will spend
considerable upfront time assessing our client’s search needs and
pain-points, interviewing the key stakeholders about the role, getting
to know the culture of the organization, learning the makeup and
bench strength of the existing team and identifying which
competencies and styles will be most successful for the placement.
This investment requires a time commitment on the part of the client
and PSI – both parties must be willing to engage to achieve success.

5. Confidential Position Profile
The creation of a credible and compelling marketing document is
critical for selling the opportunity. Pivotal Search has decades of
experience crafting persuasive position descriptions “on point
and in trend” for critical leadership positions.
Every position description is tailored for individual clients and
includes key information gathered during the Stakeholder
Investment phase.

6. Search Roadmap
Based on information shared with us, Pivotal Search will create a
suggested “Roadmap” for the search, which will include target
profiles and organizations that would be most attractive to the
client.
The Roadmap will be shared with and approved by the client
before outreach begins, so that there is universal agreement on
where we should focus our efforts. A strong commitment to
diversity is embedded in every search we conduct.

7. Knowledge Management / Talent Mapping
2-3 weeks into the candidate development phase, we will have a
Calibration Call to share developing profiles with you and get
your reaction and feedback.
This allows us collectively to course-correct early, if needed. We
will also share honest and unfiltered market feedback with you,
so that you always know exactly what we know.

8. Candidate Presentation
Candidates can be presented as a “slate” or on an individual
rolling basis as they are vetted – based on client preference.
All of our candidates are presented with confidence based on
core skills, assessment qualities, cultural alignment and early
stage referencing.

9. Progress Calls….
Actions Speak the Loudest
Because Pivotal Search limits the number of engagements we
take on at any one time, we are in a unique position to move
much more nimbly than our competitors.
Frequent two-way communication is critical in a true client
partnership. Pivotal Search requires that the client commit to
weekly or biweekly calls to keep active candidates engaged and
the search process generally on target.

10. Mid-point Review
Unlike most firms which only seek feedback at the conclusion of
the search, Pivotal Search also asks each of our clients to give
us a Mid-point Review.
This ensures we understand how we’re preforming and can
better serve your needs and that we are not just meeting, but
exceeding our clients expectations.

11. Referencing
As a finalist(s) candidate emerges, formal referencing begins.
Pivotal Search gets to the heart of what a candidate is like to
work with, what motivates him/her, what the possibilities are, and
what the risks are, if any exist.
Our final Reference Reporting are above all else credible and
factual – PSI’s reputation depends on it.

12. Offer Negotiation
We will work closely with our clients and the candidate to set and
manage appropriate offer expectations, and assist with all facets
of a candidate’s decision-making.
Our job is to get to know everything there is to know about what
drives candidates and how they align with our client’s needs.

13. Placement Follow-through
Research tells us that the onboarding of a candidate and a New Hires
first 90 days are the most critical for long-term success.
A wrong step can quickly become a major roadblock.
Once our placements are on board, Pivotal Search will have regular
check-ins with the client and the candidate in an effort to provide
unvarnished feedback and act as a helpful onboarding and cultural
advisor.

14. Guarantee
Pivotal Search’s time tested process and detailed candidate
selection has resulted in a near perfect placement rate of
success (over 99%).
We remain committed to both the client and candidate long after
a search is completed ensuring long lasting relationships.
Please visit our testimonial page and see firsthand what
companies and clients are saying about their experience in
partnering with Pivotal Search.
All PSI placements are guaranteed.

15. Learn how we can accelerate your search
and partner with Pivotal Search, Inc.
Contact:
David Emma
Managing Partner
Pivotal Search, Inc.
(847) 738-1895
david@pivotal-search.com