AIMS International South Africa utilises a proven methodology which has been developed over many years. We are constantly in touch with international best practice through our partners and continued research. We also conduct surveys to ascertain client needs, problem areas and other possible services that will make the search process more effective and our client’s lives a bit easier. The process we utilise includes:
Planning Phase
Implementation Phase
Closure Phase
Advertised Search
Introductory Consultation
In-depth consultation with the client to understand the organizational structure, key responsibility areas and job objectives of the required specialist/executive, company or board culture, organisational goals and challenges. It is imperative that we conclude this meeting with a clear understanding of what you need to take your organisation to new heights. Our understanding of unique cultures within various countries is based on “our local expertise with global reach” abilities, through our AIMS Partners around the world.
Viability Study
We conduct preliminary background research to ascertain the complexity of the search, the time needed, recommended salary range and projected success ratio and viability of such a search.
Packaging the Assignment
During this stage the objectives of the assignment is outlined, together with a compilation of the ideal profile of the executive/specialist and reasons why the job/industry is attractive. We develop an information pack that aims to provide our talent with an accurate understanding of the organisation and the presented opportunity.
Profiling Required Competencies
Our search consultant will meet with key executives and board members to ascertain a deeper understanding of the critical competencies required. Our approach ensures that we gain the insight required to fulfill both the client and candidate’s long-term needs.
Search Strategy
An in-depth search strategy is compiled for the client to peruse and signoff, which will draw from the expertise and creativity of AIMS International South Africa and the extensive resources we have available to us including The NDB Group of Companies and AIMS Partners around the world. In the proposed search strategy, we take into consideration all underlying factors and the client’s unique needs, as well as our in-depth knowledge of executives, industry and international trends.
Identifying & Targeting Executives
During this stage we begin our targeted research into industries and sectors most suitable. Due to the extensive background research that is continuously being conducted behind the scenes in keeping track of executive performance and industries, as well as the continued networking within our database to keep track of business leaders, their career growth and achievements, we have good insight into possible talent from the inception of search assignments. We ensure that we have a continued presence within executive circles to stay top of mind with these exceptional leaders.
We are effectively able to identify international talent and South Africans working abroad through our international AIMS Partners, who are proven experts in executive search and selection within their respective countries.
The key resources we utilise in our search process include:
Our research yields a list of key organizations and a long list of candidates within those organisations. Our highly skilled consultants identify prospective candidates and approach them with discussions on their current career positioning, development requirements and personal motivators, enabling us to ascertain their current mobility within the job market. We act as your Employer Brand Ambassadors and conduct all research and conversations with discretion and professionalism. The next step is a meeting with prospective candidates.
Initial Interview
We ensure that potential candidates are thoroughly screened against the agreed profile, their qualifications and past achievements verified, strengths and weaknesses identified and personality assessed. Our competency based interviewing method utilized is based on internationally aligned SHL standards.
Shortlisting, Checks and Assessments
We formulate a shortlist of suitable candidates based on the results of the competency based interview and verified achievements. The required assessments are completed with the shortlisted candidates as per the client’s specifications, which will be presented to the client as an attachment to the Candidate Report.
Presenting the Candidate Report
The Candidate report presented is a key factor in assisting the client gain valuable insight prior to interviewing the shortlisted candidates. We personally present the report and are confident that the information provided makes the decision making process a little easier. In addition, we include our market findings and perceptions to add further value to the executive search process.
The Candidate Report contains the following information:
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Candidate Summary and our recommendations
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Key client questions completed
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Competency Based interview results
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Assessment results
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Curriculum Vitae
Client Interview
We aim to introduce candidates to our clients that will add real value to their organisation as per deadlines agreed upon. After completing the presentation of candidates we will arrange the interview, ensuring that all candidates have a full understanding of the position and organisational requirements to facilitate a discussion that is truly valuable to both the candidate and the client.
After each meeting we discuss both parties’ perceptions to ensure that interest levels are closely monitored.
The Offer
We have extensive knowledge of compensation and benefits to assist in structuring a competitive and market related salary, which the client can draw from. We are available to assist you in preparing a job offer that is therefore highly competitive to ensure that remuneration negotiations are based on accurate market trends. Our experience and insight allows for highly professional and proficient negotiating skills throughout the search process right through to the final signature of contract.
Reference
Once the offer has been presented to the candidate, we will complete the additional checks required in respect of references, medical and security clearances.
Regretting Candidates
We understand that it is extremely important to treat all executive talent with the utmost respect and we therefore ensure that these said leaders who have been unsuccessful in a particular search process, are courteously informed. While, in most instances, only one candidate can get the job, we ensure that the Hiring Experience is a positive one for all the candidates we deal with, optimizing further Employer Brand Development.
Successful Integration
Once a candidate has been appointed we continue to maintain dialogue with both the client and the candidate to ensure a smooth transition into the organisation. We retain a serious interest in your organisation and the candidate after the appointment to make sure that both parties are assured of our commitment. In certain challenging environments, it is advised to utilize the services of a professional coach, who can be retained to assist in a smooth transition and optimize the deliverance of the successful incumbent.
Guarantees
We adhere to the AIMS International regulated guarantee period of 6 months. Should the successful candidate leave the organisation within this 6 month period, we will find a replacement without charging further professional fees.
Communication regarding Appointment
We are able to offer our clients the additional co-ordination service of communicating an appointment. We facilitate this communication through our affiliate communication companies or your preferred supplier. We understand that appropriate communication regarding the appointment of an executive is sensitive and requires handling with finesse and professionalism.
Feedback on performance
In line with our culture of continuous learning, we engage the client and candidates through a quality survey after completing a search assignment to ascertain valuable feedback which ensures constant learning and optimization of our internal processes and procedures
The added steps in advertised search, in addition to the relevant consulting and screening methodology above are the following:
The Specialist HR, Recruitment and Marketing Team meet to put together the proposed display advert content and layout, media to be utilised and costing and obtains signoff from the client. Our entire team will meet with the client, on client request.
Adverts requiring client confidentiality will be branded with AIMS International South Africa branding and could be combined with a creative recruitment campaign.
A media schedule will be presented to the client detailing selected media which has been proposed for client signoff.
Managing placing of advertisements within the various media types.
Receiving Curriculum Vitae’s from media sources and supplying a report of tracked response from media sources.
