In executive-level recruitment, the initial situation sets the direction, but the vision of the right candidate may become clearer as the process progresses. The role of an experienced executive search partner is to understand what the organisation needs and to bring to the discussion alternatives that the client might not necessarily have identified themselves.
Helsingin Kamari Oy was seeking a Commercial Director for a role that emphasised not only the organisation’s strategic objectives but also an understanding of its operating environment, culture and values. Our collaboration with Equita Talent Partners began in an open and trusting atmosphere right from the very first meeting.
”A climate of trust with the experts at Equita Talent Partners was established right from the start of the recruitment process, as early as the first meeting. Communication was regular and smooth throughout the entire process. Communication was direct and open, and the consultants put forward their own views in a constructive manner.” Riitta Salmi, Head of HR and Customer Experience, Helsingin Kamari Oy
The new options provide a clearer picture
The aim of the assignment was to find a director for the Helsinki Chamber whose experience and expertise would meet the requirements of the role and whose way of thinking would be well suited to the organisation’s operating environment and culture.
The search also considered options that went beyond the original scope. Equita presented candidates for the client’s consideration who the Helsinki Chamber might not necessarily have included in the process itself. These new perspectives helped to clarify what sort of skills, experience and candidate would best meet the objectives of the role.
”The most important factor in our success was that our needs and objectives in senior-level recruitment were taken into account thoroughly. It was also valuable for us to be introduced to candidates whom we might not have considered for the process ourselves. It helped us – and also challenged us – to clarify exactly what sort of skills and experience we expected from the executive we were seeking.” Riitta Salmi, Head of HR and Customer Experience, Helsingin Kamari Oy
For us, this is an essential part of direct recruitment. A clear understanding is built on an understanding of the client’s business and objectives, as well as the ability to identify various potential profiles based on these. When well-founded options are put forward, the vision of the right leader can also evolve during the process.
Competence, objectives and culture as a single entity
For Jaakko Lintunen of Equita, the key starting point for the assignment was to understand the Helsinki Chamber’s strategic objectives and the specific characteristics of its operating environment. On this basis, the search could be focused on candidates who, in addition to having the appropriate experience for the role, possessed the qualities needed to succeed within this particular organisation.
”In the search for a Commercial Director for Helsingin Kamari, it was important to understand the client’s strategic objectives and the nature of its operating environment. We sought candidates who were specifically suited to their situation – that is, individuals whose skills and background aligned with the objectives of Helsingin Kamari Oy, and whose mindset and values were in line with the operating environment and corporate culture.” Jaakko Lintunen, Equita Talent Partners
This understanding guided the search throughout the process. Candidates were assessed in relation to the role, the organisation’s objectives and the operating environment. At the same time, ongoing dialogue helped to clarify a shared understanding of what it would take to succeed in the role.
The process proceeded according to the agreed timetable, and communication remained active from start to finish.
”Our collaboration with Equita Talent Partners provided us with excellent candidates, thanks to the experts” experience and expertise. As the process progressed, Equita challenged us in just the right way to consider in greater detail what sort of person and what sort of skills would be best suited to our organisation.” Riitta Salmi, Head of HR and Customer Experience, Helsingin Kamari Oy
Helsingin Kamari Oy sums up its experience of the collaboration:
”We warmly recommend Equita Talent Partners as a recruitment partner.
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