Our Approach
- Guiding Principal:
At Mullan Schwartz we begin the recruitment process by firstly getting to know our client and their business. We take considerable time in this regard as it is essential in establishing a level of trust, confidence and a spirit of collaboration from the onset that makes a good partnership work. We strive at all times to listen to our client’s requirements and overall strategic vision and then agree to a timetable and approach to take on a new mandate. - Engaging Mullan Schwartz:
The next step in the process is for the client to sign a letter of commitment with Mullan Schwartz. In this way we spell out together what is expected from the assignment with a detailed description of the role being mandated and the key elements that are required for a successful completion of the mandate to include required work-related experience, soft skills, and a indication of the level of compensation available for the individual being hired. A timeline for the completion of the various stages of the search process is confirmed in writing as part of the written agreement and is agreed upon with the client. It is important to note that Mullan Schwartz receives from its clients a retainer fee and performance fees for all work undertaken. This allows us to focus our company’s considerable resources exclusively on behalf of our client. Throughout the hiring process the client is dealing with a senior partner who remains their focal point for all contact throughout the process. - Analysis of the market:
The next stage in the process is often referred to as the ‘mapping stage”. The client’s dedicated team at Mullan Schwartz develops a target list comprised of the firms where we will focus our search. Because we are a specialist firm, we already have considerable market knowledge and almost never start out blind in the process. Once we have identified who are the key players that fit our client’s criteria, they are added to a long list which is shared at all times with our client for comment and feedback. We than start to make contact with candidates to introduce our client’s opportunity. In most cases this contact goes beyond a telephone conversation and requires that we have face-to-face contact with those individuals or teams in their respective markets to really gauge their suitability and intent. The candidates also appreciate that we go to great lengths to develop these close relationships, as they see our approach as being of the highest standing and one that clearly represents our client’s commitment to attract the best talent. - Presentation of candidates:
The next stage has Mullan Schwartz providing the client with a detailed review of conversations and meetings held with a target list of candidates. At this time we also supply detailed resumes and our own assessment of each of the candidate’s abilities. The client will then decide about which candidates they want to formally interview. After a decision is reached on the candidate list, Mullan Schwartz helps the clients and candidates meet each other, providing support around those communications in order that the interview stage of the hiring process is managed in a concise and transparent manner. As part of this process we can facilitate client-candidate negotiations. We, on instruction from our client, assist in providing clarification on issues surrounding job roles or compensation that arises during the interview process but assistance is only provided if sanctioned by our client. Mullan Schwartz communication continues to provide close support until the successful completion of the interviews and up to a final offer being made and accepted by the candidate. - References:
Mullan Schwartz will, on instruction from the client, carry an extensive reference check of a prospective employee’s previous work history and his or her historic and current compensation package. At Mullan Schwartz we normally only carry out reference checks once a formal offer has been made and accepted by a candidate and before they officially take up their new post. - Post mandate support:
On completion of all of our mandated searches, we continue to have regular contact with the client to get feedback on the successful integration of the new hire. This policy is an integral part of our long term commitment to build our client businesses on an ongoing and future basis. The team at Mullan Schwartz remains focused on always improving our relationship with our clients and our belief is that if our client continues to be successful with our help than we have achieved our primary goal in business.