While Universal Search Associates’ main service is Retained Executive Search, we also offer Transition & Integration Assistance, Management Audit & Consultancy, Executive Interim Management and IT Technical Recruitment to meet our Clients’ ever-increasing complex needs.
Universal Search Associates recognizes that traditional geographic borders have little relevance for trans-national corporations.
As a consequence, we have developed an extensive global network in these sectors, enabling us to identify and source talented International Executives, no matter where they are located. We search globally for Executive Talent from our locations in Europe and North America.
Universal Search Associates' strength is in our thorough familiarity with the European and North American cultures. We understand these different cultures as well as the advantages and difficulties to be expected working within a Bi-Cultural environment. We feel Universal Search Associates to be best placed to find the right Executives meeting not only your managerial requirements but also having the correct cultural mix. Universal Search Associates has few narrow off-limits.
Our strong ability to offer total recruitment solutions as well as identify right-qualified multi-cultural experienced Candidates with local language skills is second to none.
Our Approach
Each of our Universal Search Associates Professionals has detailed knowledge of her/his local market and industry practice areas. They can work independently or combine with other Professionals to provide a coordinated approach to the Client’s requirements.
Our Professionals understand the complexities of recruiting in their respective markets and combine this understanding with our 4-step Search Engagement Process that has proven successful over the years to provide tailor-made support to our Clients.
Fully understanding today’s Client requirements for quick response and market change, we have fine-tuned our unique 4-step Search Engagement Process to meet our Clients’ requirement and desire for a digitalized process.
Because hiring a new Professional to join your Senior Management Team is extremely important and strategic for your organization, we feel that it’s important that “face to face” meetings still take place with the “short-listed” Candidates. Therefore, all other steps of the process have been carefully digitalized and automated to speed the process without negatively impacting the quality of the search. Of course, the short-listed Candidate interview step can also be conducted digitally via video-conferencing but, due to its strategic importance, we strongly suggest that it remains a face-to-face experience.
Our “infrastructure” has also been adapted to provide our Clients and Candidates any-time access to their own information and their engagement information digitally within a secured environment.
Our 4-step Retained Search Assignment Process
Universal Search Associates approaches each retained executive search assignment with a consistent,
time-tested, four-step process derived from our experience recruiting Senior-Level Candidates.
Step 1
Define Objectives, Specifications, Timetable
Initial Client meeting
Understand Client’s business, culture and needs
Review and agree position’s scope, responsibilities, compensation package, reporting relationships and desired profile
Develop the Search Plan and Timetable
Review the Search Plan and agree start date
Step 2
Identify, Assess Candidates, Provide Short List
Define target sources using internal database and external sources
Identify Candidates with industry knowledge
Screen and evaluate Candidates including initial reference check
Select short-listed Candidates for interview by Universal Search Associates Professional
Prepare background profiles for Client including Universal Search Associates evaluations
Review profiles with Client
Step 3
Interview and
Recruitment
Assist Client-Candidate interview process
Complete reference checks on selected Candidates
Prepare detailed profiles including Universal Search Associates and psychological evaluations
Conduct finalist interviews with Client (Non-digitalized step recommended)
Finalist selection
Obtain feedback from Client and Candidates
Step 4
Follow
Up
Ensure smooth transition and assimilation for selected Candidate
Client and Candidates surveys
Obtain feedback from Client and Candidates
