Why Clients Believe Acumen is Portland’s Best Executive Recruiter
Acumen Executive Search is a certified woman-owned boutique consulting firm founded in 2007 by Suzanne Hanifin. We specialize in recruiting and placing executive and leadership talent for a select clientele with a 93% retention rate over 3 years.
Our team offers decades of business leadership experience across industries, helping organizations build strong leadership teams that thrive today and into the future.
Our high-touch approach goes beyond resumes and job postings. Every search is uniquely tailored around your culture, goals, and leadership needs. Utilizing our global networks, robust database, and trusted connections, we deliver candidates you won’t find through conventional sources.
Hiring for Good encapsulates Acumen’s consultative approach to search and advisory services.
We are committed to:
- Doing the right thing. For clients, candidates, and communities.
- Making a positive impact and creating lasting change
- Continuous learning for the greater good
We Listen. We Care. We Deliver.
Acumen’s Proven Search Process
Acumen’s 9-Step Methodology
Our Customized Search Process Is People Focused Resulting in our 99% Fill Rate For Executive Positions.
Acumen’s proven 9-step search methodology begins by understanding the culture and core values of our client organizations. We spend time with crucial stakeholders learning about their unique culture, values, and requirements for the role, which enables us to identify the required skill sets and align with the values the ideal candidate will possess. We then begin the recruitment and sourcing process, leveraging both conventional and non-conventional methodologies, including our trusted global network and resources.
This highly customized process sets us apart from other firms. The result: fewer resumes, stronger candidates, and leadership hires that make a lasting impact.
Needs Analysis and Culture Assessment
We develop a Needs Assessment specific to you and your business needs to document values and goals, behavior traits, qualifications, and skills the successful candidate needs. We also develop a Culture Assessment as we believe cultural fit is critical for a successful placement. From this we create a customized search specific to your company.
Industry Research and Team Profiling
We conduct Industry Research to ensure we are up to date on trends in the market and the competitive landscape. We also compile a Team Profile of current executives and key staff to ensure that the individuals involved in the process are aligned on the requirements of the position and the ideal candidate.
Acumen Sourcing – Push/Pull Methodology
Our sourcing and networking strategy focuses on actively seeking both active and passive candidates possessing the required qualifications for the position. We cast a wide net and leverage our experience and vast network of resources and relationships. We rely on traditional talent search methods, cutting-edge technology, and proprietary software.
Brand Amplification
Acumen leverages social media and other methods to amplify the company’s brand and profile as a leader in the market, acting as an extension of your marketing, sales, and PR functions (may include photos on location, links to interesting content, white papers, etc)
Prescreening / Interviews / Career Coaching
We initially review each potential candidate from a technical perspective, closely examining core competencies, professional employment history, and educational background to determine if they meet the requirements of the position. During this process, the candidate and the search professional will co-create a substantive bio. If the candidate is potentially a successful fit, they are then invited to attend an in-depth, behavioral interview with one of our search professionals. If needed, the candidate is provided career coaching to help to develop and state their unique value proposition. We can also help facilitate any additional testing your organization requires.
Presentation of Top Candidates
Top candidates are presented to the client with their resume and candidate profile, which will contain a summary of pertinent candidate qualifications as well as essential insights gained by the Director of Talent during our extensive interview process.
Client Interviews / Reference Checks
Clients interview their top picks. We provide reference checks and credential verification. Background checks, including criminal, are conducted when applicable.
Offer Development / Negotiation
Acumen assists in putting together an offer for the top candidate and negotiating salary.
Hire / Follow-up
Our job is not over once a candidate is hired. Our 93% retention rate is due, in part, to our ongoing follow-up with both client and candidate. We assist with onboarding and performing a post-placement review, case study, and testimonials. Our goal is to ensure a positive transition for months and years afterward.