Acumen Executive Search is the leading certified woman-owned Executive Search & Advisory Firm on the West Coast.
We are a certified, woman-owned, boutique consulting firm founded by Suzanne Hanifin in 2007, specializing in the recruitment and placement of Executive and Leadership talent for a select clientele. We provide highly customized solutions and expertise to clients who understand that the most critical asset to any successful organization is its people.
We have leveraged best practices across a range of different industries, our networks, and our business leadership experience to secure talent who will move your business forward. We build leadership teams that help organizations thrive today and into the future.
Our consultative approach is focused on developing a thorough understanding of your needs in order to find candidates that you would not find through customary sources. What this means is that every search is a unique search. We use a variety of strategies to locate and attract talent, including our robust database and extensive trusted networks globally, to go out and find your next great hire.
The heart of Acumen’s success is our ability to deliver – we devote the time needed, we have a proven process, we find the right candidates for our clients’ unique needs, and we look for leaders that can support our clients today and into the future. We measure success not by the quantity of our placements but by providing a select number of clients with the right leaders.
Acumen’s Proven Search Process
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.
We provide a level of customization that is unmatched by any staffing, recruiting, or other search firms. We spend hours interviewing and assessing suitable candidates for you. Because we follow this process without exception, we tend to screen out versus interview in. This means that our clients receive the highest level of candidates with both the skillsets required and the values and goals needed to be successful.
Acumen’s 9-Step Methodology
Our Customized Search Process Is People Focused Resulting in our 99% Fill Rate For Executive Positions.
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.