A Systematic, Client-Oriented Process
Kincannon & Reed uses a funnel approach for each of our searches, assuring clients that we are reaching both broadly and deeply to locate and qualify the best candidates for their organization.
Research
100-300
prospects and sources
Using our industry connections and proprietary database of 70,000+ executives as a starting point, we conduct Internet research and real-time direct sourcing to fill the funnel with a broad list of prospective candidates. Our research team performs initial candidate identification and screening under the direction of firm Principals.
Acid Test
15-30
candidates
During this phase, we carefully assess each candidate's credentials and experience to eliminate all but those who meet the essential requirements for the position.
Phone Interview
5-15
candidates
We next conduct telephone interviews (typically lasting 45-60 minutes) with the strongest candidates to assess their capacity to positively impact our client's operations.
In-person Interviews
5-10
semi-finalists
After the client has agreed upon the priority candidates, we conduct face-to-face interviews (typically lasting 2-3 hours). We follow with written reports, including résumés and detailed appraisals.
Meet
the Client
1-5
finalists
After consulting with the client to identify the very best prospects, we arrange personal interviews with the client. Once the client has made their choice, we conduct thorough reference checking, and follow up with compensation package negotiation.
Offer
Closing the deal smoothly with the chosen candidate can make all the difference. Since the Principal has built a relationship with the chosen candidate throughout the search process, s/he can provide significant value counseling clients during offer formulation and serving as intermediary during final negotiations.
* 90% of our engagements fall within these parameters
Our Approach
"You consistently challenge us and broaden our thinking and horizons. You are able to show that sometimes what we think we want is very different than what we need."
- Human resources director for a major crop input company
"We ended up with the ideal candidate combination, and one we would not have envisioned ourselves. Your firm's knowledge of the sector was invaluable as it led to opportunities beyond the search."
- Managing director of a private equity firm
"In addition to finding us great candidates, you worked adeptly and sensitively with all our internal stakeholders. Widespread ownership in the selection process will help our team extend to new hires the support they need for success."
- CEO, privately owned artisan bread company
"We have worked with all the big global firms, and Kincannon & Reed has been easily the most thorough and professional."
- Head of human resources of large multinational company
"We appreciate that you are always reachable and that you never give up even when we all know the search is extremely difficult."
- Chairman of major distribution company
"Thank you for your excellent assistance in this process. The tight search timeline was respected and I believe that the candidate will bring much value to our company."
- CEO for crop input company
"When this search started you indicated one of your goals was to provide a slate that would be so good that we would have difficulty choosing just one candidate. You far exceeded that goal."
- Business unit president for global animal health company
"One of our Senior VPs commented early on that hiring a retained firm was not our best investment of time and money. On our last conference call, however, he indicated he's become a true believer in Kincannon & Reed, and wanted to go on the record as retracting his earlier comment."
- VP of HR for multi-billion dollar, family-owned grain company
"Kincannon & Reed is universally respected and relied upon for quality partnership and mentoring when it comes to senior-level executive searches."
- Former CEO of major agribusiness organization
"Kincannon & Reed has good instincts for people and works hard to know the organization they're serving. "They do a magnificent job matching qualified candidates to the organization."
- Director of Biotech Business Development, multinational agricultural biotechnology organization
"Even when we're not using them, the Kincannon & Reed team keeps in touch because they seem genuinely interested in what we're doing. So when people ask me who we should turn to, I invariably point them to Kincannon & Reed."
- CEO of animal genetics and technology firm