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Precision in Search: How Data-Driven, Top-Down Executive Search Approach Redefines Recruiting
by Eric Walczykowski
When I first entered the executive search industry, I was struck by how the process was typically handled—a bottom-up approach that relied heavily on networks and gut feelings.
Recruiters would start with a small pool of known executives, build a scorecard, and then see who might fit.
But I believed there was a better way.
What if we started from the top down, with the entire universe of possible executives, and used data to filter down to the ideal candidate?
This vision became the foundation of Bespoke Partners’ data-driven, top-down search methodology, a strategy that has propelled us to become the premier software executive search firm in North America.
This process is why we boast a 95% success rate, an average of 95 days to close a search, and an 82% executive conversion rate.
PART 3:
The New Recruiting Best Practices Blog Series
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TODAY:
Data-Driven, Top-Down Search
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UP NEXT:
The Art of Back-Channeling
The Indexed Universe: 610,000 North American Software Executives
When I began at Bespoke, we had a network of just 11,000 software executives. Today, that number has grown to over 610,000. We’ve indexed the industry, creating a proprietary database that covers nearly every software executive in North America.
This comprehensive database allows us to take a top-down approach to search—starting with the universe of possible candidates and filtering down based on real-time data against the scorecard we develop with our clients.
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The Power of a Top-Down Approach
Comprehensive Search:
By beginning with the full universe of 610,000 software executives, we ensure that no potential candidate is overlooked. This method allows us to fully understand the trade-offs in real-time, giving our clients the confidence that they’re making the best possible decision.
Data-Driven Decisions:
Our process isn’t just about gut feelings—it’s about data. For instance, we’ve had clients who needed a proven executive within a specific subsector located in a city with a limited number of private equity-backed software companies. Our data-driven approach allowed us to show the client exactly how many candidates fit their criteria, enabling them to make an informed decision to prioritize geography or consider a step-up candidate.
Case studies
Geo Flexibility with Data
In one search, we identified a CFO candidate with a second home in the defined geographic area, solving a challenging search requirement.
Proprietary Airline Mapper
For another client with strict geographic requirements, we leveraged our proprietary airline mapper to identify candidates within a one-hour direct flight to the headquarters, ultimately filling the position with a perfect fit.
Documented and Consistent Search Process
At Bespoke, our search process is not only top-down and data-driven, but it’s also meticulously documented and consistent across all functional areas. Regardless of the function—be it finance, technology, or go-to-market leadership—our partners adhere to the same rigorous process. This consistency is key to our success and is why our clients trust us to deliver results across the board.
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Why Consistency Matters
Advanced Scorecarding:
We start every search by developing a detailed scorecard with our clients, ensuring that we clearly understand the value creation levers for the role. This scorecard is then used to filter the universe of 610,000 executives, narrowing down to the best possible candidates.
Uniform Process Across Functions:
All of our partners are trained to follow the same proprietary process, ensuring that no matter who you work with at Bespoke, you receive the same high level of service and expertise.
No Surprises:
After identifying top candidates, we begin introductions and back-channel early to ensure that the candidates we present are exactly who they appear to be, minimizing the risk of surprises later in the process.
Bespoke Partners’ top-down, data-driven approach is more than just a method—it’s a revolution in how executive search should be done.
By starting with the full universe of candidates and using data to make informed decisions, we deliver results that are unmatched in the industry.
Bespoke Partners Named in Top 10 of the “Top 49 Retained Executive Search” 2-Years Running by C-Suite CV Secure.
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