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Careers in Executive Search
While the structure and use of terms may differ between firms, the normal functions to be found within search firms are as follows:
Researcher
Responsible for carrying out fundamental research on search assignments, talking to sources and prospects, generating names and developing comparative industry knowledge. Researchers provide a bank of valuable prospects ready for further contact.
Click here to see a typical day in the life of a Researcher.
Associate
Associates often carry out the same role as researchers but perform a more senior role through interaction with their consultants to devise and carry out the search strategy, in screening candidates and with clients in reporting and acting as a point of contact for them.
Click here to see a typical day in the life of an Associate.
Consultant
Consultants perform full management of search assignments including taking of the brief, market analysis, interviewing, assessment and presentation of candidates, help with negotiation, and successful recruitment of the favored candidate. Client management and relationship-building is key to obtaining new retainer contracts.
Click here to see a typical day in the life of a Consultant.
Partner
Partners are essentially senior consultants who have been given or who have bought a financial stake in the firm.