Holtrop Ravesloot & Partners is exactly who you need in your search for suitable candidates. The power of the company lies in a combination of a large national and international network, a very wide pool of candidates, and highly experienced consultants who are flexible, dedicated and professional. Our selection procedure consists of a number of successive stages, with an emphasis on transparency and clear and effective mutual communication. An outline of the procedure is given below.

Procedure

Analysis
Thorough knowledge and understanding of the organisation are, in our view, essential to be able to successfully carry out our task. That is why, after the initial phase during which the order is formulated and accepted, we proceed to conduct a series of interviews with the client and other key figures in the organisation. Naturally this takes place as part of the agreed plan of approach and timetable. The discussions give us a clearer insight into the culture, objectives and function requirements of the organisation, and help form the most important building blocks of our analysis. This analysis, in turn, is the foundation for the selection process. At the same time, having made such a thorough analysis means we are well placed to describe, in writing or verbally, the actual nature, substance and context of the function and organisation to the candidates.

Profiles
Using the information gleaned from the discussions with the client, we draw up a concept profile, which includes a description of the organisation, the function and the position, and a characterisation of the ideal candidate. The concept is then shown to the client for approval. The definitive version is made on the basis of comments and suggestions made by the client, and this version then serves as the starting point during interviews with potential candidates.

Search strategy
A number of different Holtrop Ravesloot & Partners consultants are involved in the preparation of the order and the search for candidates. They draw up an analysis of the market and the competition and, based on their analysis and profiles, look for suitable candidates. Naturally this takes place in close collaboration with our research consultants who are specialised in this field. Using this information, we first approach the most appropriate candidates from our network. We obviously also assess potential candidates who are proposed by the client or by third parties. We keep our clients regularly informed about our progress during the search phase.

Longlist
Suitable candidates who show interest are invited for a further discussion about the function with the Holtrop Ravesloot & Partners consultants. From these discussions, a longlist is made of candidates, with extensive CVs. These are composed according to a fixed format, which makes them easy to compare. Their content is drawn from information provided by the candidates to us. We discuss the longlist with the client: this leads to a further selection procedure. The candidates who are chosen are then invited for a meeting with the client.

Selection of the final candidate and references
While the client is engaged in discussions with the candidates, we take on the role of sparring partner. For the benefit of the contract negotiations, we make an inventory of, among other things, the present employment package and other remuneration and perks of the final candidate. We provide a clear overview of this information and, if necessary, give advice about what is an appropriate level of salary, including any personal bonuses and profit-related bonuses. We can also obtain references. Naturally this all takes place in consultation with you.

Evaluation
The procedure results in the appointment of the candidate. This does not mark the end of our contact, but instead the start of a new phase, in which we evaluate the procedure and initial experiences of the candidate in his new work environment. We then maintain regular contact with the client and the candidate if desired for as long as is necessary, in order to assist him in adapting to his new situation.