Glossary
Executive search glossary
The key terms in the search and selection of senior leadership, explained clearly.
- Executive Search
- Specialised, direct search for professionals for senior leadership positions.
- Headhunting
- The direct identification and attraction of candidates, including those not actively looking for a change.
- Headhunter
- Consultant specialising in identifying, assessing and recruiting leadership talent.
- Senior leadership
- The most senior hierarchical level of an organisation: general management and the management committee.
- C-level
- The most senior executive positions: CEO, CFO, COO, CIO, CTO, CHRO, among others.
- Talent mapping
- Analysis of the market to identify and locate the relevant professionals in a sector or function.
- Direct search
- A method by which suitable candidates are contacted proactively rather than by posting a vacancy.
- Boutique firm
- A specialised consultancy with senior teams directly involved and a highly personalised service.
- Board member
- A member of the board of directors who participates in the governance and oversight of the company.
- Assessment
- A structured evaluation of a candidate’s competencies, capabilities and fit with the role.
- Onboarding
- The process of integrating and adapting an executive into their new organisation.
- Talent retention
- The set of strategies to retain and develop an organisation’s key professionals.
- Confidentiality
- The protection of the identity of clients and candidates throughout the search process.
- Tech Talent
- Digital and technology talent specialising in technology, product and digital transformation.