Solving the Executive Assistant Hiring Challenge
Client: A Fortune 500 Industry Leader
Objective: Find a highly qualified Executive Assistant for a C-suite executive, ensuring cultural fit and alignment with leadership expectations.
The Challenge
An industry-leading Fortune 500 company, despite its strong market position, found itself struggling to fill a seemingly straightforward role—an Executive Assistant for one of its C-suite executives. The CHRO and Talent Acquisition team took on the responsibility of filling this crucial position, yet despite their best efforts, the search proved to be more challenging than anticipated.
For six months, the team worked tirelessly:
They reviewed over 400 resumes.
Conducted dozens of interviews.
Used every tool in their HR toolkit to find the right candidate.
However, despite being located in one of the US's largest job markets, the right candidate simply wasn’t found. The issue was not a lack of talented professionals—it was finding someone who met the high standards of the executive, both in terms of skills and cultural fit.
As the search continued, it began to have ripple effects across the organization. The HR team became increasingly stretched, and other executive assistants had to step in to cover the gap. Tension grew, and the executive began to grow restless. Traditional hiring methods weren’t working. It was time to call in a partner who could bring a fresh approach to the table.
The Solution
Evolve HR Solutions, a boutique recruiting and consulting firm with a reputation for tackling difficult hiring challenges, was brought in to assist. The CHRO’s request was clear: deliver a shortlist of perfect-fit candidates in three weeks. Though skeptical, but under pressure, the CHRO agreed to give Evolve HR Solutions the go-ahead.
Evolve HR Solutions took a different approach. Rather than casting a wide net, they focused on headhunting the right candidate. They took the time to understand the company’s culture, the executive’s work style, and the specific nuances of the position. Their strategy was not just about filling a role—it was about solving a larger puzzle.
The Process
Deep Dive into Company Culture:
Evolve HR Solutions took time to understand the company’s culture and the executive’s needs, ensuring a precise match.
Targeted Search:
Instead of relying on traditional methods, Evolve HR Solutions used an intensive search strategy to find candidates who weren’t just qualified on paper, but who also fit seamlessly into the company’s culture and aligned with the executive’s unique work style.Rapid Delivery:
In just 18 days, Evolve HR Solutions presented a shortlist of top-tier candidates.Final Selection:
Two weeks later, the executive had a new Executive Assistant—one who was an ideal fit from the start.
The Results
Perfect Fit: The Executive Assistant was a perfect match, not only in skills but in working style and alignment with the company’s culture.
Time Efficiency: The search, which had stalled for months, was completed in a fraction of the time with far better results.
Positive Impact: The new hire immediately added value, relieving pressure on the HR team and other assistants. The morale across the team improved significantly as the role was filled.
Key Takeaways
Tailored Approach for Critical Roles: When filling key positions, traditional internal hiring methods may not always yield the best results. A more targeted, specialized approach can deliver superior outcomes.
Cultural Fit is Key: Understanding a company’s culture and the specific needs of leadership is just as important as matching a candidate’s skills and experience.
External Expertise Adds Value: Sometimes, it’s more efficient and effective to bring in external expertise, especially when internal resources have been exhausted.
Speed and Quality are Not Mutually Exclusive: With the right approach, a quick search can still yield high-quality candidates.
Filling Key Roles Impacts Overall Productivity: The right hire can have a far-reaching positive impact on the organization, affecting morale and overall productivity.
Conclusion
Evolve HR Solutions helped the company not only fill a critical Executive Assistant role but also transformed its approach to high-level recruiting. This case proved the importance of strategic, tailored recruiting when stakes are high. For the CHRO, it was a valuable lesson in the importance of leveraging specialized expertise and considering alternative hiring strategies when facing challenging talent searches.
Ready to solve your toughest hiring challenges?
Evolve HR Solutions specializes in helping organizations fill critical roles with the right talent—quickly and effectively.
Contact:
Jeff Lupinacci
CEO & Founder
Email: jeff@evolvehrs.com
Website: www.evolvehrs.com
Empowering organizations with the right talent for success.