RSG believes that the most successful executive searches involve a three-way partnership, whereby the candidate, RSG, and the client company fully understand their rights, duties and obligations to each other during the search process. As such, we believe that all search candidates have a right to:

Confidentiality

When you become an executive search candidate, you are entitled to the highest levels of confidentiality from RSG and the client organization. To safeguard your confidentiality, we will:

  • Obtain your authorization before submitting your resume to the client organization.
  • Contact you directly rather than through your assistant or anyone else in your current or former company.
  • RSG will not contact references provided by you without your permission.
  • RSG will not discuss your potential candidacy with anyone outside RSG and ensure that all employees of the company abide by the same rules.
  • Caution the client company to also safeguard your confidentiality.

It is important to remember that you do not become a search candidate until RSG has conducted an initial evaluation of your suitability for the position and you have expressed an interest in it. However, even if the position about which you are being contacted is not right for you at the present time, you may still benefit from conversations with us by being kept up-to-date about the marketability for your skills and experience. Candidates not selected on one search may be selected on another.

Full Disclosure

In order to make the right decision, you need to know as much as possible about the position and the client organization. This ultimately requires full and open disclosure regarding:

  • The nature and requirements of the position.
  • The compensation package.
  • Whether relocation is required.
  • Pertinent information regarding the organizational culture.

However, during your first conversation, when you are still being evaluated as a potential candidate for the position, RSG is under no obligation to divulge confidential information about the position or the client company. Only after you have been identified as a legitimate candidate should you expect RSG to disclose more than the most basic information. Even then, there are times when certain information about the client must remain confidential until the final stages of the search process.

Timely Communication

The completion of an executive search assignment can often take several weeks, with many steps between initial contact and the ultimate hiring of the successful candidate. Once you become an active candidate, RSG will communicate with you in a timely manner at each and every step of the process. This means proactively updating you on the progress of the search as well as responding in a timely manner to any inquiries initiated by you.

Feedback

Based on our understanding of the position and the organizational requirements, RSG will give you an honest appraisal of where you seem to fit the opportunity and where you do not seem to fit. If at any point in the process the client decides not to proceed with your candidacy, the consultant will provide as complete an explanation of the client’s decision as possible.

Professional Treatment

RSG is expected to comply with all the employment laws that apply to the normal hiring process. In addition, it has long been our hallmark to demonstrate a high level of professionalism with each and every candidate. Professional treatment means that we will:

  • Provide a clear understanding of the position and the client’s expectations for success in that position.
  • Conduct an organized, well thought-out interview.
  • Be punctual and well-prepared for all appointments.
  • Answer all your questions in an honest and forthright manner.

Adequate Process Details

As a search candidate, you are entitled to know what to expect as the process unfolds. For example, what is the anticipated timeframe for the first round of interviews? If you make the first cut, what happens next? Be prepared at any stage in the proceedings to ask:

  • How long will this take?
  • Who do I have to meet with before a decision is made?
  • What timeframe is the organization working on?

Consistency Between RSG and The Client Company

RSG and the client company will do their best in terms of the information they present to you. Keep in mind, however, that while RSG represents the client organization, we do not have complete control over the client’s communication with you during the process. If changes occur that contradict the information given to you by RSG, you should ask for clarification.

Concluding the Search

If the client company decides to hire you to fill the position, you have arrived at one of the most important stages of the search process: negotiation of your employment agreement. This can involve highly sensitive issues in which RSG can play the crucial role of intermediary to ensure open and effective communication between the hiring organization and candidate. RSG will utilize this “honest broker” channel of communication to candidly express any concerns or special requirements that you may have on terms and conditions.

If your candidacy does not result in a hire, we will keep you in our pool of candidates for future assignments. We may contact you from time-to-time to maintain the relationship and keep you apprised of any upcoming assignments. We may also use you as a resource to help identify candidates for assignments that are not a good fit for you.

Regardless of the outcome of the search, RSG will not use your name or the results of the search as testimonials without your permission, remember that the most successful executive searches involve those where you, RSG, and the company know their rights and obligations within the search process and adhere to the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct.