At Servitalent, we know that finding theright manager is only half the battle. The other half, often the most critical, occurs in what we call the "last mile" of the Executive Search process: the crucial period from the hiring decision to the formal acceptance of the offer and the definition of the start date.
At this point, the company has already invested considerable time and resources in identifying, recruiting executives and evaluating talent. Allowing this final phase to be handled slowly or unprofessionally is a strategic risk that can result in valuable candidates falling through the cracks or talent accepting a competitive offer.
As we have already mentioned, the executive selection process acts as a relentless mirror of corporate culture and Employer Branding. The negotiation of the offer and the hiring deadlines is the moment when the perception of the candidate is either consolidated or crumbles.
A vague communication, an unexplained delay in the formal offer, or a negotiation perceived as inflexible in terms of compensation, can generate distrust and lead the executive to accept a counter-offer or a competitor's option. The last mile is therefore a demonstration of the organization's seriousness and respect.
Expert support at this stage is not a formality, but an essential shielding mechanism for the investment made throughout the selection process.
The executive talent you attract to your company is, by definition, in high demand. In the last mile, the candidate is usually in a position of maximum exposure to risk factors:
Counter offers: Your current company will react by trying to retain the talent with better conditions.
Final offers: Parallel processes in the competition, often accelerated by knowledge of other offers.
Our consultant acts as an expectation manager and trusted expert advisor. We maintain fluid communication, provide constant feedback and resolve any doubts (legal, fiscal, operational) immediately. This keeps the candidate emotionally committed to his/her future role in the client organization, ensuring the incorporation of the executive.
The negotiation of the compensation package(salary benchmarking), which includes fixed, variable, stock options and benefits, can unnecessarily strain the relationship. The candidate wants to maximize his/her value; the company wants to maintain internal equity.
We use Salary Benchmarking tools to base the offer on objective and up-to-date market data. This transforms a potential confrontation into a professional and transparent conversation about the real value of the role in the market, facilitating a quick and satisfactory agreement for both parties. We don't just negotiate a salary; we negotiate a long-term, mutually valuable commitment.
The final agreement in the last mile of the selection process marks the formal start of the relationship. If the closing process has been flawless and professional, the manager will be onboarded:
Maximum motivation: Feeling respected and valued from minute one.
Cultural commitment: The coherence between the Employer Branding speech and the real action during the negotiation reinforces their alignment with the corporate culture.
In the search for executives and middle managers, the last mile is the moment of truth. It is where you demonstrate the seriousness, respect and professionalism that your company expects from its leaders.
Delegating this essential accompaniment to an expert partner in Executive Search as Servitalent is the guarantee to protect your investment in talent, ensure the closing of the recruitment and ensure that the new executive begins his or her career with the highest degree of commitment and enthusiasm .