The Wood Group




	CLICK ONE OF THE FOLLOWING LINKS FOR ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS: GENERAL FAQ CLIENT FAQ CANDIDATE FAQ GENERAL FAQ: Does The Wood Group limit its searches to a specific industry or type of position? No. The Wood Group has broad search capability, and is, by design, a generalist executive search firm. Our team has successfully conducted senior level assignments, from Presidents and General Managers to Executive Vice Presidents and Directors of staff functions. Over the years, we have worked effectively across a wide variety of industries, proving time and again that we can gain access to all appropriate search targets and represent our clients credibly. What makes The Wood Group different? We’re known for providing the highest level of service and professionalism to both clients and candidates. Two things enable us to provide this level of service: First, every member of our team has “real world” industry experience and a passion for business. We do extensive upfront industry research and ask the right questions of our clients and candidates to ensure the best possible match. Second, every search is staffed with a team, offering our clients broader expertise, greater flexibility and a wider range of prospecting resources. Does The Wood Group work outside the Twin Cities? Yes. The Wood Group has placed executives with clients located around the country. Most of our searches involve national candidate generation as well. What is retained search? There are two types of search firms: Retained and Contingency, and the two models are vastly different. Retained search firms are engaged exclusively by a client to fill a position. In contrast, multiple contingency firms can be engaged at once, and clients are required to pay only the firm that presents the successful candidate. Retained search firms are able to dedicate the time and resources to learn about their clients, conduct thorough assessments of candidates and thoughtfully assess how they fit the client’s needs. Contingency recruiters typically work with a large number of job openings, mining their databases for known candidates who look, on paper, to be a fit for the given position, and submitting as many of those candidates’ resumes as possible to the client. CLIENT FAQ: Does The Wood Group ever accept assignments on a contingency basis? No. Our approach to executive search requires the investment of considerable time in the following activities: Developing an in-depth knowledge of our client’s business, industry and culture and the key priorities of the position at hand. Identifying potential prospects for the position or referral sources through exhaustive new research and database mining. Professionally marketing the opportunity to individuals who typically are currently employed. Evaluating potential candidates through lengthy phone interviews and in-person interviews. Presenting regular search progress reports and formal project reviews to clients. Preparing resumes and evaluative comments on candidates. Handling all interview scheduling and travel logistics. Interviewing candidate references and conducting credential checks. Acting as intermediary in structuring and successfully negotiating offers. Contingency search cannot devote the same level of time and effort to the search process. As a result, clients are often sent resumes from an existing database in an effort to make a placement before a candidate is identified through other sources. What if we find the successful candidate ourselves? It is not uncommon for our clients to identify internal and/or external candidates during a search engagement. The Wood Group will gladly include those candidates in the search process. In this situation, clients benefit from our rigorous screening and assessment processes and have the added advantage of comparing them to a slate of candidates. As such, there is no change to our contractual arrangements. How long does it normally take to complete a search assignment? Each search is unique, but most of our searches are completed in 90-120 days. Does The Wood Group provide a guarantee? Yes. Our long-standing client relationships are the lifeblood of our practice and are testament to our ability to deliver superior client service. If for some reason a candidate does not work out during a specified period of time, we will partner with our client to find a satisfactory solution. CANDIDATE FAQ: What searches is The Wood Group currently conducting? Some of the searches we are conducting are detailed in the Our Searches section of our website. How do I submit my resume? If there is a specific search in the Our Searches section that is of interest to you, click on the name associated with the search to email your information directly to the recruiter handling that search. You may also submit your resume for inclusion in our confidential database. How do I talk to a Wood Group recruiter about my qualifications? We are frequently contacted by potential candidates. While we would like to speak with each one, time simply doesn’t permit it. Generally, we contact potential candidates by phone or email when we recognize their qualifications as compatible with a search assignment we are conducting. Unsolicited resumes, while desired and welcomed, are reviewed and placed in our confidential database until an appropriate search assignment develops. Will you submit my resume to clients without my knowledge? No. We will always contact you to see if an opportunity is of interest to you and to assess with you whether or not that opportunity is a fit with your background and career interests. Do you work for me or do you work for the hiring companies? Ultimately, we work exclusively for the hiring company. However, our ability to service our clients depends upon our rapport with you. We believe in maintaining ongoing relationships with candidates. Our goal is to become a trusted advisor to you on career issues and to lead you to the right client for the right opportunity at the right time. Will you present me for multiple opportunities at the same time? No. If there are concurrent searches that could be a fit with your background and interests, we will gladly discuss them with you. However, we will only consider you as a candidate for one search at a time. Should I submit my resume to your competitors? It is in our best interest to say, “No.” However, we do recommend that you get in touch with other top-tier recruiters. Every retained firm has a unique portfolio of searches that they’re conducting, and one of those may be your dream job. We hope to be the firm that places you in your next position. If I get a new position or am promoted, should I let The Wood Group know? Yes. The Wood Group wants to keep track of your whereabouts and achievements. Please send us your updated information. What criteria do you look for when assessing candidates? While each search is unique, these are some common topics that we explore with candidates: Leadership skills Experience Professional credentials Academic achievements Initiative Interpersonal skills Potential fit with our client