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Delighted to have the Women’s Tour of Britain riding through Oxfordshire today and passing #southgateconsulting at lunchtime. Will be out supporting all the riders at the roadside! #womenstourofbritain #breastcancerawareness

In the current uncertain economic climate, Executive Search Recruitment may be the last avenue some companies choose to explore. We, however, feel that Executive Search should be the first option, and here’s why…

When making business critical hires at Senior Manager and Director level, l you want to be confident the recruitment proposition you choose is confidential, thorough and professional. So here are five reasons to choose an Executive Search proposition if you are recruiting Senior Managers and Directors into your business currently;

• Most senior level candidates expect and prefer to be approached confidentially rather than apply on-line. A stealth approach means your competitors are unaware of senior level staff changes or any disruption to your business.
• An experienced Executive Search Consultant’s network will quickly and accurately allow the targetting of “difficult to reach ideal candidate profiles”, ensuring role briefs are seen by those not necessarily actively looking, but potentially ideal for consideration.
• Through meetings with both Candidate & Client, all parties will be thoroughly briefed before the first interview, ensuring a much higher success rate of second and final interview completion.
• Shortlists are, therefore, just what they are meant to be – short, accurate and relevant, many roles being filled by just two or three candidate submissions and interviews.
• Your business is presented professionally, ethically, and promptly to both the successful candidate employed and to those who need to be regretted.

Southgate consulting is proud to stand by all of the above points and offer a service that ensures both Candidate & Client are represented professionally and whatever the outcome, are left with a good experience from beginning to end.

Due to the current level of political and commercial uncertainty, some hiring decisions at Senior Management and Director level are not being made externally or coming onto the “open” market. It’s, therefore, a good time to be available for internal promotion, or to examine a career move via an Executive Search Consultancy.

Interestingly, Southgate Consulting has recently been involved in shortlisting for a very senior appointment in the retail sector, as well as a select number of Manufacturer/Importer roles none of which have been openly advertised. This allows clients to be very detailed in their requirements, and allows the Executive Search process to only contact a select number of ideal profiles very confidentially. This process is what we have built our reputation on – selective shortlisting with discerning clientele.

Moving, or planning to move you career forward during an economic and political period of uncertainty can require a completely different approach than during buoyant economic times. So here are five tips to keep in mind;

• Ask yourself why a potential employer should hire you in a market which is trying to avoid additional headcount costs.

• Ensure you communicate the added value you are able to bring to an organisation which would benefit the people around you.

• Before the first interview, think about skills or competencies that might be beneficial to your new employer which are unique to your profile and state these clearly.

• Plan for the future – research where this company is going in the next two to five years and how you can help with this journey.    

• Recruitment decision making processes may be extended due to circumstances outside your control. Ensure this is the role you really want, now or in six months time plus, and be prepared to wait for the right job.

Concerned about your future career? For a small investment, Southgate Consulting can offer two hours professional consultation and on going support to help you secure your next position. Please contact David Southgate 07778 159555, Callum Southgate 07896 301131 or Joanne Tomlin 01235 863525 for guidance and information. #southgateconsulting

I managed to find this gem in the back of a cupboard one day whilst David Southgate was out, and seems fitting to post it on the 20th Anniversary of Southgate Consulting.  Many congratulations to the old man and all the work he has done over the last 20 years and I have enjoyed being on board for a small part of that journey, here’s to the next 20! – Callum Southgate

It’s time to stop word and phrase matching on-line when screening for first interviews. It just doesn’t work – which is why at Southgate Consulting selective Executive Search means really getting to know candidate strengths before shortlisting to clients.. #southgateconsulting #pureexecutivesearch #culturefit

Fabulous experience driving the new #Suzuki #jimny SZ5 at #pebleybeach Suzuki Cirencester. Having driven numerous 4×4 vehicles, believe this is a real game changer, brilliantly packaged!

Helped a good friend of mine collect a #bmwapprovedused M135i he chose from #dicklovett in Hungerford. How pleasant and re-assuring buying through a Main Dealer Network Approved Used Scheme is! #greatcustomerexperience #bmw

Fantastic visit to the NEC Birmingham – Motorcycle Live Event catching up with Clients and Candidates alike on Monday this week. A great varied selection of exhibitors showing what the future holds for electric motorcycles, and some beautiful classics…