Chapter 18 - Executive Search: The Hunt for Exceptional Talent

Abstract

Bente Hansen's transition as a Founder of Bente Hansen & Associate was not a direct one. He found out about this industry first from people working for executive search firms that contacted him regarding opportunities they had available. He was curious about the recruiting industry because it seemed like a business with great growth potential, so he started asking questions of the recruiters contacting him. After introspection and conversations with peers and friends, he realized that his strengths were in his knowledge of science and health care, in business development, and in his direct experience in knowing the difference a leader can make in an organization. He also had a long-term goal of building his own company. He did extensive due diligence on the industry and found that there were only few books or related articles on this industry. There are three traditional positions in the search industry: researcher, associate, and consultant. Advancement with an executive search firm is tied to the amount of money that you bring into the firm, and the extent to which you are perceived as a leader in your industry. He did a personal skill assessment and thoroughly researched the field of executive search. He summarizes that today the retained executive search business is a $10 billion industry, because identifying and attracting the top talent is seen as the critical factor for growing businesses. The search industry allows a career with a dynamic and growing environment and attracts people from all walks of life either hired right out of college or after professional experience.