Why KeyStone?

Comparing search firms can be difficult. All firms speak a good game and most have long records of completed searches. KeyStone Search believes to truly hire "Right," the following 14 components must all be executed with excellence and in true partnership with our client.

1. Understanding and incorporating your culture/values
   KeyStone employs a proprietary process to understand, identify and create a common language to describe your unique culture/values. This language is then utilized throughout the process to find and vet candidates who best fit your organization.
   We will never rely on our "gut feel" to understand your unique culture.
2. Original Research
   KeyStone identifies the critical components of the open position and your organization, then conducts exhaustive research in the market to identify potential candidates who are excelling in similar organizations. KeyStone owns the best recruiting software in the market (Encore). Still, we know that databases have limits and our database is only the starting point for our process, not the end all, be all.
   We will never rely on a "file search."
3. Recruiting by Experienced Recruiters
   All recruiters on the KeyStone team are experienced executive search professionals.
   We will never rely on "researchers" or "dialers" to present your organization to senior level executives.
4. Teamwork
   KeyStone does not have an internal commission structure. Revenue is shared equally, allowing the team to truly work together on projects. This ensures all customers are treated to the same level of service, regardless of fee size or visibility.
   Internal politics will never get in the way of customer service.
5. Transparency/Accountability
   KeyStone will identify a project timeline with you and send a weekly update of activity on the project. The updates include a summary of recruitment activity and impressions we encounter in the marketplace regarding the position/organization.
   We will never leave you in the dark regarding activity and progress.
6. Candidate Values Assessment
   All viable candidates go through a detailed assessment prior to interviewing with the KeyStone professionals. This assessment digs deeper into a candidate's motivations, drivers, workstyle and of course, values.
   We will not rely simply on oral interviews to evaluate candidates.
7. Interview Questions Based Upon Your Culture/Values
   The KeyStone interviews will include customized, behavioral based interview questions, developed around your unique core values.
   We will not rely on "canned" interviews to evaluate a candidate's fit with your organization's culture.
8. Internal Candidates Treated with Utmost Respect
   KeyStone will evaluate internal candidates with objectivity and treat them with utmost respect through the process. If they are the very best fit for the position, we will tell you so.
   We will never damage your internal culture or create rifts in your leadership team.
9. Process Facilitation
   KeyStone will assist in structuring your internal interview process. This ensures all stakeholders (subordinates, board members, peers) are part of the process and feel vested in the outcome. We will also develop interview questions for the group if requested, and facilitate feedback sessions from all interviews.
   We will not leave key people out of the process.
10. Observe Client Interviews
    KeyStone professionals will always sit in on first round interviews at the client site. This gives us real insight into how a candidate performs with their potential superiors and peers.
    We will never rely simply upon our first impression of a candidate.
11. Conduct/Facilitate Reference and Background Checks
    KeyStone will conduct or facilitate full reference checks, background checks, drug testing and any psychological testing required for the ultimate hire.
    We will not rely purely on interviews for a decision to hire.
12. Negotiation of Salary/Overall Compensation
    KeyStone will assist you in developing a compelling compensation package and negotiating terms with the newly hired executive.
    We will not allow the negotiation phase to become a source of frustration or hard feelings between the candidate and your organization.
13. On-boarding
    As part of our fee, KeyStone will provide On-Boarding Services provided by an objective, third party coaching firm. This coaching will assist the new hire in developing appropriate relationships and establishing a plan for success in their new organization.
    We will not place new executives into your organization unprepared or unassisted.
14. Follow up and Guarantee
    KeyStone will continue to follow up to ensure new hire is working well and meeting key requirements. If the newly placed executive leaves within two years of placement for any reason, we will complete a new search, gratis.
    We will continue to partner with you after the project is complete.