PROCESSES
& APPROACH
“The relationships we have with our clients are strengthened by our consultative approach.”
We believe that our core differentiators include advanced levels of shared experience, proven processes and the professionalism our consultants operate with; in conjunction with a mature partner network and deep roots in Canada's tech communities.
Our approach is based on a true understanding of each businesses needs and objectives, both immediate and long-term.
We provide clear communication with full transparency throughout. Client relationships are nurtured through consistent communication, and strengthened by our ability to overcome even the toughest people resourcing challenges. No hidden intent or costs, our processes are tested, proven and highly scalable - whether you’re seeking one specialist or a complete team build out. The stages of our approach are as follows:
We begin with an in-depth discovery session, investing time in exploring your business, the opportunity requirements, expectations, broader impacts and more. We speak frankly and openly about salaries, skills and availability from a highly informed position.
With insights obtained we utilise an extensive database, network connections, our partners, market maps and various resources to build a high-calibre candidate shortlist.
People of interest then undergo a comprehensive assessment that looks at alignment with the role, personal aspirations and business culture fit. Qualification steps are also designed to gain candidate buy-in, removing any surprises later in the process.
Once qualified, candidates are presented to you for consideration and interview. We ensure that pre-interview you're already sure how they align to requirements – allowing you instead, to focus on more nuanced demands and the actual person.
We then focus on removing risks, co-ordinating interviews, setting expectations and preparing both parties. With a final selection made, we assist in mitigating the complexities that follow. Handling counteroffers, conducting negotiations and providing tailored support.
Our services don’t end the day a candidate starts. It's easier to work with a firm that is invested in you. We continue to maintain consistent communication with all parties, nurturing close and lasting relationships.
Stage 1: Discover
Your engagement with Caspian One will start with a detailed discovery meeting. Given our knowledge and understanding of the technology markets, you are saved from having to explain what you do, and how you do it. Instead we’ll speak frankly about genuine requirements, future aspirations and mutual objectives.
This in-depth session also empowers us to hold credible conversations with candidates – for example, when discussing transferrable skills, capabilities and business culture.
Topics would include:
Company value proposition - USPs, mission, values, culture, people
The logic behind the hire and its broader impact
A greater understanding of your business
In-depth overview of the opportunity, accountabilities & impact
Detailed requirements for the role – 'must-haves' and urgency
Expectations, skills and experience levels - who the candidate is
Budget, timelines and process
Where we can provide added value
Stage 2: Identify
With information from the discovery phase collated and documented, a bespoke search strategy is then devised by our team. This stage is vital to de-risk the process, as you'll be delegating responsibilities to us – making Caspian One accountable for results and delivery.
At the outset, we ask you to invest more time than you would when briefing a traditional recruiter. However, this time is then recouped across the process - with no low quality, unqualified or inaccurate CV's to review and time saved by not interviewing irrelevant candidates.
During the identification stage, the depth, breadth and level of detail we reach ensures no rock is left unturned. There's a finite number of people at any one time, that will match role parameters. We find them and those with the potential to become what is required, utilising:
Caspian One's extensive database
Network connections and communities
Industry insiders, influencers and partners
Online resources – social channels, groups, pages, forums, etc.
Real-world networking and events
Targeted advertising campaigns
Headhunting best practices
Resources in comparative industries
Stage 3: Qualify
The end goal of this stage is to gain a full and accurate picture of each candidate, that both aligns with role requirements and your businesses culture. Additionally, qualification steps are designed to gain complete candidate buy-in, removing any surprises for either you or the candidate later.
Armed with your employer value proposition and our in-depth industry knowledge, we'll approach candidates - promoting your company and benefits of the position. it's on us to individualise how the role is presented, using our experience to ensure alignment with each persons unique aspirations and needs.
With interest attained we then conduct comprehensive qualification assessments that consider a candidate's technical and/or commercial competencies, personality profiling and their match with your organisations values, people and culture. This stage includes:
Assessment of competencies, experiences and crossover skills
'Get to know you' relationship building to establish life and career progression fit
Use of our industry knowledge to sell the career-enhancing elements of the role
Using insights obtained at the start of the search to market your company / the position
Presentation of company benefits, values, culture, past and future commercials
Assessment of cultural fit
Preventative actions to discover any problems or issues that could arise
Stage 4: Support
Once thoroughly qualified, short-listed candidates will be shared with you for consideration. We help you interpret qualification data as we progress into the interview stages, ensuring that when you meet the candidate you’re already confident of the ability to do the job. This allows your interview to focus instead, on the actual person and nuanced, company specific requirements.
During interviewing we liaise with all parties - sharing advice and guidance, interpreting levels of interest, managing any threats and gaining valuable feedback. Where before our focus was on finding the right people, now our attention is on achieving the best experience for all involved!
From a clients perspective this includes management of candidate-side interviewing, assisting with interview times, dates, locations, travel and unforeseen circumstances. It also includes our experienced guidance and support. For candidates our assistance comes in the form of 1:1 briefings, interview advice, preparation, behaviour training and understanding of the company.
Stage 5: Mitigate
Once a final selection is made, we assist in mitigating the complexities that follow. We provide a managed service that liaises between both parties, handling foreseen counteroffers and providing any post-offer support necessary. From the date the offer is made until the candidate's start date, we are on-hand to deliver tailored support.
In the case of people you don't progress with, we responsibly handle their exit from the process with sensitivity and professionalism. A positive impression of your organisation must be maintained, should that person be of interest later or influential in future hiring activity.
Stage 6: Aftercare
For some firms, a candidate start date is seen as the end of the process. For us at Caspian One, this is just the start of our strategic partnership. We care what happens next. We maintain consistent communication with you and our candidates, long-term – looking to understand if it was the right fit, how the role may be evolving, future company aspirations, upcoming projects and more.
As a client, it's much easier for you to work with a search firm that is invested in you. At Caspian One, we firmly believe our success lies in nurturing close and lasting relationships that give added value to all.
Recommendations
"It was a great pleasure working with Paul. He is an incredibly hard-working, genuine and attentive recruiter. He put a lot of time and care to help me prepare for the interview process. His experience is really valuable and he made a huge positive impact on my job search progress. I am very thankful for his guidance.”
Analyst, Junior Trader - source
"A true professional recruiter. Her dedication and work ethics truly impress me. She kept me in contact on all stages of the interview and patiently answered all my questions. She is energetic and reaches beyond to help candidates. She is very good at identifying talents and understanding candidates. I really enjoyed working with her and would recommend to anyone.”
Software Developer - source
"From day one he has been helpful, honest, impartial and overall made the interview cycle/process so much more rewarding than it has ever been for me. (I usually find the process quite cumbersome) Somehow, he finds the perfect balance of keeping his client's interests at heart, all while treating you as if you were his own client. If you ever have the opportunity to work with him, you will understand exactly where I'm coming from!.”
Front-End Web Developer - source
"Danielle is a dedicated professional with an in depth knowledge of the CM IT and FI job market. Danielle was an integral part of my placement and went above and beyond in keeping communication lines open even with the time difference between Toronto, ON and London, UK. Danielle was great in leveraging her knowledge of the job market to empower candidates. I would recommend Danielle to anyone looking to further their career.”
Senior Business Analyst - source
I am usually skeptical of recruiters, but Paul is an exception. Paul is by far the best recruiter I have worked with. I really liked his hustle and willingness to land me interviews with various companies. He is a very professional recruiter who likes to get things done as quickly as possible -- I also liked that he is a sports fan and can talk to you about soccer (football)!
Within one month of him first contacting me, he has managed to land me several phone interviews as well as on site interviews. I was placed at a very good company thanks to his efforts. I would definitely work with Paul again in the future. By far a specialist in his field.”
Systems Developer - source
”Jack stands apart from other recruiters I worked with as having a thoughtful and thorough approach. Jack offered me some useful advice and feedback. I fell more like working with a partner then a headhunter.”
Senior Solutions Architect - source