How We Work

A phone-first approach for searches that have stalled past thirty days.

Specializing in Stalled Searches 

When a search has been open for 60+ days, something isn’t working. Maybe the compensation is off. Maybe the requirements are unrealistic. Maybe the previous recruiter just couldn’t reach the right candidates.

We specialize in identifying what’s holding the search back and getting the process moving again. Sometimes that means having a hard conversation about market realities. Other times, it means picking up the phone and reaching candidates others couldn’t.

Why Searches Stall

1. Compensation below market rate for the requirements

2. Unrealistic combination of skills and experience

3. Remote location without relocation support

4. Recruiters using passive sourcing methods

5. Candidates not responding to InMail and emails

6. Poor candidate experience during interviews

We’ll tell you exactly what’s blocking your search, quickly and honestly.

The Phone-First Process

From discovery call to successful hire, here’s how we work.

01

Discovery Call

We start with a detailed conversation about your role, company culture, compensation structure, and what has made the search challenging. We will give you honest feedback on whether we can help. This only works if we can collaborate closely throughout the process. If you need a recruiter you can hand off to and forget about, we are not the right fit.

02

Target Development

We research your competitors and adjacent companies to identify where your ideal candidates work. We build a focused target list of specific individuals, not just job titles.

03

Phone-First Outreach

We pick up the phone and have real conversations. Not scripted pitches. Genuine discussions about career goals, current challenges, and whether this opportunity makes sense for them.

04

Candidate Presentation

We present only candidates we have spoken with directly and believe are genuinely interested and qualified. You will receive detailed insights from our conversations, not resume summaries.
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05

Interview Coordination

We manage the interview process, gather feedback from both sides, and address any concerns. We will tell you if a candidate is losing interest or has competing offers.

06

Offer & Close

We help navigate offer negotiations, counteroffers, and resignation concerns. Our job is not done when the offer is accepted. It is done when your new hire starts.

What Makes Me Different

A side-by-side comparison of our approach versus typical agencies.

Feature

Steven Cardwell

Typical Agencies

Feature

Phone Calls, Not InMails

Steven Cardwell

R

Direct phone conversations with every candidate

Typical Agencies

Mass InMail campaigns and automated sequences

Feature

Targeted Research

Steven Cardwell

R

Specific individuals identified at target companies

Typical Agencies

Keyword searches and database blasts

Feature

Honest Assessment

Steven Cardwell

R

Will tell you if your search is unrealistic

Typical Agencies

Accept searches they cannot fill, then make excuses

Feature

Candidate Knowledge

Steven Cardwell

R

Detailed insights from real conversations

Typical Agencies

Resume summaries and job board applications

Feature

Stalled Search Specialty

Steven Cardwell

R

Specialize in 30+ day open searches

Typical Agencies

Cherry-pick easy fills, avoid difficult searches

How We Work Together

We work on contingency fees, which means you only pay when we successfully place someone. No retainer unless we are working non-exclusively, in which case a retainer ensures we can dedicate the resources your search requires. Fee percentages are negotiated based on search complexity, timeline, and whether we are working exclusively. Exclusive searches get priority and better pricing because we can invest more resources knowing we are your dedicated partner. We typically offer a ninety-day guarantee, meaning if a placed candidate leaves within that period, we will find a replacement at no additional cost. The exact guaranteed terms depend on the specific search and are agreed upon before we start. One requirement is non-negotiable. We need to work together closely throughout the process. We will need timely feedback after interviews, honest communication about concerns, and quick decision-making when we find the right person. If you need a recruiter, you can hand a search to and forget about, we are not the right fit. Our best results come from true collaboration with clients who are as invested in filling the role as we are.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What types of roles do you specialize in?

We focus on mid-senior level professional roles—typically Director, VP, and Manager positions with salaries ranging from $100K to $250K. Our sweet spot is specialized roles that require specific industry experience or technical expertise that makes them difficult to fill through traditional recruiting.

What's your fee structure?

We work on contingency, meaning you only pay when we successfully place someone. Fee percentages are negotiated based on search complexity and whether we work exclusively. See the How We Work Together section above for complete details.

How long does a typical search take?

Our average time-to-fill is 47 days for searches that have already been open for 60+ days with other agencies. For new searches, expect 30-45 days depending on role complexity and location.

What if you can't fill the roll?

If we can’t find qualified candidates, we’ll tell you honestly what’s blocking the search; whether it’s compensation, requirements, or market availability. We’d rather have an honest conversation than waste your time.

Do you have a guarantee?

Yes. If a placed candidate leaves within 90 days for any reason, We’ll replace them at no additional fee.

What industries do you work with?

We work across 10+ industries including financial services, manufacturing, automotive, oil & gas, food & beverage, defense, and more. Our phone-first methodology works across sectors because it’s about reaching people, not matching keywords.

GET IN TOUCH

Ready to Work Together?

If you have a challenging search that needs an experienced recruiter who actually picks up the phone, let's talk.

Get in touch