| | SEPTEMBER 2023MANAGEHRMAGAZINE.COM8In MyOpinionWhat is currently the biggest challenge for an executive search firm? A frequent response would be the shortage of talent or the lack of certain skills in the candidates. The Great Resignation would also resound. However, I would like to focus on another big challenge that, regardless of the market (with its own economic, social, or political circumstances), is of vital importance and could make a huge difference in terms of the adaptation and permanence of the selected candidates. And, without a doubt, one of the main factors for the long-term relationship between talent search firms and their customers. I refer to it as a cultural fit.Usually, recruiters or headhunters look for the affinity of the candidates with the companies through in-depth interviews and the application of psychometric and competency tests. They try to match the work style and personality traits with their organizational cultures.However, Culture goes far beyond work style, the interests of the candidates, or even their motivations. Culture implies beliefs, values, standard practices, and ideologies. It is a whole philosophy that makes that company unique (for better or for worse). It is its essence.So, what would be the ideal way to measure the compatibility of a candidate with a company? The deep involvement of the recruiter with the client seems to be the best way. The recruiter must have the opportunity to do an immersion in which they not only read the mission, vision, and values in a poster or brochure but also experience THE CHALLENGES OF EXECUTIVE SEARCH AND CULTURAL FITBy Itzel Gama, Regional Director, Human Resources Latin America and Africa, Starkey Hearing Itzel Gama
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