How We Work

A proven, seven-stage process to finding the right fit

We are advocates for both you and the prospective candidates we put forward; after all, a successful outcome will be the right fit for both parties. Ours is a tailored process, of listening, understanding and forensic evaluation and assessment over a series of refining stages, from initial consultation to on-boarding and in-post support and development.

Click on the links below to read more about how we ensure you always place the right person in the right role.

Stage 1: Defining the role profile
Stage 1: Defining the role profile
Our starting point is to listen in order to develop a profound understanding of your business – its culture, organisational objectives, products, services, financial performance, market perception, competitive environment and position within your industry sector.We consult with key stakeholders to understand the role and its value to the organisation – the technical/capability requirements and responsibilities as well as the necessary emotional intelligence and interpersonal attributes required. We will then compile a detailed profile of the ideal candidate and agree delivery timescales.
Stage 2: Exploring the talent pool
Stage 2: Exploring the talent pool
Built over many years, our proven track record in the regions we serve, means we are uniquely positioned to leverage extensive talent networks and referrals to help you find the right people to give you the competitive edge. Because many of our engagements require unique skill-sets, we also have the value-added option of delving discreetly into a deep pool of ‘passive’ talent to find your exact match.Our reputation is built on integrity and trust. In the rare instance that we can’t find a suitable match, we’ll tell you. We won’t ever waste your time by puttiing forward someone who is unsuitable. In situations like this, we offer a range of value-added options, from online branded advertising to campaign microsites, that will extend the reach. These kinds of options are particularly beneficial for high-profile roles where you need to take a branded message about the organisation to the wider market to attract the right calibre of person.
Stage 3: Matching people to the role profile
Stage 3: Matching people to the role profile
Taking the time to build and manage relationships effectively is crucial for a successful outcome. Stage 3 is the flipside of Stage 1, where, this time, we listen carefully to our candidates, ensuring their career aspirations, work–life balance, personal development needs, technical capability, cultural fit and behavioural characteristics are clearly understood and align with any opportunities we discuss and share.We take the same rigorous approach in assessing, challenging and supporting candidates as we do with our clients, informing them of the application process and the timescales involved. The one thing the people we place appreciate above everything else is our communication – the fact that we proactively stay in touch.
Stage 4: Match-assessment and evaluation
Stage 4: Match-assessment and evaluation
We utilise a comprehensive range of sophisticated profiling and testing tools to give you the in depth and accurate insight to make the right decision. As part of a selection process these tools take you beyond a limiting and not always reliable past-performance-and-experience approach to a more holistic, accurate and predictive model that also profiles a candidate’s personality, emotional intelligence and interpersonal style. This kind of profiling can be an invaluable interview aid for developing questions that probe strengths and areas for development, too.Your specific context is our defining criterion. It is a proven approach that enables us to predict a prospective employee’s ability to adapt and develop within an organisation, ensuring a cultural as well as technical-capabilities-based fit. This is especially common practice for CEO, executive, director, senior management and other key strategic appointments.
Stage 5: Shortlisting, insight and interview
Stage 5: Shortlisting, insight and interview
Following evaluation, we will present the short-listed candidates, along with additional background information and consultant recommendations. As appropriate, we share our in-depth evaluation reports – detailing capabilities and competencies in relation to the ideal profile, their strengths, and potential for development. This enables you to probe any particular areas of significance or concern further, during interviews. After each interview stage, feedback is obtained and interest levels carefully monitored.
Stage 6: Offer management and salary negotiation
Stage 6: Offer management and salary negotiation
We will handle the verbal offer and acceptance process, followed up by written confirmation from your organisation. In a candidate-led market where competition for the best talent is fierce, our extensive experience in promoting offers to prospective appointees can make the difference between acceptance and rejection. As your representative, our role is to provide a sounding board for candidates and resolve any outstanding issues or concerns. It is at this stage that references are thoroughly checked. Our in-depth market knowledge means we are uniquely placed to advise on an equitable remuneration and benefits package as part of the contractual negotiations.
Stage 7: On-boarding and in-post development and support
Stage 7: On-boarding and in-post development and support

Ours is a holistic, integrated approach that offers clients complete solutions – from search and selection through to employee evaluation, engagement and development. We’re in it for the long haul. We want to see your new employee flourish and your business thrive, which is why we support the appointee through their notice period, and beyond to ensure a smooth and successful transition.

Our strategic People & Change HR consultancy also offer in-post assessment and evaluation tools that enable you to predict future performance and fit. They help you focus your resources more cost effectively, identifying potential risk as well as highlighting areas for career-development investment, vital for the retention of the brightest and best leadership talent.

Working with fast-growing start-ups and SMEs to large corporates and public-sector organisations, we offer our partners a breadth and depth of industry experience and insight across a range of sectors and organisational structures that bring an objective clarity to the most complex of people-search challenges.

Their approach is a breath of fresh air.

Dave Pickering

Chief Executive, Lending Standards Board

We have worked with Lee on many occasions. He takes the time to understand the needs of the business, the role and the team dynamic.

Milissa Chesters

VP HR Europe & Corporate, Fruit of the Loom

I have used Seymour John to assist me to find both permanent and contract staff at a number of organisations. I’ve also been helped by Seymour John to find contract work myself. These interactions have all been handled extremely professionally. Emlyn and Mark have both taken the time to fully engage with me on any appointment, and provide insightful feedback when needed.

Richard Webb

Chief Compliance and Conduct Officer, Principality Building Society

Recruitment at its best.

John and his team recently placed me in my perfect role, and I have to say their recruitment process is the best I’ve come across. They took so much time to understand what I was looking for and to ultimately ensure the role I was placed in was a perfect fit.

As an employer, I wouldn’t use any other agency now I’ve been through their process as a candidate. They do so much of the work the employer usually would, saving you precious time, but more importantly giving you peace of mind you’re employing the right person. I look forward to working with them more in the future and highly recommend them to both candidates and employers.

Charlie Abraham

Assistant Director of Finance, Gloucester City Homes

Darren at Seymour John has been a pleasure to deal with throughout our most recent recruitment process. Personable and professional, he has recommended high quality candidates and ensured the process has been smooth for all parties. I have been very impressed by Seymour John, and look forward to continuing to work closely with Darren and the team in the future.

Michelle Pearce

Chief Investment Officer, Wealthify

I am delighted with the results that Maria and Seymour John have delivered during our search for a Senior Finance Manager at Swansea Building Society. She understood both us as a business and how the new appointment would add value and play a key role in our future success. She was able to provide insightful information on the availability of relevant candidates in the market, her thorough understanding of our requirement fully assured me that her recommendations would be of the right calibre.

Maria’s ability to identify and attract suitable candidates has proved to be invaluable and I was presented with a highly credible shortlist at interview stage. I look forward to working with Seymour John in the future and would recommend them to anyone looking to recruit for specialist finance roles.

Alun Williams

CEO, Swansea Building Society

We have worked with Seymour John for approximately 3 years and since the start of our relationship they have provided us with a first class service both in terms of the candidates, but also the speed with which they have reacted to our requirements. They have become one of our primary suppliers of contract resources and, in particular, in the specialist area of compliance/corporate governance arenas where they have become the lead supplier. They work very hard in ensuring that they understand their client’s business, and its particular needs, and this helps ensure that they match what the client needs to the resources they have available. It is a very straightforward relationship which is appreciated by us and they are very easy to work with. I have no hesitation in recommending this firm.

Graeme Yorston

Group Chief Executive, Principality Building Society

Trying to fill a vacancy for a Finance Analyst was proving to be a difficult task. However following contact with Simon Lowe of Seymour John, I am happy to say the challenge was far more bearable! I would highly recommend Seymour John to anyone recruiting as they go the extra mile and don’t just send an endless supply of CV’s, The impression I got was quality over quantity. I will certainly use them again going forward.

Darren Schlicht

UK Financial Controller, Advant

My experiences of Seymour John have been both rewarding and successful, through delivering a professional and quality executive search portfolio. A delivery focused organisation with clients’ interests at the core of their business. I look forward to working with you more in 2015.

Adrian Clarke, COO, Rowan Dartington

COO, Rowan Dartington

Seymour John demonstrated a real empathy with our organisation. Maria Edwards took time to listen to what we needed and created a recruitment plan that ultimately gave us a good range of quality candidates. As Director, Maria was in touch throughout the process and was always available to deal with our queries. Our search has found us an individual that was an ideal match for the organisation.

Richard Hughes

Chief Executive, Awen