FAQ
Executive Search
1. What does your fee structure look like?
I work with a fixed fee per level, not a percentage of the annual salary. The fee is invoiced in three installments:
- 1/3 at the start,
- 1/3 as soon as two candidates are successfully shortlisted,
- 1/3 upon signing the contract.
I accept a limited number of assignments at a time, which gives me the time and focus to complete your project thoroughly. You’ll receive clear updates on progress and the assurance that we’re fully dedicated to finding the right leader for your organization.
2. Do you only work in Belgium?
No. I have extensive experience in neighboring countries and have also completed searches in Serbia, the Czech Republic, Spain, Italy, and the Nordic region. In addition, I’ve worked successfully in Russia, Israel, and South Africa.
3. Do you also work confidentially?
Yes. Confidentiality is central to my approach. I regularly conduct searches under NDA, for example when replacing executives or for sensitive leadership roles that cannot be disclosed publicly. You can be confident the search will be handled discreetly and professionally, without drawing unwanted attention in the market.
Communication will only take place with the necessary stakeholders, and always in consultation with you. This way, you can be confident that continuity within your organization is maintained while we work behind the scenes to ensure the right follow-up.
4. How do you handle off-limits and conflicts of interest?
Active clients are always off-limits. In addition, I deliberately avoid working in the same sector simultaneously to ensure my independence. Since I frequently collaborate with private equity firms, their portfolio companies are automatically off-limits. Even when no active search is in progress, I maintain that integrity and do not actively approach their candidates.
Off-limits also applies to all candidates I’ve placed, as long as they remain with the same company. This way, you can be assured that I always work ethically and with integrity, respecting both client and candidate.
5. What do you expect from us as a client?
Fast feedback, access to the right decision-makers, and clarity about the offer and the decision-making process. I also expect openness to feedback and a willingness to refine the search. This way, we ensure that we not only maintain momentum but also find the ideal leader for your organization.
6. How long does it take to find the right candidate?
I’ll present the first candidate within three to four weeks. Based on your feedback, we’ll continue the search for additional candidates to ensure the right choice is made quickly and effectively.
7. How many candidates will I meet?
You will typically meet two to three carefully selected candidates. Each one is thoroughly screened for experience, personality, and cultural fit, ensuring you spend time only on conversations that truly matter.
8. What if there is no suitable candidate?
I’ll keep working until we’ve found the right leader. If, during the search, the profile turns out to be too ambitious or unrealistic, we’ll discuss this together and adjust it. This way, the search remains feasible and focused on a solution that truly helps your organization move forward.
9. What if the profile needs to be adjusted?
That’s possible. During the search, we’ll adjust where necessary – for example, in skills, experience, or personality. Because your context is constantly changing, I ensure the search evolves accordingly. This way, the candidate we propose always remains relevant to your current needs.
10. Do you help with the offer?
Yes. I manage the entire offer process and often act as a neutral intermediary. Difficult questions or sensitive topics can be discussed confidentially, without the conversation stalling.
I help build a strong offering thanks to my experience as an HR manager and my expertise in buy-in processes and transitions from employee to freelancer. Especially in processes where tension or complexity arise, such as private equity or a sensitive leadership transition, I make a difference by ensuring both parties reach a mutual agreement smoothly.
11. Do you also provide guidance after the start?
Yes. I stay involved after someone has started. I schedule check-ins after about one, three, and six months. This can go on longer, depending on the situation. I stay in touch with both parties so I hear feedback from both sides and we can make timely adjustments where necessary.
12. What if the candidate is not a good fit after a few months?
I offer a six-month guarantee. If the match isn’t a good one or the candidate leaves, we’ll start over at no extra cost.
13. Why should I choose you?
Because I’m not a supplier, but a strategic sparring partner. I think from the business perspective, keep you sharp, and ensure you choose the leader who truly makes an impact. My approach is results-oriented and fully tailored to your context.
14. Can I also book a strategic leadership call without a specific search?
Yes, you can also book them without a specific search. I’d be happy to discuss the challenges facing your leadership team, or we can conduct a discreet market survey. This will quickly give you insight into feasibility, profiles, and timelines. Sometimes a sounding board is enough, and at the same time, you’ll immediately get a feel for whether my approach aligns with your ambitions.
HIRE Blueprint
1. What exactly does your offer entail?
You’ll receive more than just practical tools, templates, and step-by-step plans. In the on-demand masterclasses, I’ll guide you through the various steps of the HIRE Framework. I’ll illustrate them with concrete examples, inspiration, and real-world case studies. You’ll see how other companies approach it and gain ideas you can immediately apply to your own context. The tools ensure you can get started right away, whenever it suits you best.
2. How do I know this will work for my business?
The approach is based on 20 years of experience in recruitment and human capital management. I’ve worked with SMEs and teams across diverse sectors and seen what works and what doesn’t. In the masterclasses, I don’t share one-size-fits-all theory, but strategies specifically developed for companies like yours. This way, you know you’re investing in something truly applicable to your practice.
3. Which profiles is the HIRE Blueprint suitable for?
The HIRE Blueprint focuses primarily on attracting and selecting white-collar and management positions. For C-level positions, I use a separate executive search approach. If you have specific questions about blue-collar positions, we can discuss whether the Blueprint is right for you.
4. Is this suitable for people without recruitment experience?
Yes. The masterclasses guide you step by step. You’ll see, using concrete examples, how you can quickly and efficiently attract people, even with limited experience. It’s a way to gain structure and make better decisions, without having to constantly rediscover what works.
5. How quickly will I see results?
For your next job opening. In the masterclasses, I show you how small adjustments, for example, in your job description, resume selection, or interviewing style, can yield immediately noticeable results. Candidates respond faster, you’ll have fewer interviews, and you’ll feel more confident in the choices you make. It’s not a magic bullet, but the progress is often visible from the very first application.
6. What will I actually save?
A bad hire or a search that takes too long costs you much more than just money. It delays projects, puts pressure on your existing team, and drains your company’s energy.
- Open positions costs an average of €300 to €1000 per day. Imagine getting someone on board weeks or months faster. You’ll immediately feel the difference in revenue and team dynamics.
- Fees of a recruitment agency Costs quickly add up: €12.000 to €18.000 per hire, often higher for senior profiles. With the Blueprint, you reduce your dependency and manage the process yourself.
- Interview time is valuable time. With the HIRE Blueprint, you interview only suitable candidates, cutting your interviews in half. This saves you and your team hours. And did you know that an interview costs an average of €430 (we’ve calculated it).
- Mismatches are the most expensive mistake: a bad hire easily costs over €24.000. By selecting smarter and guiding candidates better, you can avoid these losses.
So the savings go beyond just numbers: you also gain focus and speed in your growth.
7. Do I have to start with a specific module?
No, you can start with any module. Each module is self-contained and provides you with concrete insights and tools you can apply immediately. At the same time, the modules build logically on each other. If you follow them in the correct order, you’ll have a complete framework that structures your recruitment from start to finish.
8. What if I get stuck during the process or don't understand something?
You are never alone.
- Via Emergency Line You can ask me short questions via WhatsApp. You’ll get a clear answer quickly, so you can get started right away.
- With Just call Isabel You can schedule a short Teams call every day between 9 and 10. Useful if you’re stuck in a conversation, unsure about a candidate, or just want to chat.
My goal is for you to feel confident in every step. You’ll always have a sounding board and never be alone.
9. Can I combine this with my current workload?
Yes. The course is deliberately structured with short, manageable modules that you can take at your convenience. The masterclasses provide immediate, concrete examples, saving you time rather than creating extra work. Expect to spend about 1 to 2 hours per week, but you’ll quickly recoup that time because your process will run more efficiently and you’ll waste less time on pointless conversations. Even with a busy schedule, you’ll make progress because you’ll immediately apply the insights to your current vacancies.
10. How long do I have access to the course?
You have lifetime access to all masterclasses, tools, and templates. So you can always come back to refresh your knowledge or revisit a section when you have a new vacancy. Moreover, the course is regularly updated with new insights and tools, so you stay up-to-date at no extra cost. It’s a permanent resource that grows with you.
11. What is the difference with a traditional education or HR training?
The HIRE Blueprint isn’t an HR course. The masterclasses provide the explanations and inspiration you need, including concrete examples. Using the tools and templates, you can get started right away. You don’t have to wait for the next workshop or training day: you can apply everything directly to your business, whenever it suits you best.
12. Does online work as well as in person?
Yes. The HIRE Blueprint is designed for online use. The advantage is that you can learn whenever it suits you, without travel time or blocking your schedule. The modules are short and to the point, so you can quickly apply what you’ve learned. If you’d like more in-depth information or to get started in person, be sure to send me an email. We’ll see how I can best help you.
