ETSP 16-STEP / 5-PHASE TALENT ACQUISITION PROCESS
A disciplined, human-first recruiting process from kickoff through successful onboarding
PHASE 1
DISCOVERY & SEARCH STRATEGY
Steps 1–3
PHASE 2
SEARCH LAUNCH & CANDIDATE IDENTIFICATION
Steps 4–6
PHASE 3
QUALIFICATION & CANDIDATE PRESENTATION
Steps 7–11
PHASE 4
CLIENT INTERVIEW & SELECTION
Steps 12–14
PHASE 5
OFFER, ONBOARDING & RETENTION
Steps 15–16
PHASE 1 — DISCOVERY & SEARCH STRATEGY
1.REQUEST / KICKOFF CONVERSATION | Schedule a 15–20 minute conversation with the Hiring Manager. |
2. KICKOFF MEETING AGENDA | Confirm job details; must-have qualifications; preferred/ideal experience; targeted start date; communication and working practices; compensation range; interview process and number of stages; salary flexibility; and expectations for follow-up. |
3. ETSP 45-DAY RECRUITING PLAN | ETSP develops the recruiting plan and search scope based on the requirements identified during the kickoff meeting, with the plan shared within 24 hours. |
PHASE 2 — SEARCH LAUNCH & CANDIDATE IDENTIFICATION
4. POSITION PROFILE CREATED | ETSP executes the recruiting plan and creates the detailed Position Profile used to communicate the opportunity and guide the search. |
5. SOURCE CANDIDATES | Identify and build the initial candidate pool through targeted sourcing and ETSP’s network. |
6. SELECT CANDIDATES FOR OUTREACH | Review the initial candidate pool and determine which individuals should receive direct outreach based on the search requirements. |
PHASE 3 — QUALIFICATION & CANDIDATE PRESENTATION
7. SCREEN RESPONDED CANDIDATES | Screen candidates who respond to determine initial qualification against the position requirements. |
8. CANDIDATE INTERVIEW & CAREER SUMMARY | Qualified candidates participate in an approximately one-hour interview. ETSP develops the Candidate Guide / Career Summary. |
9. DEEP-DIVE CANDIDATE VETTING | Conduct a 45–60 minute screening to assess skills, experience, compensation expectations, motivation, and cultural fit with the client’s organization and team. |
10. CANDIDATE GUIDE REVIEW | Review the completed Candidate Guide with the candidate via Teams to confirm accuracy, completeness, and presentation before submission. |
11. CANDIDATE SUBMISSION | Submit the completed Candidate Guide and resume to the Hiring Manager / client. |
PHASE 4 — CLIENT INTERVIEW & SELECTION
12. INTERVIEW PROCESS BEGINS | Candidate enters the client’s interview process, with multiple stages expected. ETSP provides interview preparation and coaching. |
13. POST-INTERVIEW DEBRIEF | Conduct debriefing sessions with the Hiring Manager after each interview stage and maintain communication with the candidate. |
14. OFFER & NEGOTIATION | Candidate reaches the offer stage. ETSP provides guidance and support throughout compensation and offer negotiations. |
PHASE 5 — OFFER, ONBOARDING & RETENTION
15. ONBOARDING SUPPORT | ETSP remains in contact with the candidate throughout the onboarding process through the official start date. |
16. 30–60 DAY FOLLOW-THROUGH | ETSP conducts regular weekly candidate check-ins through the first 30–60 days, supporting a successful transition through the applicable non-refundable fee milestone. |
