As the owner of a successful and growing business, Greg Smith’s days are very full, often with back-to-back meetings. He is also active in the political and cultural life of the community, for example, sitting on a number of boards. Greg needed a full-time executive assistant to help him manage the complexity of his day, and he wanted someone as soon as possible. But with his busy schedule, he had little time to invest in finding the right candidate.

Greg turned to Parker Staffing to conduct this search, asking that they get started as quickly as possible. But he had only an hour available to meet with Parker Recruiter Courtney O’Brien-McFarland before leaving on a business trip. She got an excellent overview then of the situation, but needed many more details about Greg, Urban Visions, and the duties of the position to be filled. So she took the initiative while he was away in order to respond quickly and effectively to his request.

First, Courtney researched the company on the Internet. Then she interviewed other employees, including the CFO and another administrative assistant. The CFO connection was especially helpful, as he gave her the name and contact information for Greg’s former assistant. Courtney then met with this individual from whom she learned not only about the responsibilities of the position, but also what had made her successful.

Next Courtney drafted a presentation that summarized the company’s history, current projects, and Greg’s business philosophy, vision, and community affiliations—as well as a description of the job and benefits available. Using this information, she identified three highly qualified, well-informed, and motivated candidates. She drew up a profile for each containing his or her resume, results of reference checks, and salary history. She even included interview questions for Greg to use.