Executive Search Blog
Our executive search blog offers expert insights into a range of recruitment and business topics.
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HRIS, HCM, and HR Software: Growing and Competing for Top Talent
The success of these HR tech companies doesn't solely rely on the innovative solutions they offer. Like every other sector, their ability to scale and innovate is directly tied to their ability to attract, retain, and develop top-tier talent.

The Changing Face of Office Work in London: Insights from Oakstone International
We asked our Divisional Directors and Managing Consultant thoughts on London workers spending less time in the office.

The 10 Core Principles That Drive Oakstone's Success
At Oakstone, we've honed our approach to finding high-performing leaders and creating results-driven teams for our clients. Our success is built on our people and experience, and we maximise effectiveness to deliver exceptional results for both candidates and companies.

How to Hire an External CEO as an Early-Stage Startup
This guide will walk you through the process, from understanding the need for an external CEO to making the final hiring decision.

The Benefits Of Collaborative Hiring
In the world of Talent Acquisition, collaboration is key. At Oakstone International, history has clearly shown that internal TA teams and external recruiters can achieve remarkable results when they work together.

Streamlining Recruitment Plans for Growing AI Companies
The AI industry is in need of skilled professionals. Streamline your recruitment plans by using these tips.

How To Manage a Counter Offer
If you have considered leaving your current position, you would have already analysed why you want to change jobs. During this analysis, you would have identified and worked to resolve issues within your or your manager's control.

How To Streamline Your Cybersecurity Recruitment Plan
Partnering with executive search firms can provide cybersecurity companies a strategic advantage in securing top-tier professionals who meet their specific needs, streamlining their recruitment plans and growth.

How To Prioritise Recruitment Without Losing Focus
Steven Bartlett, founder of Social Chain Group and host of Diary of a CEO, publicly announced he allocates a substantial amount of time—25 to 30 hours per week—towards internal recruitment. While this level of dedication showcases his commitment to building a strong team, it's not always feasible or practical for everyone. For most leaders, a strategic approach is necessary to manage recruitment effectively without neglecting other pivotal responsibilities.

The Benefits of Using a Specialist Recruiter to Find Talent
Businesses often turn to recruiters to save time and money on talent acquisition, however, a specialist recruiter offers even more significant advantages for sectors with unique skill requirements, such as technology, SaaS and FinTech.

How Can You Optimise Your Hiring Process?
Talent acquisition is a crucial component in driving organisational success. However, the traditional methods of advertising job roles, while providing broad exposure, often result in an influx of unqualified candidates. This inefficiency can be particularly detrimental when hiring for executive-level positions, where the stakes are higher, and the need for the right fit is critical.

Scaling Your SaaS GTM Team Effectively
Constructing a resilient Go-To-Market (GTM) team is imperative for maintaining competitiveness and fostering sustainable growth in any technology company. The GTM team is pivotal in creating strategies for reaching and engaging customers; however, scaling this team effectively can present its own challenges.

Is AI Impacting Your Company Recruitment Experience?
While AI enhances efficiency and decision-making, it can also impact the candidate experience in ways that might not align with your company's values and goals.

Advice from SaaS Leaders: Building Winning Teams as a Start-Up
Start up advice from Fractional CRO and Sales Leader Nick Bareham, Ex VP of Sales at Cyara Perry Gale and Advisor at One Peak Partner Investors Martin Moran.

The Power of Search Firms for Building Go-to-Market Teams
The Software as a Service (SaaS) industry's success hinges on more than just cutting-edge technology; it relies on the ability to build high-performing go-to-market teams that drive revenue growth and customer satisfaction.

How Ghosting Can Impact Your Business? And The Solution
Ghosting candidates or abruptly cutting off communication with them without any explanation or follow-up can have several negative impacts on a company's brand; however, research suggests that this doesn’t stop hiring managers from continuing to ghost candidates.

What is Quiet Hiring? Business Balance and Risk
While quiet hiring offers several advantages, including cost savings, a potential downside is the risk of employee burnout. Here's how organisations can navigate this delicate balance:

The Emergence of the Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer
It's not only AI companies which are expanding on the new technologies. Data shows that countless organisations are building out an AI-skilled workforce. That includes the decision to appoint or hire a chief artificial intelligence officer (CAIO). Guest contributions from Dr. Andrea Isoni, Guillaume Laport and Dan Hammond Smith.

The Evolution of Customer Success in 2024
It's not merely a buzzword; Customer Success is gaining a fundamental shift in how businesses approach relationships. As we delve into Gartner's predictions for 2024, it becomes increasingly evident that customer success is not just a trend but a strategic imperative for organisations across industries.

Navigating the Age Conundrum in the Job Market
In today's competitive job market, age has become a significant factor influencing hiring decisions. There's a prevalent misconception that younger talent is preferred solely due to their high energy levels, but the underlying driver often boils down to cost-effectiveness. This bias has created a complex scenario where both younger and older professionals face challenges in securing employment opportunities that align with their expectations.