The Search Process

AEM International has a team who are experienced in international search for the arts, entertainment and the creative industries. Our track record, coupled with our individual professional and personal experience make for a powerful partnership for our clients.

Upon appointment to search, our first step always involves a period of consultation, talking individually in confidence to you, your Board and to any other key personnel you can identify who are involved in this appointment. These discussions are very important as they help our team build up a picture of your organisation, its culture and objectives and of the kind of person we need to find who will fit in to your environment and fulfil your criteria.

We will prepare and agree with you a candidate briefing document. This will ensure we have a vibrant message positioning your company as an employer of choice. Equally the document will reflect your global positioning, defined brand values and strategic vision, as well as detailing the scope of the role.

Within four weeks, we will submit an initial market report with a reflection of profiles and market soundings. Although we use our extensive database compiled from previous searches in all these fields, our searches are predominantly made up of fresh identification rather than accessing candidates from a database.

At the same time as the search process is underway, we will work with your HR and marketing teams to prepare copy for an advertisement and advise where this should be placed to reach the widest, most appropriate candidature. We will handle all responses on your behalf and present you with an analysis of applicants against agreed criteria.  All potential candidates from both the search and advertising processes will be interviewed by one consultant to maintain a consistency of assessment standards, equality of opportunity and to ensure that your company benefits from positive market positioning.

 If required, we will advise on the format of the final interviews, preparing relevant questions and assisting the panel in reaching a consensus at the conclusion of the day, which results in an appointment being made. We are then available to assist you in developing an appropriate compensation and relocation package, as well as finalising other aspects of the offer necessary to recruit the preferred candidate successfully.

Heather Newill, Managing Director of AEM International, assumes responsibility for all searches, leveraging her considerable market and functional expertise to achieve greatest success.