It is our firm belief that only through a true partnership with our clients can Durakis Executive Search deliver the top talent for their executive management positions. To that end, we have identified the following responsibilities for our clients necessary for a successful search:

• Be realistic. What is your value proposition as an employer and can you truly attract an "A" player?

• Communicate your vision of what your organization will look like in one year from now with the ideal candidate in the role you are trying to fill.

• Make sure each person on your interview team is prepared to ask good questions and listen to the candidate's needs and concerns. Each team member must be capable of clearly communicating the opportunities to the candidate.

• You must help me to learn your culture. Allow me to meet and talk with as many people as possible that will interact with the candidate, as well as individuals who will help shape the company's future.

• Determine what is more important in a candidate, potential or experience? Should the candidate have already been successful accomplishing and managing the responsibilities and challenges of the position? Or is it sufficient for the candidate to have the ability to be a star if provided with the right opportunity?

• Describe to me how your company recognizes achievement and cultivates its leaders.

• Provide me with some detail about the executive and support team surrounding the position to be filled. Will the candidate be challenged and stimulated by these people?

• Be prepared to address contract or severance issues. The best candidates expect protection and security in the event things don't work out with your company as their employer.

• What are the specifics this candidate needs to accomplish over the next 12 months for me to achieve an "A" for the search?