Should we use an executive recruiter?

For most VP+ roles, yes—but recruiters find candidates, they don't evaluate them. You still need a robust internal process to assess fit, check references, and make the final decision. This playbook complements recruiter relationships.

How do we know if we need a "first-time VP" or a "been-there VP"?

It depends on your complexity and timeline. First-time VPs are cheaper and often hungrier, but need more support. Been-there VPs bring playbooks but may cost 2x. We help you evaluate the tradeoff for your situation.

What if the executive doesn't work out?

Even with great process, some hires don't work. We include 30/60/90-day check-in frameworks to identify issues early, and guidance on executive transitions if needed. Fast recognition of misfit is key.

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Executive Hiring Playbook

Hire your first VP or C-level with confidence

Complete executive hiring process from role definition to offer negotiation. Get scorecards, interview guides, and 90-day onboarding plans for VP and C-level roles.

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How it works — and what you walk away with

Hiring your first VP of Engineering, Head of Sales, or CFO is one of the highest-stakes decisions a founder makes. Get it right and you unlock the next phase of growth. Get it wrong and you lose 12-18 months while dealing with the fallout.

Most companies fail at executive hiring because they use the same process they use for individual contributors. But executive roles require different evaluation criteria, different interview structures, and different reference checking. The skills that make someone a great senior IC rarely predict executive success.

We build comprehensive hiring playbooks for each executive role: what to look for, how to source, what questions to ask, how to evaluate, and how to close. The result is a repeatable process you can use for this hire and future executive additions.

For executive searches, the HR Leader coordinates with our CEO Coach on role definition and strategic fit, ensuring you hire a leader who complements your leadership team.

What you get

Executive Role Scorecard

Comprehensive evaluation framework with weighted criteria and scoring rubric

Interview Playbook

Complete interview guide including panel structure, questions, and evaluation forms

Reference Check Guide

Question templates and red-flag indicators for thorough reference validation

90-Day Integration Plan

Week-by-week onboarding roadmap with milestones and success metrics

What's included

Role Definition Workshop

Clarify what you actually need: scope, seniority, must-haves vs nice-to-haves

Executive Scorecard

Structured evaluation criteria weighted by importance for your specific context

Interview Guide Design

Question banks, behavioral prompts, and case studies for executive evaluation

Reference Check Framework

Structured backdoor and formal reference process to validate executive claims

Compensation Benchmarking

Market data on executive compensation including equity, bonus, and benefits

90-Day Onboarding Plan

Structured integration plan to set your new executive up for success

Who this is for

First-Time Executive Hirers

Founders hiring their first VP or C-level without prior executive recruiting experience

Companies at 50-300 Employees

Organizations building out their leadership team during rapid scaling

Boards Overseeing CEO Succession

Directors involved in executive hiring decisions who need structured evaluation

Frequently asked questions

Talent Acquisition

Leadership Development

Strategic HR

Talent Density Audit

Strategic talent assessment identifying high performers, development opportunities, and succession gaps. Get the data PE boards and executives need for workforce optimization.

Job Leveling Framework

Complete job leveling matrix with compensation bands, career ladders, and promotion criteria. Transform ad-hoc pay decisions into a scalable system.

Ready to start Executive Hiring Playbook?

Share your situation and HR Expert will scope it with you — takes about two minutes.

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