The shortlist

Illustrative candidate pack

Evidence you can make a decision with.

A name and a CV are not a shortlist. This is the level of evidence and practical detail we prepare before asking a client to spend time with a candidate.

Important

This example is fictional. It demonstrates the format and depth of our work, not a real person or assignment.

What arrives

Three to five people. Each one properly considered.

Every candidate has discussed the specific role, expressed interest in progressing, been checked for practical alignment and given permission to be presented. The pack records the case for meeting them and the questions still worth asking.

Candidate 02 / Commercial leadership

A scaleup builder who can bring discipline without slowing the team.

Recommended
Current scope
Commercial Director, B2B software
Base expectation
£145,000 to £155,000
Location
London, open to three office days
Availability
Three month notice period
Search partner view

The strongest match where the brief calls for somebody who has already built the operating rhythm behind growth. Clear on the difference between personally closing revenue and creating a team that can do it consistently. Interested because the remit has genuine authority and the product is ready for a more deliberate enterprise motion.

Assessment against the brief

Essential criteria

  1. 01

    Built a repeatable enterprise sales motion

    Led the move from founder led selling to a six person team. Introduced qualification, forecasting and weekly deal review.

    Strong evidence
  2. 02

    Experience in a business at a comparable stage

    Joined at £3m annual recurring revenue and helped grow the business beyond £14m over three years.

    Directly relevant
  3. 03

    Can lead and still stay close to deals

    Continues to join material opportunities, coach discovery and take personal ownership of strategic accounts.

    Test further
  4. 04

    Credible with founders and investors

    Owns the board revenue narrative, produces the forecast and has supported two successful funding processes.

    Strong evidence
Motivation

Why this role

Wants full ownership of the commercial build and direct access to the founders. Not interested in a narrow sales management brief.

Question to resolve

What needs testing

Most recent team was better resourced than the current plan. Test appetite for a leaner first year and personal involvement in priority deals.

Interest confirmedPractical fit checkedPermission to present
Separate output

The market map is useful. It is not the shortlist.

We can show who was identified, approached and ruled out, along with themes from the market. Those profiles help you understand the search. They do not count towards the three to five screened and interested candidates we have committed to present.

Read our shortlist standard

Ready to turn the role into a sharper brief?

Tell us who you need to hire.

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