How we work
Recruiting a specialist or leader takes a clear brief, relevant conversations and informed decisions on both sides.
At Dolmen Recruitment, Hugh Murray personally manages your search, from understanding the requirement through to interview feedback and offer discussions. Here is what you can expect when working with us.
Start with the business and the role
We discuss what the person needs to achieve, why you are hiring and the team they will join. We look beyond the job description to understand responsibilities, working arrangements, resources and expectations.
We also discuss remuneration, timing and what will make the opportunity attractive to relevant people. If something is likely to limit the search, we raise it early.
Agree the approach and responsibilities
We agree how to approach the assignment, whether through specialist permanent recruitment or retained executive search. The scope, commercial terms and responsibilities are discussed before the search begins.
We clarify who will be involved in hiring, the proposed interview stages and how we will share updates and feedback. A clear process helps everyone use their time well.
Reach people beyond the job advertisement
Some relevant professionals will be actively looking for a new role. Others will only consider a move when the right opportunity is put to them thoughtfully.
We combine targeted research and direct approaches with relationships built across Irish financial services. Referrals and ongoing conversations help us understand people’s experience, ambitions and what might make a move worthwhile.
Before approaching someone, we consider why the role could be relevant to them. We explain the business, the responsibilities and the opportunity clearly, then explore their interest and expectations.
Understand who can succeed in your business
Before recommending someone, we explore their experience against the actual requirements of the role.
We ask about specific responsibilities, decisions and achievements, including what they personally contributed and the circumstances in which they worked. A similar job title alone is not enough to establish suitability.
We also discuss why they are considering a move, what they want from their next role and the environment in which they do their best work. Hugh’s organisational psychology background informs these conversations, helping us consider capability alongside motivation, expectations and working style.
Candidates are introduced only with their agreement.
Receive introductions with a clear rationale
Our recommendations explain why someone is relevant to your brief, what interests them about the opportunity and the experience supporting our assessment.
We discuss remuneration expectations and availability, and highlight gaps or questions that still need exploring. You receive a considered view to support your decision about whom to meet.
Make interviews useful for both sides
We help candidates understand the role and prepare for meaningful conversations. We also help you focus interviews on the experience, capabilities and questions that matter to the appointment.
We seek feedback from both sides, clarify concerns and keep people informed. Timely, specific feedback from your team helps us maintain momentum and give candidates a fair understanding of where they stand.
Work through the offer and move towards joining
We support offer discussions and help clarify expectations before a decision is made. This includes remuneration, notice periods and the practical arrangements for joining.
Throughout the process, we encourage open discussion of concerns so both sides can make an informed commitment.
Clear communication throughout
You work directly with Hugh. We keep you informed about progress, candidate feedback and any market evidence that suggests the brief or approach needs reconsidering.
Our role is to give you useful advice and relevant introductions, while treating candidates’ time, confidence and career decisions with care.
Read our client testimonials | Explore our executive search approach | Meet Hugh Murray
Tell us about your next hire
Whether you have a defined vacancy or are still working out what the business needs, we can start with a conversation.