Case Study #5
Overcoming Challenges in Specialism
A technical-director search with almost no brief, solved through persistence, LinkedIn detective work, and a second placement along the way.
Consultant: Ella Choi
Background
After three years of recruiting for back-office positions at a large international firm, Ella transitioned to a smaller firm to focus on technology searches. During this time, she observed a previous back-office candidate move to the gaming industry. Ella reached out to this individual, inquiring about potential contacts responsible for technology within the industry. Through this connection, she fortuitously secured a job opportunity from a CEO, who mentioned that the role had remained unfilled for over six months.
Ella subsequently met with the CEO. Although no specific job description was provided, she documented notes from the meeting. Despite their simplicity, she found herself uncertain about the exact candidate profile they were seeking, and nearly considered abandoning the search. The position: Technical Director — to provide technical leadership for new system design, project management, and strategic planning for the department.
The Challenge
Ella systematically contacted everyone in the database relevant to the key search areas, including technical directors, new system designers, project managers, and individuals from gaming companies. She submitted three candidates, but the CEO, being extremely busy, did not respond and ultimately decided against meeting any of them. In an effort to gain further insight, Ella attempted to identify profiles from the client’s technology team—but the available information was insufficient and unreliable.
Steps Taken
Ella meticulously narrowed her search by focusing on competitors and contacted every relevant individual in the database. Out of approximately 300 candidates, she connected with one who expressed interest—but his lack of planning and strategy experience in Japan made him unsuitable, and he was unable to provide any referrals.
Despite this, Ella connected with him on LinkedIn and followed his activity, noting that he posted regularly. By reviewing the profiles of individuals who commented on or liked his posts, she identified two potential candidates and reached out. After a month, one replied: while not actively looking, he mentioned that a friend might be interested. Ella promptly arranged a meeting with that friend.
Action
The CEO expressed interest in meeting this candidate. Ella then prepared two additional candidates and scheduled back-to-back 30-minute interviews. The CEO was particularly impressed with the candidate Ella had discovered through LinkedIn engagement, and he was subsequently hired as Technical Director.
During the reference-check process, Ella asked whether the referee was open to new opportunities. This proactive approach enabled her to fill a second open role simultaneously.
The Result
The position had remained vacant for over six months. Although Ella initially lacked clarity about the role, her determination and resilience led to a crucial connection that ultimately resulted in a successful placement—and a second one along the way.
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