WHO WE ARE
Name 5 True clients!
Higher Logic, DigitalOcean, Spotify, Twilio, Databricks, BuzzFeed, Drunk Elephant, CarGurus, Casper, and many more!
What is the difference between contingent and retained search?
Contingent: fee is contingent on successful placement; typically higher volume, non-exec level
Retained: fee is guaranteed, exclusive; more targeted, exec level
On an average search, what True team members would be staffed?
Always a partner, some combination of principal/senior associate/associate, and an EC (for contracts over $90K).
What are the deliverables an associate is responsible for coming out of a kickoff call?
Job description, pitch doc, research doc, outreach template, scorecard/assessment criteria.
What year was True founded?
2012
What is True's 10|10 Initiative?
Our internal commitment to diversifying every search with at least 10% racial and gender diversity.
What is an EC? How do ECs enhance the capabilities of the search team?
EC stands for engagement coordinator. ECs are experts at organization and handle the majority of search logistics, including interview scheduling. Their preferred method of communication: always email!
When/How often do True's promotion and feedback cycles happen?
Our promotion cycle happens twice a year (summer/winter), and while we have moved to a continuous feedback model, we have quarterly performance roundtables and formal reviews at the end of the year.
How does the "map the market" approach differ from the "bullseye" approach for research?
"Map the market" starts with companies; "bullseye" goes straight to candidates.
How does AboveBoard flip the traditional executive search process?
AboveBoard puts the power in the hands of the candidate: in traditional executive search, a candidate would have to wait for a recruiter to reach out. With AboveBoard, candidates have the power to raise their hands to be considered for an opportunity.
Name as many of True's values as you can--there are 5!
Innovation, Transparency, Collaboration, Altruism, Balance
What's the difference between a firm and a fund?
A firm is the investing company. A fund is a specific set of capital raised by the firm, which can be managed by one or multiple partners.
Describe the general difference in responsibilities for Associates/Sr. Associates compared to Principals/Partners.
Associates/Sr. Associates: stronger focus on execution (research, outreach, deliverables) and candidate relationships.
Principals/Partners: stronger focus on overall search strategy, client relationships, and targeted execution.
What are some outreach "don'ts"?
Don't: forget to log it in Thrive, reach out to a candidate within 48 hours of a previous outreach, reach out to an off-limits candidate, email blast without personalization, rely on only one channel for outreach, give up after only one attempt
What is Synthesis?
Synthesis is our executive coaching and assessment business for evaluating leadership capability
and potential.
Synthesis is one of our True platform businesses along with AboveBoard, TrueBridge, Thrive, and TrueEquity.
What does the acronym SHREK stand for in recruiting?
Big 5 search firms: Spencer Stuart, Heidrick & Struggles, Russell Reynolds, Egon Zehnder, Korn Ferry
What's the difference between venture capital and private equity?
VC invests smaller amounts in more companies (typically a longer-term play), whereas PE invests larger amounts in fewer companies (and can't afford to have their investments flop).
Define as many of the following terms as you can: "heads down," "in the weeds," "athlete," "step-up," "carveout candidate"
Heads down: candidate is dedicated to their current company/project for the time being, not looking
In the weeds: tactical, hands-on
Athlete: best-in-class candidate, can work cross-functionally
Step-up: a candidate for whom the role in question would be a promotion
Carveout: a candidate who was engaged by the client prior to True coming on
Describe where and how to log outreach, candidate responses, and rejections in Thrive.
Log outreach under "Outreach", log verbatim candidate response under "Outreach", reject for appropriate reason (Timing, Scope, Compensation, etc.), and add general comment in comment box.
Remember, clients cannot see outreach, but they can see rejection reasons and comments.
Who are our 5 cofounders?
Joe Riggione and Brad Stadler: Co-CEOs
Josh Withers: Managing Director of True Platform
Tim McDonald: Partner & Co-head of CEO BOD Practice
Pat Haggerty: Partner & Co-head of Enterprise Practice
Give your True pitch in 30 seconds!
Clock starts now!
Name as many practice specializations as you can. What is our largest functional practice? Fastest growing?
Function: CEO & BOD, FOP, GTM (largest), PDT (fastest growing), PTL
Industry: consumer, enterprise, financial services, climate tech, healthcare & life sciences
What do the following acronyms stand for: ARR, SMB, ACV, IPO?
ARR: annual recurring revenue
SMB: small/medium businesses
ACV: annual contract value
IPO: initial public offering
In a typical search contract, what client team members are "off limits" and for how long?
The placement is off limits forever. Direct reports of the placement and CEO would usually be off limits for 12 months.
Name another company (outside of True) that uses Thrive.
Starbucks, Caldwell, NEA, Battery Ventures...