Working with Lechley

1. First conversation (30 to 45 minutes). A confidential call about your career, what you want next and what would make a move worth it. I need an honest picture: motivations, current package, notice period, any roles you are already in process for. You get my read of the market for someone with your background, and whether I can genuinely help.

2. Role briefing (within a few days). I take you through the client, the role, the programme or business it sits in, and why it is open. I need your questions and your candid view on fit, location and package. You get the full picture, including the parts a job advert leaves out: culture, reporting lines, the challenges waiting.

3. Your go-ahead (your call). You decide whether to be put forward. I need explicit agreement to share your details for this specific role, plus an up-to-date CV. You get a promise that your CV goes nowhere without that agreement, role by role.

4. Introduction to client (feedback within a week). I present you to the hiring manager with a written submission that sets your experience against their brief. I need quick answers to any follow-up points, and your availability for interviews. You get a copy of what I send about you, and feedback on the client's response.

5. Interviews (2 to 4 weeks overall). Usually two or three stages: a first meeting, a deeper technical or commercial session, and a final with the MD or board. I need preparation time, punctuality, and a call after each interview while it is fresh. You get a briefing before every stage and prompt, honest feedback after.

6. Offer and references (about a week). The client makes an offer; references are taken with your permission. I need your real priorities on package, and referees once you are happy for them to be contacted. I negotiate on your behalf, check the detail (car, bonus, pension, notice, start date) and make sure the offer is in writing.

7. Resignation and notice (usually 1 to 3 months). You resign and work your notice. I need to know when you have resigned, and about any counter-offer straight away. You get support through the resignation conversation, a steady line through any counter-offer, and regular contact through notice.

8. Start and beyond. You join. I need a catch-up in your first weeks so I can pick up anything early. You get check-ins at the start and after the first few months.

The process works best when I hear things early and directly, including news you think I would rather not hear.

• Honesty about your position. Current salary and package, notice period, and any restrictive covenants in your contract.
• Visibility of other processes. If you are talking to other firms or recruiters, tell me. It protects you from being put forward twice and lets me manage the timing.
• An up-to-date CV. Two pages is ideal. I will help shape it for the role, but the facts must be yours.
• Responsiveness. A reply within a day or two keeps momentum; clients read slow answers as low interest.
• Feedback after every interview. A short call the same day, while it is fresh.
• Early warning of any change. A new role elsewhere, a counter-offer, a change in personal circumstances or a cooling of interest. Better I know on day one than on offer day.
• Discretion. Keep the client's name and details of the role confidential, as I do with yours.

You deal with me directly from first call to first day, not a junior team or a call centre.

• Your permission, every time. Your CV and details go to a client only after you have agreed to that specific role.
• The full picture. The client, the role, the reporting line and the reason it is open, including the difficult parts.
• Honest advice. If I think a role is wrong for you, I will say so, even if it costs me a placement.
• Preparation for every interview. A written or verbal briefing on the people, the business and what they will probe.
• Feedback you can use. Prompt and candid, whether the answer is yes or no. You will not be left waiting on silence.
• Regular updates. At least once a week while you are in process, even when the update is that nothing has moved.
• Someone in your corner at offer. I negotiate the package and check the terms so you can focus on the decision.
• A long-term relationship. Whether or not this role comes off, I will stay in touch and bring you opportunities that genuinely fit.

Your search stays confidential. I will never approach your current employer, and references are only taken with your agreement, usually at offer stage. Your details are held securely and used only to find you the right role, in line with UK GDPR. You can ask what I hold about you, or ask me to delete it, at any time. There is no charge to you at any stage: Lechley is paid by the hiring client.