The InterSearch network has expanded its presence in Switzerland. Following the acquisition of futura21, a consultancy specializing mainly in executive coaching, assessments and executive search, by Grant Alexander in April, the newly created entity Grant Alexander Switzerland joined the network in May. “We are certain that InterSearch Switzerland will be a valuable addition to the InterSearch network – and not just in French-speaking Switzerland,” says Romain Buob.
Romain, 46 years old, has extensive experience in HR consulting for well-known national and global companies with headquarters or locations in Switzerland. In addition to his work in HR consulting, the father of two also specializes in coaching and the personal and professional development of managers. In 2012, he joined futura21 at a very early stage, which now has three locations in Geneva, Lausanne and Fribourg. Further expansion into German-speaking regions is in the pipeline.
Switzerland is characterized not only by its size (small market comparing to their big neighbors), economic centers and banks, but also by its federalist structure. With four official languages (German, French, Italian and Romansh) and a multitude of dialects, each region has its own cultural characteristics. “To be successful in Switzerland, you have to be very well established and networked in the respective region,” says Romain. For example, it is hardly conceivable to hope to do business in Neuchâtel, Valais, or even Lausanne from a company headquartered in Geneva if you don’t have strong local connections. Yet Lausanne and Geneva are just 60 kilometers apart but very different.
Use of the InterSearch network
What’s more, a recruitment consultancy like InterSearch Switzerland (Grant Alexander Switzerland) must not only hold its own against smaller, established boutiques, but also against the large international players. “That’s why we’ve always looked for candidates internationally,” says Romain, “and in the future we want to make even greater use of the InterSearch network.”
This is particularly essential in the digital sector, to name just one example. Google, based in Zurich, attracts people from all over the world and lots of locals too, they make recruitments difficult for other tech companies. “We work locally, but we have a global offering, we know no borders.” In general, it is admittedly easy to attract candidates to a job in Switzerland. The quality of life is high, and the jobs are well paid.
The future of recruitment
However, in order to attract the best talents in the future, Romain recommends that Swiss companies work on their employer branding / image and candidate experience instead of relying solely on artificial intelligence. He emphasizes the importance of face-to-face interviews and training of high-level managers for the demands of the modern job market. “There are many generations with different needs on the job market right now,” says Romain. His job, and that of his team, is to show their clients how they can meet these needs, so they can make a real difference in the recruitment / onboarding process and more broadly on the entire employee journey. “That’s where our experience as executive coaches comes in handy.”