How does an executive search firm in Switzerland work with candidates?
AW Executive is an executive search and consultancy firm in Switzerland, listed under Business Services. Firms like this usually recruit senior and specialist professionals on behalf of employers, often through confidential mandates. This page sets out how the process typically works at that level, what you can do to be considered, and when an executive search may not suit you.
Who pays AW Executive I Exclusive Search & Consultancy
Paid by the employer, not by you.
AW Executive I Exclusive Search & Consultancy earns a fee from the company that hires you, usually a share of your first-year salary or a margin on your contract rate. Their client is that company.
What that means for you
Expect roles that fit their open vacancies before roles that fit your plan. Ask which company a role is for before your CV goes anywhere, and apply direct where you can.
1
Sectors we track
Global
Presence
Source: JobMentis Agency Directory, 29,247 agencies across 102 markets, 2026.
Their side
Sectors
What kinds of executive roles does AW Executive handle?
Executive search firms in Switzerland typically work on senior management, board-level and specialist leadership appointments, usually for employers that want a discreet, targeted approach. The Business Services label suggests a focus on corporate functions, but the firm's own mandate history is the best guide to the seniority and sectors it covers. Mandates often run for several weeks or months, and the firm may approach people who are not actively looking. Ask about the specific brief before you invest time in a process.
Where you meet
How does an executive search process usually unfold?
A search typically begins with a briefing from the client, followed by research to identify and approach suitable people. Shortlisted candidates are usually asked for a detailed conversation, often covering their track record, motivations and availability. The firm then supports the client through interviews, assessments and reference checks before an appointment is agreed. Because timelines can stretch, it helps to ask the consultant for an indicative plan early.
What should you expect once you engage with the firm?
Expect a confidential first conversation in which the consultant tests whether your experience matches a live brief. Ask how the firm handles confidentiality, especially if your current employer could be a client or competitor. Be realistic about timing, since appointments can take a long time to complete. Agree in advance how and how often you will be updated, so silence does not become a surprise.
Your side
How can you be considered for a future search?
Keep a clear, current profile on professional networks that shows your scope of responsibility, the teams you have led and your results. Make sure your CV is written as evidence of outcomes rather than a list of duties, since consultants screen quickly. Consider contacting the firm with a short note that describes your area of expertise and what you are open to. Let your network know you are open to conversations, because many searches are filled through referrals.
Is executive search the right route for your career?
Executive search suits people with a substantial track record who are open to considered moves at senior level. It is less useful if you need entry-level or high-volume recruitment, which is generally handled by different firms. Searches can also end without an appointment, so keep your own career plan running in parallel. If the firm's mandates do not match your goals after a few conversations, it is reasonable to step back.
How to work with AW Executive I Exclusive Search & Consultancy: candidate playbook
- Prepare a one-page summary of your achievements, scope and the leadership you have delivered.
- Ask early about confidentiality, especially if your current employer is involved.
- Clarify your salary expectations and notice period before any formal process starts.
- Keep your professional profiles current, with clear evidence of results.
- Maintain your own search alongside the firm, since timelines are rarely fixed.
Frequently asked questions
Who pays the search firm?
In a retained or contingent search the hiring company normally pays the firm's fee, not the candidate. Firms like this typically work for the employer on a defined brief. You should not be asked to pay anything to be considered for a role.
Can more than one firm approach you for the same role?
It can happen, since several firms may work for different clients on similar briefs. Tell each consultant about other contacts you have, so that a single opportunity is not presented twice. Keeping a record of who approached you helps you manage the conversations.
What happens to your information once it is shared?
Your profile may be stored on the firm's database and shared with clients only after you have agreed. Ask how long your data is kept and how to have it removed. Check the firm's privacy notice, which should explain how your details are handled and which law applies.
Should you also apply directly to employers you are interested in?
Applying directly is generally fine, but tell the consultant first if you know the employer is a client. Duplicate routes can make an employer hesitant. Keep each conversation clearly separate so your position is clear to everyone.
Applying through AW Executive I Exclusive Search & Consultancy?
Track the role, tailor your CV to the real employer, and prep for the interview with JobMentis.
Start freeRecruiting agencies in Switzerland
Keep going
General guidance for candidates. JobMentis is not affiliated with the agencies listed.