How to work with People Leverage as an executive candidate
People Leverage is a recruitment firm in France focused on executive search, leadership assessment and human capital consulting for financial industry organizations. For a candidate, the key point is that its work centres on senior roles, where experience and track record carry the most weight. This guide explains how to engage the firm and what to clarify early.
Who pays People Leverage
Paid by the employer, not by you.
People Leverage 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.
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Their side
Which roles does People Leverage recruit for?
The firm's profile centres on executive recruitment for financial organizations, with additional links to consulting, marketing, software and education. Executive search in France usually covers leadership, risk, finance and commercial director roles. Ask which mandates are live now and how senior each one is. Your answer will show quickly whether your background matches the searches it is running.
Where you meet
How does an executive search process typically work in France?
It usually starts with a detailed conversation about your career, motivations and goals. The firm may then present you to a client, followed by interviews and, depending on the brief, a leadership assessment. In executive search the client company normally commissions and funds the search, not the candidate. Ask at the outset who will present you and how your profile will be framed.
What should you expect once the firm is working for you?
Expect regular discussion when a mandate fits your profile, and ask how often the consultant plans to update you. Check whether you will be presented exclusively to a client, because parallel submissions can confuse an employer. Pay and terms are negotiated between the client, the firm and you, so set your salary expectations early. Timelines depend on the client, so an honest estimate is more useful than a promise.
Your side
How can you get on People Leverage's radar?
Keep your LinkedIn profile current, since search consultants look for specific experience there. State the role level, sector and location you are aiming for in your first message. If a mutual contact has worked with the firm, mention the link. A short, precise summary of your achievements will do more than a long generic CV.
Is People Leverage the right fit for your search?
It may suit you if you are targeting senior roles in finance or closely related functions. It may be less useful if you are looking for an entry-level post or a sector it does not mention. Compare its mandates with other firms and with direct applications before committing. If the first conversation leaves the brief vague, ask for clarity before going further.
How to work with People Leverage: candidate playbook
- Keep your LinkedIn profile and CV aligned on seniority and results.
- State your target role level, sector and location in the first message.
- Ask which mandates are live before committing your time.
- Clarify salary expectations early, including bonus and any equity.
- Ask how your data is stored and who will see it.
Frequently asked questions
Who pays the firm's fee?
In executive search the client company normally pays, so you should not be asked for money to be considered. If anyone asks for an upfront payment to find you a role, pause and verify the firm before continuing. Ask for the terms in writing if you are unsure.
Should you work with several search firms at once?
It is common, but tell each firm about the others so that no client receives your profile twice. Duplicate approaches to the same company can weaken your position.
What happens to your CV and personal data?
The firm keeps your details to match you with mandates, and should say how long it keeps them. Under the GDPR you can ask for access to your data or request its deletion. Read the privacy notice before sharing sensitive documents.
Can you apply directly to the client as well?
Yes, but tell the firm first so that it does not present you to the same company without your knowledge. Keeping everyone informed keeps the process clear.
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