PeerSearch.ai Blog
How to build an executive search shortlist in under an hour
October 2026 · 6 min read
Clients judge an executive search firm by the first shortlist. Getting a credible, well-researched list in front of them quickly sets the tone for the whole engagement.
Here is a workflow that takes a search from kickoff to a defensible shortlist in under an hour.
1. Anchor on a benchmark executive
Ask the client for one or two leaders they admire — inside or outside the company. A benchmark makes the brief concrete and gives you a starting point for research.
2. Map the talent around that leader
Use the benchmark to map comparable leaders at the same firm. In PeerSearch.ai, one profile link returns up to 200 comparable profiles, grouped by function and seniority, while the search is still running.
3. Read the executive summary
Once the map completes, an executive summary describes the largest group of comparable talent. Each phrase is clickable and produces a tight shortlist, so you can test hypotheses in seconds.
4. Narrow with plain-language prompts
Type what the client actually said: "general managers who have run a business over $500M" or "operators with international experience." The prompt bar shortlists from the full set.
5. Save, compare and deliver
Add finalists to a project that persists across searches, then export a PDF with a summary grid on page one and a bio page per person.
- Summary grid: name, firm, current title, one-line summary
- One profile page per candidate
- Excel export for your own tracking
From one leader to talent mapping in minutes
Paste one executive's profile and map up to 200 comparable leaders in real time. Start with five free searches.
Frequently asked
How many names should a first shortlist include?
Most clients want 8–15 names on a first pass — enough to show range, few enough to discuss in one meeting.
Can I combine results from several searches?
Yes. Projects in PeerSearch.ai persist across searches, and History lets you shortlist across multiple past searches at once.