An executive search process includes a job analysis that can be subdivided into various subfunctions, like planning, recruitment and selection. Management should determine the kind of personnel required for a job and the number of persons to be employed. Thorough knowledge of the various jobs is essential to perform these functions.

Establishment of a scientific standard in advance is essential to compare the applicant skills with the job requirements, and select the right candidate. This standard stipulates the minimum acceptable qualification, skills and qualities required for adequate job performance. Stipulating the standard requires the knowledge regarding job design, study of the job duties and responsibilities, requirements of the job, human abilities and qualities.

Jobs can be analyzed through a process which consists of few basic steps. These steps consist of collection of background information, selection of job to be analyzed, collection of job analysis data, developing a job description, specification and employee specification. Background information consists of organization charts, class specifications and existing job descriptions. Organization charts show the relation of the job with other jobs in the overall organization. Class specifications describe the general requirements of the class of job to which this particular job belongs.

It would be highly difficult and time-consuming to analyze all the jobs. So the job analyzer has to select some of the representative positions in order to analyze them. Developing a job description involves describing the contents of the job in terms of functions, duties, responsibilities, and operations. The incumbent of the job is expected to discharge the duties and responsibilities and perform the functions and operations listed in the job description.

Developing a job specification involves conversion of the job description statements into a job specification. Job specification or job requirements describe the personnel qualities, traits, skills, knowledge and background necessary for getting the job done. Developing employee specifications involves conversion of the specification of human qualities under the job specification into an employee specification. Employee specification describes physical qualifications, educational qualifications and experience, which specify that the candidate with these qualities possess the minimum qualities listed in the job specification.