Director-led. Network-first. Guaranteed.
No client ever asks a recruitment business “why are you qualified to work with us?” We believe you should. Here’s exactly how we work.
How does the process work? You brief a director directly; we map the hire in depth; we search our warm network first and headhunt where needed; we screen heavily so you only meet the best; we manage offer and close; and every placement carries a free three-month replacement guarantee.
Our six-step recruitment process
Book directly with a director
We don’t put you in touch with someone to screen you for suitability. You book straight in with our directors, who work through your vacancies with you, start to finish.
Map the hire, not just the job description
We define the outcomes the role must deliver, the skills and background it needs, the ecosystems and networks the person should know, and whether you need a hands-on IC operator or a strategist.
Network first, then targeted search
We already know many of the right people, so we often don’t need to start from scratch. Warm referrals come first; targeted headhunting fills the gaps.
We do the heavy lifting
Upfront screening, technical and cultural assessment, and referencing, so you only interview a short list of the best candidates.
Offer, close and onboarding
We manage the complex relationship between candidate and company through offer and acceptance, with real-time salary data to get the package right.
Guarantee and long-term partnership
If a hire doesn’t pass their first three months, we replace them free. We stay close as you scale, with introductions to investors and partners along the way.
Our principles
Value seen first
We’ll send you candidates before any commercial relationship until you see the value of working with us.
Reliability you can count on
Responsive, transparent communication, and a replacement guarantee we’ve rarely had to use.
A focus on quality
A short list of the right people, not a pile of CVs. Hire right, first time.
Proven sector expertise
We’ve invested our own money in team expansions, so we know what makes an impactful hire.
Process FAQ
How does the CritAIcal Hires recruitment process work?
1) You book a call directly with a director, not a screener. 2) We map the role: the outcomes, skills, background and network the hire needs. 3) We tap our warm network first, then targeted search, and do the heavy screening ourselves. 4) You only meet a short list of the best candidates, and we manage offer, close and onboarding, backed by our three-month replacement guarantee.
How quickly can you fill a senior AI role?
Speed depends on the role and market, but because we already know many of the right people, we often do not need to start a cold search at all. We will give you a realistic timeline on the first call.
I'm an AI professional looking for my next role. Can you help?
Yes. Many of the best roles we fill are never advertised. Get in touch with your CV and what you want next, and we will tell you honestly whether we have something that fits.
Can I see candidates before signing an agreement?
Yes. If you have not worked with us before, we will introduce relevant candidates regardless of a commercial relationship until you see the value of working with us. We guarantee value from the first call, even if that is an introduction rather than an immediate hire.
Have a critical AI hire to make?
Book a call directly with a director. No screeners, no CV spam. If we can help, we will show you value on the first call.