Are you ready to take your candidate search to the next level? A Chief Analytics Officer, or CAO, serves an important role in the company. Generally, CAOs are responsible for the business’s data analytics operations, transforming data into business value, and drives data-related business change. Sometimes CIOs believe CAOs are encroaching on their territory, but many CIOs are willing to hand off the analytics to someone else. With this in mind, it’s easy to see why hiring a new Chief Analytics Officer can be a daunting task. Here are a few pointers you can follow when you’re looking to hire a Chief Analytics Officer.

Define your standards

First and foremost, it is important to define your company’s standards. This may sound like a no-brainer; however, defining your company’s goals, and standards can clarify who you need and what skill set your company expects in order to successfully progress. List these standards and requirements in the job description to narrow and customize your search for your companies needs. Being as detailed as possible will help you avoid people applying for the job who are not qualified, which ultimately saves time during the interview process.

Know when to hire a CAO

As your organization begins to see growth, you will eventually reach a point where you will be “coasting”. Profits and proceeds will be up, and you will be fully staffed for all essential functions. This is an excellent time to look into the expansion of assets, and that calls for a great CAO. A chief analytics officer can spot areas of your organization that could use the extra help or have the potential to grow. By utilizing an extensive network of contacts, a strong CAO will put your organization on a fast-track to success.

Use your professional network

Did you know that nearly 60% of jobs are filled through your network? No, this doesn’t mean that it’s not possible to hire a candidate through a job board; however, it is more likely that you’ll be able to conduct a more customized search based on the connections you have in your network. One great resource you can use is LinkedIn. You will be able to see a person’s professional profile and review the information they have regarding experience.

Hire an executive search firm

At the end of the day, the role of a CAO is too important to get wrong. Consult with an executive search firm that specializes in your industry. Commonly, executive search firms have tried-and-true search processes that guarantee a successful candidate placement. Additionally, recruiters have the connections, knowledge, and experience needed to ensure a smooth and successful job search and job transition. Stop wondering how to hire a chief analytics officer, and utilize an executive search firm to take the pressure off your shoulders and hire the perfect candidate.

What steps did you take while deciding how to hire a Chief Analytics Officer? Let us know in the comments.


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How to Hire a CMO