A Hiring SLO is a time-bound performance target for a specific stage of an executive search mandate. The Hiring SLO Framework defines a target and a breach threshold for every stage: intake completion, sourcing start, first shortlist delivery, interview scheduling, offer extension, and close. When a stage runs past its SLO, the system logs a breach, surfaces an alert, and — depending on severity — triggers a recovery playbook. SLOs convert the abstract goal of "closing fast" into specific, measurable, accountable operational targets.
Why Executive Search Needs SLOs
In software engineering, a service without SLOs is a service with no accountability. Requests can be slow, errors can be frequent, and availability can degrade — because there is no agreed standard that defines failure. The same problem exists in executive search: without stage-level time targets, every delay is explainable, every overrun is contextualised, and systemic failure accumulates invisibly.
The Hiring SLO framework borrows the DevOps concept directly: define the target, measure against it continuously, breach when the target is missed, and escalate when breaches compound. The result is a search process with operational accountability at every stage — not just at the final close date.
"A 14-week search that closes one day late has breached its SLO. A search with no SLO has no definition of late. The framework doesn't change the search — it makes performance visible."
Stage SLO Matrix
| Stage | Target SLO | Breach Threshold | Breach Action | Escalation Trigger |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mandate Intake | 5 business days | Day 6 | Re-schedule intake; notify sponsor | Day 8 with no intake |
| Sourcing Launch | 3 business days post-intake | Day 4 | Recruiter check-in; capacity review | Day 6 with no sourcing activity |
| First Shortlist Delivery | Day 14 of mandate | Day 16 | Sourcing audit; longlist review | Day 18 with no shortlist |
| Interview Scheduling | 5 days post-shortlist approval | Day 7 | Calendar audit; EA escalation | Day 10 with no interviews scheduled |
| Debrief & Decision | 48 hours post-interview | 72 hours | HM nudge via sponsor | 96 hours with no feedback |
| Offer Extension | 5 days post-decision | Day 7 | Comp review; legal check | Day 10 with no offer |
| Mandate Close | Day 45 (Majhi standard) | Day 50 | Full mandate review; recovery plan | Day 60 — executive escalation |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Majhi Group standard close SLO?
Majhi Group targets a 30–45 day close SLO for VP and C-suite mandates, against an industry median of 65–90 days. The internal operational target is 45 days, with a breach threshold at day 50. At day 60, a full mandate review is triggered. The 50-day performance on a $275K search — two prior firms failed in 60+ days — is the proof point for what SLO-driven search produces.
Are SLOs shared with the client?
Yes. Majhi Group provides SLO targets at mandate kickoff as part of the engagement agreement. Weekly status reports include current stage, SLO status, and any active breaches. This makes performance visible and makes the 90-day replacement guarantee credible — because both parties can see the mandate health data in real time.
What happens at SLO breach vs. escalation threshold?
A breach (target missed, threshold not yet reached) generates an alert and a suggested corrective action. An escalation threshold breach (past the outer limit) triggers mandatory executive involvement and a formal recovery plan. The distinction matters: breach is expected occasionally; escalation threshold should be rare.