International Service Group (ISG)
Bridging Talent and Opportunity through Industry-Specific Expertise

International Service Group (ISG) is a trusted provider of executive search, recruitment and personal development services, renowned for its ability to combine its recruitment experience with deep market knowledge. Its expert team transforms recruitment from a process to a partnership, ensuring a perfect fit every time.

Staying true to its tagline, ‘On the Right Path,’ ISG has successfully connected the right candidates with the right opportunities for over 25 years. Backed by a global network of more than 750 employees and partners—including former executives, business leaders, engineers and doctors—its team brings invaluable industry-specific insights. This diverse expertise enables it to deeply understand the needs of clients across sectors, facilitating the delivery of tailored, high-impact solutions that align with their strategic objectives.

“Our experienced partners and employees identify specific challenges of each role to present the most suitable profiles with exceptional speed and efficiency,” says Simon Leissinger, managing director, Germany.

ISG values stability, with many of its team members with the company since its inception. This commitment to consistency, however, hasn’t stopped the company from evolving with the times.

As innovators, ISG was the first to introduce online job ads in Austria. Continuing to adapt to the latest trends, it has embraced artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance its recruiting capability. Rather than replacing skilled recruiters, ISG uses advanced AI tools to complement their expertise. The focus is on conducting comprehensive searches, engaging high-quality candidates and elevating interactions to ensure a personalized and meaningful approach to candidate connections.

The innovative mindset also extends to ISG’s engagement philosophy, which entails open communication and a deep understanding of client and candidate needs. Its results-oriented approach drives ISG to think creatively and generate solutions that benefit both parties.

A prime example is when it successfully sourced an IT transformation manager for one of the world’s leading chemical companies. Located in Brazil, the ideal candidate had the right skills but faced a family health issue that made relocation to Germany impractical. Rather than losing the candidate, the ISG team collaborated with the client to propose relocating the position to Madrid, Spain. This solution enabled the candidate to accept the role, fulfilling the client’s need for a skilled manager while respecting the candidate’s circumstances.

ISG follows a structured approach to deliver comprehensive solutions aligned with client goals.

Its executive search process utilizes dedicated teams that confidentially engage with potential candidates. The process begins with a comprehensive investigation to compile a long list of candidates who may not be readily visible to clients. After obtaining client approval, ISG uses storytelling techniques to establish rapport with selected candidates, gauging their current roles while gradually introducing them to potential job openings. The firm also incorporates assessment methods, such as occupational personality questionnaires and competency-based analyses, ensuring a thorough evaluation of candidates.

As a comprehensive recruitment service provider, ISG adopts a proactive approach, actively seeking candidates rather than waiting for applications. It utilizes databases such as Xing, LinkedIn, Stepstone and Indeed, along with its own proprietary database of nearly a million active candidates, facilitating thorough and targeted outreach.

The focus on personal development and training services aims to deliver tailored programs to meet client’s specific needs. ISG employs a dedicated diagnostic team that assesses the client’s current situation and desired outcomes. Training areas include leadership, communication and interpersonal skills, along with self-management and sales. ISG also addresses broader themes like strategy, engaging in corporate and cultural development initiatives, program architecture and strategic personal development.

ISG’s extensive pan-European presence, with offices in nearly every European country, enables quick assignment completion for all its services. The widespread network facilitates consistent service delivery, ensuring that clients receive the same high-quality support, regardless of their location.

Delivering tailored solutions, ISG establishes itself as a trusted partner for companies looking for a creative ally that thinks outside the box to ensure success for both clients and candidates globally.